About Paddock Wood
Paddock Wood is a small town with a population of 7,500 and lies between Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. Unlike many of the surrounding villages Paddock Wood is comparatively new and owes its existence to the railway, which arrived in 1842.
By 1851 a sizeable village had grown and by 1900 Paddock Wood was the hub for a network of branch lines throughout the Weald.
It was the railway that brought the thousands of hop-pickers to the area from London for their annual hop-picking holiday. Although some travelled on to other areas, Paddock Wood was becoming the centre for the hop growing industry so many remained in the area.
Ideally located for London and the South Coast, Paddock Wood has become a busy commuter town. There is a diverse range of commerce and light industry, and it is the centre for the distribution of fruit and vegetables to and from Europe. It also continues to be a centre for hop growing.
As a small rural town Paddock Wood has much to offer including an interesting range of local shops, good schools and excellent sports facilities.