Chilham in Kent

A guide to the Villages around Ashford in Kent

The Village of Chilham

A one minute detour from the A28

The magnificient entrance to Chilham Castle

See my 3 minute video of Chilham Here

Chilham in Kent is set just off the A28 about halfway between Ashford and Canterbury, blink and you may miss this gem of a place.

The Village sits on a hill just above the River Stour which at that point forms two large Lakes as it makes it's way along to Chartham. Next to the first Lake stands the old Mill which dates back to 1908, one of many Mills in this area.

The Lake is known for it's Carp Fishing. Britain's biggest recorded Carp 'Two Tone' died in the Lake in 2010. For information on Fishing, go to Mid Kent Fisheries

The centrepiece of the Village is Chilham Castle. The now standing House was built in 1616 on the site of the ancient castle. The present Owners purchased the House in 2002 and open the Gardens a few times a year plus hold Events such as Horse Trials in the Summer Month's.

The main Gates to the Castle lead into the Village Square which sports some very typical and well kept Tudor Houses and one time Shops.
To make up the completion of a Kentish Village is the White Horse Public House next to the 15th. Century parish Church dedicated to St. Mary. It is believed that Thomas Beckett is buried there.

The Village was used to film the BBC adaptation of Jane Austins 'Emma' and the film 'The Amorous ASdventures of Moll Flanders'.

Just down the road from the Village Centre is the other popular Public House 'The Woolpack Inn'.

One or two of the old Shops and Houses have been converted into Tea Rooms just above the Public Car Park next to the Fire Station. The only pity being that the Square is obviously used for parking by the residents which does take away some of the charm - a fact of modern times I guess.

Car Boot Fairs are often held on the Cricket Ground just to the east of the Village.
There are no Shops in Chilham, the nearest being in Shalmsford Street, approx two miles Canterbury side.

There are hourly trains from Chilham Station to Canterbury, Ramsgate and Margate and in the other direction to Ashford where you can connect to the High Speed Rail Service to London St. Pancreas.

There are also regular Stagecoach Buses serving Chilham Village.

To have a walk around the Lakes and view the Village Centre will take you about two hours.

For more information on Chilham take a look at www.enjoychilham.org.uk

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Two photo's of the Village Centre

St.Mary's Church

The Old Mill next to the Railway Station and Lake
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