Dive into the Kent Downs from Canterbury
Escape the historic City of Canterbury to explore the nearby Kent Downs. Walk from Chartham to No Man’s Orchard and along the North Downs Way. Sample Kent’s finest food at The Pig in Bridge and then sample a variety of ciders at Kentish Pip.It is hard to believe that you are only a few miles from Canterbury!
- 1 day
- Canterbury
Itinerary details
Here's a taste of your next experience.
Dive into the Kent Downs from Canterbury
Escape the historic City of Canterbury to explore the nearby Kent Downs. Walk from Chartham to No Man’s Orchard and along the North Downs Way. Sample Kent’s finest food at The Pig in Bridge and then sample a variety of ciders at Kentish Pip.It is hard to believe that you are only a few miles from Canterbury!
Chartham 5 Mile Circular Walk
Walking through the Kent Downs will leave a lasting memory of your time in The Garden of England. This 5 mile circular route starts in Chartham and guides you along the River Stour before venturing through No Man’s Community Orchard and along a section of the North Downs Way.
Walking route
The Pig
From Chartham take either 1A or 1X to Canterbury Bus Station and then either bus route 17 or 89 to Bridge. This grand village is 3 miles south of Canterbury and home to The Pig, a beautiful red-bricked Grade II listed manor house. Built in 1638 it was restored in the 1960s becoming Kent’s number one rock and roll venue. It is now a popular country house hotel and restaurant teeming with character. Enjoy a delicious lunch created from locally sourced Kent produce and the on site kitchen garden and greenhouse.
The Pig Hotel
The Kentish Pip
Visit Kentish Pip at Woolton Farm to taste Kent’s finest cider in a 14th Century barn. Take a tour to discover a range of fine ciders produced on site. There is also the option to eat and sleep on this peaceful farm.
Kentish Pip
The Foundry / The Good Shed
Visit the award winning Foundry pub. This craft brewery, distillery, restaurant and bar are located under one roof in the centre of Canterbury. Locally sourced food can be enjoyed along with one of the famous beers, gins, vodkas or rums all created on site.
Discover an indoor food hall in a converted railways goods building. The food in the restaurant changes with the seasons and is always local. Sample the freshest seasonal food prepared in an open kitchen by candlelight as the market winds down for the day.
The FoundryThe Good Shed
Canterbury Running Tour
If you are feeling energetic join a historic city tour whilst running along the cobbled streets and through hundreds of years of history. Alternatively you could try a bespoke running tour, tell the team where you would like to run and off you go…!
Canterbury Running Tours
Beechborough B&B
Stay in the heart of the Kent Downs in a cosy-cottage boutique bed and breakfast. With countless 5* reviews on Tripadvisor this quaint B&B provides the ideal base for exploring, walking and relaxing in the tranquil village of Bishopsbourne.
Beechborough B&B
Travel
Train Bekesbourne train station is a 2 mile walk from Bridge, walking down Station Road and then following the Elham Valley Way. From Bekesbourne train station walk 1 mile to Woolton Farm to visit Kentish Pip Cider Farm.
Bus Routes 17 and 89 take you from Canterbury Bus Station to Bridge.
Bicycle Hire a bike from Kent Cycle Hire on Castle Street in Canterbury. For help with maps and cycle routes go to Sustrans. Bridge is on National Cycle Network Route 17.
Walking Chartham to Canterbury along the North Downs Way (via Chatham Hatch) is 5 miles.
Canterbury to Bridge along the North Downs Way (picking up The Elham Valley Way from Patrixbourne) is 4 miles.