Kent Downs National Landscape — Attraction in Ashford

I provide this review as a from birth and having lived (at 'Gipsy Cottage' -- named on the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale map -- an 18th century verge side cottage that literally opposite the front door has passing one of the variants of the historic renowned Canterbury to Dover sections of the 'Pilgrims Way' of Chaucer fame) in the Barham Downs section of the North-East part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, resident, who has seen so much of this area of the AONB over five and half decades.

This section of the Kent Downs AONB is visually beautiful, with stunning views to the west to and across the Elham Valley in our part (Barham Downs to Kingston village and across/above the latter to the beautiful Covert and Covet woods), and to the Isle of Thanet (extreme NE part of Kent) and Sandwich area. This section of the Kent Downs AONB is also famous for having many historically important stately homes (my home is opposite to a wonderful former park, Ileden), such as Broome Park (the home of Lord Kitchener of the internationally famous WW1 'Your Country Needs You' poster), whilst much nearer to my own family home there is the Higham House/Highland Court mansion. This latter little known (apart from its associated cricket club of same name), but which around the end of the 19th Century was the home of Count Zabrowski -- inspiration for the famous 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'). Beyond history, one just needs to spend a couple of days at least in this part of the Kent Downs AONB to properly appreciate it's charm, beauty and magic. Concluding for this, the Barham Downs section of the AONB -- land of my birth -- it is right to mention that up to the end of WW2 the downs had the recognition as having to different degrees the honour of having every army from Roman times (Julius Caesar no less) to every English Army having camped there. This including Irish regiments at the time of King John of Magna Carta fame, and to the heroic WW2 work of look outs of the RAF stationed at the 'Black Mill' (at highest point of the Barham Downs) sighting point to report sightings of incoming Luftwaffe planes across the duration of the war. Sadly the windmill no longer exists, as when at the age of five with my dear mother, on one of our walks up on to the Barham Downs, witnessed its demise through a fire. Concluding, I recommend the Kent Downs AONB strongly as a 'must visit', and especially this Barham Downs section for it's beauty, panaromas, and incredible history (not just of local importance, but in some instances national and international level). For those who love both local history and most of all desire long distance walks in a location that has panoramic views, the Barham Downs section of the Kent Downs AONB is in a class...

If you're looking for a quaint countryside escape in the heart of England, the Kent Downs is the perfect destination. This picturesque area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting rolling hills, stunning views, and a wealth of wildlife. With its charming villages, historic sites, and winding footpaths, the Kent Downs is an idyllic place to explore, whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a break from city life.

One of the highlights of the Kent Downs is the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, which have stood as a symbol of Britain's resilience for centuries. Whether you take a bracing cliff-top walk or simply admire them from afar, the cliffs are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Another popular attraction is Canterbury, a charming city that is steeped in history and culture. From its magnificent cathedral to its cobbled streets and quirky independent shops, Canterbury is a delight to explore.

If you're a foodie, the Kent Downs is also home to some of the best food and drink in the UK. From locally brewed beer to fresh seafood, there's something for every palate here. The area is also famous for its vineyards, which produce award-winning wines that rival those of the Champagne region. So why not raise a glass to the stunning beauty of the Kent Downs? With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, this area is a true gem in the...

Took the family here for a quick something to do. We are members of the national trust so using it when we can. Very surprised, lovely building inside and out, was a bit of a damp day so make sure wellies are worn and do the internal visit of the moat house first as to not walk mud everywhere or take a change of shoes. Play area was way too muddy for us but would have been used on a dry day, it's not for older kids really and doesn't offer much, our kids are a bit older ( 8 - 10 yrs) and were very dissapointed with it. Lovely grounds, still early spring so not all flowers were out, but still a nice space to wonder. Nice seating area for people with own packed lunch and a nice cafe. Toilets easy to find and the eye spy game for the tour of the house was a hit with the kids. Will be going back just me and the wife to take time looking at the house again. Passed a few hours and entertained the kids for a bit. Friendly staff and...