#findyourspace for Experience
We're so excited to share some of the wonderful places, spaces and brand new experiences soon to launch in Ashford district over the coming months. Spend some time in nature and #findyourspace for delicious temptation, tranquility, local wildlife, self-discovery and each other in the beautiful Kent Countryside.
You'll soon be able to take part in amazing local activities like making authentic curries in the woods, tree-bathing or mindfulness coaching on a bike ride, creating a nature wreath from the hedgerow, or learning about Kent’s chequered and sometimes gruesome past with expert guides.
So grab your sense of adventure and discover the many ways you can get out out, learn more about the incredible natural world around you and help protect our landscapes for generations to come. Sign-up for updates and be first to #findyourspace and EXPERIENCE more outdoor in the wonderful Kent Downs AONB and North Downs Way.
We will treat your information with respect. The Kent Downs AONB will use information you provide in this form to contact you by email about our latest news and events. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in any email or by emailing mail@kentdowns.org.uk. For more information about our privacy practices please visit this page.mail@kentdowns.org.uk. For more information about our privacy practices please visit this page.
New Experiences in Ashford
We're working with local businesses to create brand new experiences for you to try, launching from October this year you'll be able to explore the nearby countryside in new and exciting ways. Read on to find out more...
Become a Rebel Farmer
Quit the hustle and bustle and discover what it means to be a Rebel Farmer at this sustainability focussed farm in Wye. You'll learn techniques to make organic fruit and veg all-year-round, enjoy a tour of the bustling microfarm and get a real taste of locally-grown produce. Join Ed on his mission to revolutionise how we think about and grow our food at Rebel Farmer.
Woodsman or woman for a Day
Immerse yourself in the culture, myth and folklore of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you become a woodsman for a day. Discover the influence of the Great Oak trees as you practise traditional woodworking skills, enjoy a guided walk of the ancient woods, and even forage a meal to cook later on the campfire with Natural Pathways.
Follow the Wine Trail
Starting and finishing at the family-owned Westwell Wines Vineyard, let Kent Outdoor Explorers show you the spectacular views, fascinating history, wonderful wildlife and delicious tastes of Kent on this circular walk along the North Downs Way complete with a vineyard tour, locally sourced picnic and wine tasting experience of course.
Getting out and about
Ashford and Tenterden are surrounded by beautiful places, wonderful walks and incredible viewpoints that you can visit for free! And of course the North Downs Way National Trail passes through the district too offering you the chance to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims, kings, queens and famous artists who have all been inspired by these landscapes.
Find out more on our activities page or read on for a selection of some of our favourites...
The Devil's Kneading Trough, Wye
Enjoy stunning views from this dramatic site. The Devil’s Kneading trough one of the largest and most famous steep-sided dry valleys that characterise the hills of the Kent Downs.
Kings Woods, Challock
King's Wood is one of Kent’s largest woodlands; the 1500-acre historic royal hunting forest is an ancient woodland site and features an ever changing creative sculpture trail.
Godmersham Village
Take a walk around this small village, a place often visited by Jane Austen when she visited her brother, Edward, at Godmersham Park. It is said that here she got inspiration for Emma, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park.
Stour Valley Walk
The Stour Valley walk meanders through the Kent Downs AONB from the source of the River Stour. One of the most stunning sections is between Wye and Chilham, passing through a rolling landscape with panoramic views.
North Downs Way National Trail
The North Downs Way National Trail offers walkers 153 miles (246 Km) of spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious rolling countryside, passing through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Coming Soon
And there's more because we're working on plenty of new and exciting activities for you to try in the coming months so please keep checking back for updates and follow our social media channels for the latest news. Here's a sneak peak...
Don't forget to sign-up for our email updates too to be the first to find out what's coming next.
We will treat your information with respect. The Kent Downs AONB will use information you provide in this form to contact you by email about our latest news and events. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in any email or by emailing mail@kentdowns.org.uk. For more information about our privacy practices please visit this page.
North Downs Way Inspiring Views Arts Trail
Due for completion in Summer 2022 we're busy scoping out locations and commissioning artworks to showcase some of the best views along the trail.
New Routes and Itineraries
Making it easy for you to explore the Kent Countryside we're working with Explore Kent and others to create new itineraries that combine walks, cycles and horse-rides with local attractions and experiences.
New Activities and Experiences
Join new guided walks, attend events and festivals, try new outdoor experiences with local experts and learn about the beautiful Kent Countryside and how to protect it.
Cycling UK
Join local cycling groups and visit businesses accredited as cycle friendly destinations.
Produced in Kent
Find local food and drink artisans near you plus some wonderful walks and top eco-friendly tips.
More from our partners
In addition to the team at Ashford Borough Council we're working with partners across the county to help bring these wonderful experiences to you. Take a look below and explore even more ways to be more outdoor.
Visit Kent
The place to discover the best of Kent's experiences and local attractions.
Kent Connected
Download this app to help plan your sustainable journey from A to B with handy hints on smarter travel.
Explore Kent
Get inspiration on outdoor places to explore and download route maps to walk, run, ride or paddle.
Countryside Experience Development Programme Applications will re-open in September
We are looking for businesses, organisations or individuals that are particularly interested in nature, landscape and outdoor activities such as walking, cycling or equine. You may be an established business wishing to connect with the countryside and outdoors more. Or you may have little or no experience in the tourist trade, but you may have other skills such as photography, crafts, local history, wildlife, nature expertise, local knowledge, or be interested in using the land you farm and experience you have for more diverse activities.
We will support you to develop new experiences, which use your expertise and passion. If you want to know more you can watch our introductory webinar on this page or on You Tube through this link.
How is EXPERIENCE funded?
EXPERIENCE is a €23m project co-funded by the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme, which has committed €16m from the European Regional Development. Projects are funded in six areas across England and France: Norfolk, Kent, Cornwall, Pas-de-Calais, Compiègne and Brittany. Close collaboration across the six regional projects ensures insights and best practice are shared.
EXPERIENCE in Kent is match funded by:
Ashford Borough Council
Canterbury City Council
Dover District Council
Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Gravesham Borough Council
Kent County Council
Medway Council
Thanet District Council
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Swale Borough Council
