Since moving to Ashford from London in 2020, I’ve been exploring some of the lovely towns that are close by with my husband, Ben.
Tenterden
Just thirteen miles from Ashford town centre is Tenterden, known for its beautiful historic buildings including museums and art galleries. You’ll see Georgian buildings juxtaposed with tall Victorian houses and tiny cottages and it has a sweet traditional high street. The high street is a great place to shop for gifts and every second and fourth Friday there’s a food and plant market from 9am to 2.30pm outside the Town Hall too. It also has great coffee shops and bakeries. Stand out places include Amy’s Pantry and Artisserie Pâtisserie.
I haven’t been but I like the idea of travelling on the steam train on the Kent and East Sussex railway from Tenterden to Bodiam Castle and I think it might be fun to stay in the converted 1960’s heritage railway coach that overlooks the castle. There’s also the possibility of taking a tour and a wine tasting at Chapel Down Vineyard, located in the village of Small Hythe, 3 miles to the south of Tenterden.
Wye
Slightly smaller than Tenterden is Wye, lying to the north east of Ashford, just 3 miles from Orchard Farm, in the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). I love it because the town is surrounded by a beautiful, natural landscape and, apart from the bustling food market every second Saturday and church bells on Sunday, it’s a peaceful haven with a friendly community.
The town's historic character and heritage, like the 12th-century Wye Church and the magnificent Wye College buildings make it feel like a town out of Midsummer Murders.The village green and community hall are well used, and the Wye tennis club hosts regular sporting events. Gift shop Tickety Boo is a wonderful local independent business too. It truly is a lovely, vibrant place to visit and I’m hoping the plans for a cycling café there will soon come fruition.
Ben and I like walking from Wye up to the Wye Crown -the views are amazing - and then rewarding ourselves with a Sunday roast at one of town’s three pubs. We can choose from the Trickled Trout, the New Flying Horse or The King’s Head. We’ve also been known to pop into the micro pub Sawyers.
Canterbury
I don’t regret moving from London but sometimes I need a city fix. Although Canterbury feels more like a large town than a city it ticks lots of boxes. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral, mediaeval streets, ancient walls, and historic buildings it makes you feel like you’re walking on history. It also hosts numerous festivals, including the Canterbury Festival, and The Marlowe Theatre has a great programme of theatrical and musical events if I need a cultural fix. And it’s only a 35 minutes' drive or a 16-minute train ride from Ashford,
For my birthday, Ben and my mum took me to Escape Kent, Canterbury’s escape room. It was featured on Dragon’s Den and is one of the scariest escape rooms I’ve visited but we managed to crack the clues and get out in record time. I highly recommend it for a party or team social.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know I love food and I can’t visit Canterbury without calling in to the Goods Shed. You can buy yummy delicacies, plus booze, and their restaurant serves delicious locally sourced food.
Faversham
Faversham is just 30 minutes' drive north from Ashford and because of its location on a creek has a strong maritime heritage and its long association with shipbuilding, brewing, and the fishing industry make up its unique character. The Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre is worth a visit to find out more.
The market square is lined with independent shops, cafés, and pubs and Macknade, just outside the town is one of my favourite independent grocers. It has a vast food hall, butchery, delicatessen, café and wine store plus a food village and also hosts lots of musical and foodie events.
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and the nearby Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is popular with birdwatchers. Like other dog walkers, I’ve enjoyed walking around the ruins of the old gunpowder factory buildings with Jura, my cockapoo.
There’s lots more places that I haven’t mentioned, and these websites will provide you with even more inspiration!
Hannah
It's been wonderful to share so many of my favourite places, from parks to café's and from escape rooms to creative places. If you’re interested in buying a plot at Orchard Farm, I hope to meet you in my new role as Customer Guide soon!
