There’s something unique about living in a town like Sevenoaks.

Nestled in the heart of Kent, it manages to straddle that fine line between idyllic countryside charm and bustling commuter town.

And while to outsiders it might just be “that pretty place with trees and good schools,” those of us who’ve lived here know it’s so much more than that.

There’s a rhythm to Sevenoaks life — a quiet knowing — and whether you’ve been here for decades or just long enough to find your favourite coffee spot, there are certain things that only true locals will fully understand.

Let’s get into it.

1. The Unbreakable Bond with Knole Park (and Its Deer)

You don’t just visit Knole Park — you develop a relationship with it.

It becomes part of your life. Whether it’s morning runs, afternoon picnics, or lazy dog walks, Knole Park is where you go to breathe, to think, to decompress. You’ve probably lost count of how many times you’ve tried to capture the perfect deer photo, only for them to either bolt or give you that “you’re new here, aren’t you?” stare.

But here’s the thing: the deer aren’t just animals in a park. They’re practically part of the town’s extended family. People have their favourites. Some even name them (no judgment). And yes, we all have that one story about a deer encounter that we swear was magical, hilarious, or mildly terrifying.

And don’t even get us started on the first time someone visits from out of town and gasps, “Wait, are those deer wild?!” Yes. Yes, they are. And they run this place.

2. The Train Station Shuffle (and the Platform Guessing Game)

If you’ve ever stood on the platform at Sevenoaks Station at 7:42 a.m. with a coffee in one hand and an eye twitch forming in the other, congratulations — you’re one of us.

Commuting from Sevenoaks is both a blessing and a test of patience. The fast trains to London are great, until they’re not. And let’s talk about the chaos that happens when the platform numbers aren’t posted until the very last second. That frantic dash from platform 1 to 4? We’ve all done it. It’s basically the unofficial Sevenoaks cardio workout.

You also know the quiet resentment toward tourists or out-of-towners who don’t understand platform etiquette. Don’t stand right in front of the door, Susan. Let people off first. And yes, we’ve all become strangely competitive about getting “the good seat” — you know the one — where you can charge your phone, avoid eye contact, and pretend your life is together.

3. The High Street Wars: Waitrose vs M&S vs “That One Random Shop That’s Been There Forever”

Sevenoaks High Street is a battlefield, but in the politest, most English way possible. At the heart of it lies the eternal question: Waitrose or M&S?

People have strong opinions. Some are die-hard M&S fans — “the meal deals are just better, okay?” Others will defend Waitrose with their lives, especially if they have a MyWaitrose card and access to that sweet, sweet free coffee. (RIP to the golden era when it didn’t come with so many conditions.)

Then there’s that shop. You know the one. The slightly dusty one that seems to sell everything and nothing at the same time — maybe kitchenware? Maybe antique spoons? Maybe incense and novelty mugs? No one’s quite sure what it is, but somehow it’s still open, still thriving, and probably still selling that same decorative owl from 2007.

Oh, and let’s not forget the cafes — where allegiance runs deep. Whether it’s Ottie & the Bea, Life on High, or even Pret (yes, even Pret gets loyalty), we’ve all got our go-to caffeine source, and we will defend it passionately.

4. That Slight Smugness About Being Technically in Kent (But Still So Close to London)

There’s a very specific kind of pride that comes with living in Sevenoaks — the kind that says, “I live in the countryside, but I can be in London in under 30 minutes.” And yes, we absolutely mention this in conversation whenever possible.

We get the best of both worlds. On one hand, there’s birdsong, greenery, and that unmistakable “ahhh” of clean air. On the other, we’re close enough to central London that we don’t miss out on the culture, the theatre, or the chaos (when we choose to engage with it, of course).

It also gives us an edge when talking to either city folk or country dwellers. To Londoners, we say, “Oh yeah, we’re basically still London.” To people further out in Kent, we say, “Oh, we’re more Kent than London, obviously.” We are shape-shifters. We contain multitudes.

5. The Unwritten Rules of the Vine

Ask any Sevenoaks local and they’ll tell you: The Vine isn’t just a cricket pitch — it’s a social hub, a landmark, and a vibe.

If you’ve ever walked past during a match, slowed down, and tried to understand the score even though you still don’t fully get cricket — you belong. If you’ve sat on the benches there on a summer evening, ice cream in hand, silently judging people’s dog names and wondering who lives in that house with the amazing front garden — you’re one of us.

The Vine is also where community happens. It’s where school kids hang out awkwardly, where older folks gather for a stroll, and where parents have low-stakes picnics while half-watching their kids climb questionable trees. There’s an energy there that’s hard to explain but instantly recognisable to anyone who’s spent more than five minutes in Sevenoaks.

And let’s be honest — nothing beats the smug feeling of casually saying, “Oh, we were just at the Vine” to someone who doesn’t live here and watching them pretend they know what you’re talking about.