The village of Chilham, just off the A252 between Ashford and Canterbury is one of the most attractive villages in the Kent Downs. The historic square and the small lanes leading to it are lined with Tudor and Jacobean houses, with the gates of Chilham Castle (privately owned and not open to the public), at one side of the square and St Marys Church on the other. The church was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. It is reputed to be the burial place of St Augustine. You can purchase a guide book from the church which has lots of interesting facts about the village. You may recognise Chilham Square as it was used as a location for the ITV series of ‘Marple’ mysteries though the square was covered in grass for the programmes. Look out for the plaque in the White Horse Pub commemorating a story concerning the vicar during the Civil War who backed the Parliamentarians and subsequently had to seek lodgings in the White Horse.

There are a number of places to eat and drink in the village and around Bagham Cross.

Chilham Lakes – these are situated a short walk along Mill Lane, which you can reach by walking from Chilham to Bagham Lane and then crossing the A28 (take great care as it is a very busy road).

A mill was recorded at this site in the Domesday Book. The existing mill (not open to the public) dates from the 19 th century and has been restored by Mid Kent Water who own the site. It is known as a French Mill as the six pairs of grinding stones came from France. It stopped production in 1934 and is now used as a pumping station. You can walk around the adjoining lake. This was once a gravel pit and is now managed by Mid Kent Fisheries who regulate the fishing and continue to work to enhance the site for wildlife.

There are several walks you can take from the village, either along the North Downs Way or the Stour Valley Walk. You can get further information about these walks from www.kentishstour.org.uk or for a variety of walks ranging from 1 mile to 4 ½ miles you can download a copy of the North Downs Way Lost Landscapes Heritage Trail www.northdownsway.co.uk/ndw_wye_canterbury.html

At the end of Mountain Street you can follow the footpath to Kings Wood, The forest is an ancient woodland site with both broad-leaved trees and conifers and is home to a huge diversity of flora and fauna.

Previous Page
Next Page
Home Page