Ancient Pilgrims of Canterbury and the Kent Downs.

St Marys Church in Patrixbourne

Visit St.Mary’s Church in Patrixbourne which is situated on 4 pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims walking The North Downs Way, The Old Way, The Via Francigena and The Royal Saxon Way all pass by St.Mary’s Church and take time to rest and reflect here.

Follow the Elham Valley Way from Bridge to Kingston through the heart of the Kent Downs. This 2.5 mile walks passes Bourne Park House, a Queen Anne style country house and through it’s sprawling estate to Bishopsbourne. Stop for lunch here, then continue to Kingston following the Nailbourne stream, which according to local myths will only run every 7 years.

The Good Shed/Tadpole Tearooms

Collect the finest local produce from multiple Kent suppliers in this indoor market hall, to create a delicious picnic lunch you can take with you on your travels from Canterbury. Alternatively stay for food in the restaurant and sample the freshest seasonal food prepared in an open kitchen or outside on the grill.

On your walk from Bridge to Kingston stop at the Tadpole Tearoom for an extensive menu of sandwiches, scones or full meals.

The Quiet View

Discover the tranquil scene at The Quiet View. Situated 4 miles south of Canterbury close to Cycle Route 17, these gardens are in the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Quiet View is part of The Quiet Garden Trust, which supports spaces worldwide where people can go to find rest and peace. All faiths or no faiths are welcome to reflect, pray, connect with nature or rest in the gardens with stunning views over the Kent countryside.

When you arrive in Kingston turn right onto The Street and follow this road until you bear right onto Westwood Road. The Quiet View will be on your right.

The Mermaid Inn

Lunch or Dinner option:

As your walk passes through Bishopsbourne take the time to stop at The Mermaid Inn for lunch. This ideally located pub sits right on the Elham Valley Way. Originally built in the 1860s it is still the perfect place for food and drinks today.

Pilgrimage Experience

Discover the ancient practice of pilgrimage on a 4 hour North Downs Way experience. Dawn Champion, a project leader for British Pilgrimage Trust will take you from St.Mary’s Church in Patrixbourne to St. Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral along the North Downs Way. Admissions is included and so too is a Pilgrim’s Scrip which is a traditional bag used by pilgrims

Champing / Tilia Cottage / Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

If you are looking for an unusual and memorable place to stay why not consider Champing? Champing is camping in an historic church overnight.

Situated in Fordwich, St. Mary The Virgin Church is 3 miles from Canterbury and right next to the River Great Stour. It has been a place of rest for weary pilgrims for centuries, and it also sits on The Way of St. Augustine. The church is exclusively for your party only and your camp beds, camp chairs, lanterns and tea and coffee provisions are set up for you. (£)

Stay at the tranquil and beautiful Tilia Cottage. Nestled in the heart of the Kent Downs this 17th Century Kent farmhouse is just 20 minutes from Canterbury in Bishopsbourne. Ideally located on the Elham Valley Way,

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is one of the most unique places to stay in the world famous cathedral city. The hotel is situated within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine drawing the curtains in the morning to reveal the magnificent view of the Cathedral from your window. The price of entry to the cathedral is included in your stay and you are welcome to explore the grounds of the cathedral after hours.

(££)