Kennett is a small, charming village in Cambridgeshire, situated just a few miles northeast of Newmarket. Set alongside the River Kennett, it offers a peaceful rural setting with traditional East Anglian cottages, quiet lanes, and picturesque countryside views. The village has deep historical roots, with St Nicholas Church dating back to the 12th century and Kennett itself recorded in the Domesday Book.
Kennett has a friendly, close-knit community atmosphere, with local life centred around the church and surrounding countryside. While the village itself is quiet, residents and visitors benefit from nearby amenities, including the well-known The Bell Inn in neighbouring Kentford, a historic pub popular for meals and drinks. Scenic walks along the river and open fields offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and the tranquil landscape.
Kentford and Kennett village are two adjoining villages were many services are shared.
Its convenient location also makes it easy to explore the wider area, with Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds both within easy reach. Kennett is an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet rural retreat while still being close to the attractions and history of East Anglia.
Visit St Nicholas Church — A beautiful medieval church, with parts dating back to the 12th‑13th centuries and a 15th‑century tower.
Lunch or a drink at The Bell Inn —a historic 16th-century pub, cosy and atmospheric, perfect for a proper pub meal or a relaxed drink after a walk, which is located in the nearby village of Kentford.
Enjoy countryside walks or gentle rambling — The village is surrounded by rural lanes, fields and the river boundary, giving a peaceful countryside vibe for walking and exploring nature.
Use Kennett railway station for easy access — If you’re not driving, the train makes Kennett convenient to reach (e.g. from Cambridge, Ipswich or nearby towns).
Explore nearby villages and countryside — You could combine a visit to Kennett with neighbouring villages (for example through walks or drives) to discover more of the rural East‑Anglia charm.
Schools / Education:
Kennett does not have its own school; the closest option for local children is Red Lodge Primary School, located in the nearby village of Red Lodge. There are also Primary and secondary schools in nearby Mildenhall, Newmarket & Bury St Edmunds.
Pubs / Restaurants:
The Bell Inn. a historic pub and restaurant, which is located in the nearby village of Kentford, offering a traditional atmosphere, food, drinks, and a social hub for residents and visitors.
Nearby Newmarket offers a variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Village Hall & Community Facilities:
The shared village hall (with neighbouring village Kentford) offers a venue for community events, clubs, meetings and social gatherings.
St Nicholas Church — a historic parish church, parts of which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Playing Field / Recreation Ground / Sports Pavilion:
There is a playing field and recreation ground for sports, leisure and outdoor activities.
Access to Shared Amenities via Neighbouring Village:
Kentford — because Kennett adjoins Kentford, residents can also access additional amenities there (e.g. a village shop / post office / small services) via shared services.
Train services:
Kennett railway station — the station serving Kennett, which is located in the nearby village of Kentford, with step-free access available to all platforms.
Regular trains run between Kennett and places such as Cambridge, Ipswich, Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds via the station. Since 2023, weekday Ipswich–Cambridge services call at Kennett, increasing commuting options.
Car. The station has a small car park (12 spaces) for those driving to the station.
Buses
Local bus service:
Bus route 16 (and related variants) serves Kennett, connecting to local towns like ‒ e.g. Newmarket, Mildenhall, Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages. Service runs Monday to Saturday.
Cycle & walking access:
At the railway station there is cycle‑storage (lockers and stands), which helps for people cycling to the station from village or nearby homes.
Taxis / on‑demand transport:
There’s no official taxi rank at the station, so for taxi travel you’ll need to pre‑book with a local operator.
Kennett is a picturesque village with a mix of property types, ranging from historic cottages and farmhouses dating back centuries to mid‑20th‑century semi‑detached and detached houses, as well as modern new‑build homes developed in recent years as part of Kennett Garden Village. This blend of old and new provides a diverse housing landscape, including family homes, smaller starter properties, and some affordable housing, giving the village a balance of historic charm and contemporary living suitable for both long‑time residents and newcomers.
Locals in Kennett often praise the village for its peaceful, close‑knit community and the charm of its rural surroundings. People enjoy the quiet lanes, historic cottages, and the sense of history embodied in places like St Nicholas Church and the Bell Inn which is located in the nearby village Kentford. Many appreciate the easy access to countryside walks, wildlife, and the nearby River Kennett, while still being within reach of Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Residents value the friendly atmosphere, local events, and the balance of village life with modern amenities, which together create a welcoming and relaxed environment to live in.
