A countryside day trip from Canterbury to the Kent Downs 

 There is something fitting about leaving Canterbury on foot. 

For centuries, people have arrived here as pilgrims, travellers and traders. But instead of staying among the crowds around the cathedral, head through Westgate and out into the countryside. Within half an hour, the city begins to disappear behind you. Busy streets become quiet lanes, cathedral views give way to rolling fields, and birdsong replaces the traffic. 

Just 7 miles away lies Chilham, one of Kent’s prettiest villages. This stretch of the North Downs Way National Trail takes you through ancient woodland, traditional orchards, hidden pieces of history and some of the landscapes that make the Kent Downs so special. 

It is an easy day out from Canterbury, whether you are visiting for the weekend or simply looking for somewhere new to explore. 

10am – Setting out from Canterbury 

Start your walk in the heart of Canterbury. Before leaving the city, take some time to admire Canterbury Cathedral, wander past Eastbridge Hospital and make your way towards Westgate Towers, one of the city’s medieval gateways and the largest surviving medieval city gate in England. 

Once you pass through Westgate, the route quickly starts to feel different. The River Stour follows you for a while, before the streets become quieter and the buildings begin to thin out. Within a short distance, the bustle of the city gives way to green lanes and open countryside. 

One of the pleasures of this walk is the contrast between the historic city and the landscapes that surround it. You can start your day among medieval buildings and, within an hour, find yourself walking through fields and woodland. 

10.45am – Following in the footsteps of pilgrims 

The North Downs Way passes St Dunstan’s Church, a historic church with strong connections to Canterbury’s pilgrimage story, before continuing towards Harbledown and Golden Hill. 

This part of the route has welcomed travellers for centuries. Harbledown was an important stopping point for medieval pilgrims travelling to Canterbury, and St Dunstan’s Church is closely connected to the pilgrimage route. The church is also associated with the story of St Thomas Becket, who is said to have stopped here on his way to Canterbury. 

As you climb Golden Hill, the route begins to reveal the rolling farmland and wooded valleys that characterise the Kent Downs. Take a moment to enjoy the views before continuing towards Bigbury Woods. 

11.30am – Bigbury Woods and an Iron Age hillfort 

Before long, you will find yourself beneath the trees of Bigbury Woods. 

On warmer days, the woodland offers a welcome change from the open countryside. Sunlight filters through the leaves, birds move between the branches, and the path feels quieter underfoot. 

Hidden in the woods is Bigbury Camp, an Iron Age hillfort dating back more than 2,000 years. There are no dramatic ruins to see, but the ancient earthworks remain in the landscape, softened by grass, trees and time. 

It is easy to walk through without realising what is beneath your feet. Once you know the history of the place, it becomes a reminder that this landscape has been travelled through for thousands of years. 

12.15pm – A quiet stop at No Man’s Orchard 

 

Leaving the woodland behind, the route opens out and you soon arrive at No Man’s Orchard. 

Home to nearly 200 traditional apple trees, this small Local Nature Reserve is a rare surviving example of Kent’s historic orchard landscape. 

The trees are widely spaced across the grass, allowing sunlight to reach the wildflowers below. In spring and summer, the orchard comes alive with blossom, insects and birds. 

It is a lovely place to stop for a while. Bring a sandwich, find a shady spot beneath the trees and enjoy a quiet break before continuing. 

1pm – Through Chartham Hatch and orchard country 

From No Man’s Orchard, the path continues through the peaceful hamlet of Chartham Hatch before opening out into the wider Kent Downs landscape. 

The route passes through farmland, hedgerows and traditional orchard areas, including Mansfield and the f

 

ormer Nickel Farm Orchard Estate. 

Depending on the season, you might see apple trees in blossom, fruit beginning to ripen, skylarks above the fields or meadow brown and marbled white butterflies moving through the grass. 

This section is less about reaching the next landmark and more about enjoying the changing landscape around you. 

2pm – Feel Our Voice and the North Downs Way Art Trail 

As you continue towards Chilham, you will come across Feel Our Voice, a sculptural bench by artist Kezia Cole and part of the North Downs Way Art Trail. Look out for the audio post, where you can hear Kezia talk about the sculpture and the inspiration behind her work.

The artwork offers a place to stop, listen and take in the landscape around you. It is a small moment to pause before continuing towards Old Wives Lees and the final approach into Chilham.  

2.30pm – Old Wives Lees and the descent into Chilham 

From Old Wives Lees, the route begins its descent along Long Hill. 

After the gentle climbs earlier in the walk, this downhill section is a welcome stretch. The path leads towards Chilham through the churchyard, where you will find a North Downs Way gateway sign marking your arrival. 

From here, the village square is just ahead. 

3pm – Arriving in Chilham 

Chilham is one of those places where you naturally slow your pace. 

The medieval village square is surrounded by timber-framed buildings, historic architecture and views towards Chilham Castle. It feels remarkably well preserved, with the church, village green and surrounding buildings all gathered in one beautiful setting. 

Take some time to explore before heading home. Wander through the square, visit St Mary’s Church or simply sit for a while and watch village life go by. 

3.30pm – Tea, cake or a well-earned pub lunch 

After several hours on the trail, Chilham is the perfect place for a break. 

The Church Mouse Tea Rooms sits on the village square and is a popular stop for walkers, serving homemade cakes, sandwiches and coffee. 

For something more traditional, The White Horse overlooks the square and offers pub food in a historic setting. 

If you are continuing along the North Downs Way another day, or fancy one last stop before catching the train, The Woolpack Inn is a short walk towards the station and offers food and accommodation. 

5pm – Heading home 

Chilham Station is only a short walk from the village, and the train back to Canterbury takes less than 15 minutes.  

As you watch the countryside roll past the window, you’ll recognise bits of the walk you’ve just completed. The orchards, the woodland, the open fields.  

It’s hard to believe you were in the middle of Canterbury only a few hours earlier.  

Sometimes the best day trips aren’t the ones that take you furthest away. They’re the ones that remind you just how much there is to discover close to home. 

Before you go 

• The walk is around 7 miles (11 km) and takes around four hours at a relaxed pace, not including stops.  

• Wear sturdy shoes, especially after rain, as some chalk paths can become slippery.  

• Bring water and a few snacks, although Chilham is the perfect place to reward yourself with lunch or cake afterwards.  

• No Man’s Orchard is an ideal picnic stop if the weather is on your side.  

• Check train times before setting off, although regular services run between Chilham and Canterbury throughout the day.