Attractions and Places To See around Chartham - Top 20

Chartham is nestled within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering picturesque scenery. You can enjoy scenic riverside trails along the Great Stour River, known for its wildlife like grey herons. Other notable natural spots include Chartham Downs with elevated views, and Larkey Valley Wood Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland rich in wildlife and spring flowers. The North Downs Way also passes through the area, providing various walking routes.

Within Chartham village, you can visit Saint Mary the Virgin Church, an architectural and historical gem dating back to 1294, featuring ancient bells and brass memorials. Another significant site is the Historic Dovecote at Burnt House Farm, a Scheduled Ancient Monument with a history tied to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Just a short distance from Chartham, the historic city of Canterbury offers a wealth of attractions. These include the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Westgate Towers, England's largest medieval gateway. You can also explore St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury Castle, and St. Martin's Church.

Yes, Chartham offers excellent walking opportunities. The North Downs Way national trail runs through the area, including local heritage trails like the Chartham North and South Lost Landscape Heritage Trails. You can also find easy hikes, such as the 'St Mary's Church, Chartham loop' or 'Bridge Over the Stour loop', which are part of the Easy hikes around Chartham guide.

Absolutely! Chartham is well-suited for cycling. The famous Crab and Winkle Way, a traffic-free route tracing a former railway line between Canterbury and Whitstable, is very popular. You can find various cycling routes, including easy loops like 'Bridge Over the Stour – Chatterbox Café loop', detailed in the Cycling around Chartham guide.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The nearby city of Canterbury offers attractions like Canterbury Cathedral and Westgate Towers, which are suitable for families. For animal lovers, Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury and Port Lympne Safari Park (a bit further afield) are popular choices.

Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities in Chartham. In spring, the rural parts of East Kent, including Chartham, are famed for their orchards displaying beautiful pink and white blossom. Larkey Valley Wood also showcases carpets of wood anemone and violets. The warmer months are generally best for walking and cycling along the river and through the Downs.

The Chartham area, particularly along the Great Stour River and in Larkey Valley Wood Nature Reserve, is rich in wildlife. You might spot grey herons along the river. Larkey Valley Wood is home to badgers, dormice, hawfinches, and nightingales. The traditional fruit trees in No Man's Orchard also attract various local wildlife.

Yes, No Man's Orchard, located on the North Downs Way near Chartham Hatch, is a notable spot. It was the first orchard in the UK to be designated as a local nature reserve and features traditional fruit trees that attract wildlife. The wider East Kent region, including Chartham, is also known for its orchards, which are particularly beautiful when in blossom during spring.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Highlights like Canterbury Cathedral are praised for their immense sense of history and architectural grandeur. The Crab and Winkle Way is loved for being a traffic-free route suitable for all bikes, offering a pleasant journey through the countryside.

Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the vicinity. You can explore trails like the 'North Downs Way & King's Wood loop from Canterbury' or the 'Chilham Village – Bluebells in King's Wood loop from Chilham'. More details on these and other routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Chartham guide.