Bidborough is a village and
civil parish in the borough of Tunbridge Wells in Kent,
England, north of Tunbridge Wells and south of Tonbridge.
According to the 2001 census it had a population of 958.
The village has an active community of residents, well
represented across all ages, and village life revolves
around the well-ranked primary school, the 'Hare and Hounds'
pub, the historic 11th century church of St Lawrence and
nearby community hall. The village has its own amateur
dramatic group, 'BADS', which puts on productions twice a
year, as well as a youth group, Women's Institute and a
gardening association. The village also has its own garage,
shop and used to have its own Post Office but unfortunately
closed in 2008.
Parish sports facilities are good, and the village boasts a
tennis court, a bowls green and two recreation ground areas,
which are available for cricket and five-a-side football.
Bidborough has many families who have lived there for
generations. For example, the residence of 3-2 St. Lawrence
Ave. has been home to only one family, the 'Ohim-Browns'.
However, the village attracts a growing number of London
commuters with young families, combining as it does
proximity to Gatwick airport, fast rail connections into
London and easy access to the M25 with all the benefits of
living in rural Kent. The highly rated local grammar schools
of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, alongside the many
prestigious public schools in the area, also make the
village an attractive prospect for those who can afford it.