Wonders of the North Downs Way
The North Downs Way from Dover to Canterbury is part of an ancient pilgrim route called the Via Francigena with historic and religious significance. The modern day route takes you through the Kent Downs National Landscape and is shaping up to become an art trail that extends all the way to Surrey. The wonders of the North Downs Way include Monumenta Romana at Waldershare, After the Black Gold at Woolage and Sedile Francigena at Barham. Discover these wonderful sculptures set against the stunning landscape and learn their story.
- 1 day
- Canterbury
Itinerary details
Here's a taste of your next experience.
Wonders of the North Downs Way
The North Downs Way from Dover to Canterbury is part of an ancient pilgrim route called the Via Francigena with historic and religious significance. The modern day route takes you through the Kent Downs National Landscape and is shaping up to become an art trail that extends all the way to Surrey. The wonders of the North Downs Way include Monumenta Romana at Waldershare, After the Black Gold at Woolage and Sedile Francigena at Barham. Discover these wonderful sculptures set against the stunning landscape and learn their story.
Walk the North Downs Way (Via Francigena) from Canterbury to Shepherdswell
Via Francigena (Road from France) is the 1200 mile (2000 km) ancient pilgrims’ route from England, through France and Switzerland to Rome.
You can walk part of this ancient route, starting at Canterbury Cathedral. This 10 mile walk to Shepherswell takes in spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious countryside.
North Downs Way
The Bell Inn, Shepherdswell or The Two Sawyers, Woolage Green
The Bell Inn, offers simple snacks, such as pork pies, ploughman’s & pasties, which can be eaten in or as a take-away.
The Two Sawyers is a traditional country pub, in the beautiful rural hamlet of Woolage Green.
The Bell InnThe Two Sawyers
Walk the North Downs Way (Via Francigena) from Shepherdswell to Dover
Via Francigena (Road from France) is the 1200 mile (2000 km) ancient pilgrims’ route from England, through France and Switzerland to Rome.
You can continue walk part of this ancient route from Shepherdswell to Dover, which is 8.5 miles. This art trail includes Monumenta Romana: a sculpture inspired by The Belvedere, an 18th century ’folly’ visible from the Waldershare Estate and Sedile Francigena on Barham Downs.
There are a total of eight art installations planned for 2023 on the Via Francigena art trail.
North Downs Way
The Dover Patrol or Il Rustico
Il Rustico is a family run Italian restaurant, offering such dishes as homemade lasagna al forno and risotto funghi e asparagi.
The Dover Patrol offers traditional English seaside Fish and Chips with stunning views over the English Channel.
Il Rustico The Dover Partrol
Chilton Farmyard B&B or The Marquis of Granby, Alkham
The Chilton Farmyard B&B (££) cottages overlook the garden courtyard, within a small family run farm. Dog friendly, with walks on the doorstep.
The Marquis of Granby (££) is a gem in the heart of the Alkham Valley. It has a range of stylish rooms all with super king or queen beds. From quirky to quaint and romantic, each room offers a comfortable and cosy stay.
Chilton Farmyard B&B The Marquis of GranbyTravel
Train – Southeastern run the train line from Canterbury to Dover.
Bus – Canterbury and Dover have bus services. The route between both is bus route 15.
Parking – both towns have several car parks.