Bonjour lecteurs! It is officially English Tourism Week 2020! So I decided it was time to share a new series on the blog. Indeed, we are very lucky to live in the fameux Garden of England. And we love going for walks as a family. So I thought it would be une bonne idée to share with you some villages in Kent to visit. Indeed, the South-East offers some idyllic hamlets if you are in the area. Our first stop will be Wye National Nature Reserve.
Wye, Le Village
Not far from Canterbury, the village’s name comes from the Old English “Wēoh” meaning “idol” or “shrine“. With its beautiful river the Great Stour, it was a connection between Canterbury and Hastings during the Roman Empire.
Surrounded by hills, Wye National Nature Reserve is a must-see if you are in Kent. You can’t miss it with its huge crown carved into the chalk!
And once you have finished, do not miss the Tickled Trout for you to enjoy a drink by the river. You can even see a train pass by as the line is connecting London to Broadstairs.
If you fancy something a bit more distingué, the Wife of Bath is your place! The restaurant also has some rooms to book!
Kent Downs
Kent Downs is a huge nature reserve.
After crossing Wye, stop by the car park on Coldharbour Lane. Once you go through the two gates, you are in for a treat with a stunning view on the hill.
There are many benches for you to sit and ponder.
Or even bring a picnic for some family fun while enjoying the view!
A Little Path
We carried on the left and we were quick to find a little path going down the hill. Hidden in the shade, it was idéal as we had the place just to ourselves.
Indeed, many people tend to go towards the right once they cross the gate. But this path is less busy and just as lovely.
It will lead you onto Brabourne Road. At the crossing, follow Amage Road.
Amongst the cute cottages and some beautiful flowers, you will see a path on your right.
Devils Kneading Trough
You are in for some sport! Up the hill and you reach Devils Kneading Trough.
And it is really worth it! The view is spectacular!
It is apparently the largest and most famous steep-sided dry hill of the Downs.
Worth a try!
Once we were up, we sat down on a bench for a break and we were in for a treat, looking over the valley!
Wye National Nature Reserve
Wye National Nature Reserve is managed by Natural England and supports many rare species of orchid, but you can also witness some wildlife.
We have been so many times down here!
It is very spacious and once you are back up the hill, you can not only enjoy some views of the village but also Brook and Ashford!
With fields as far as the eye can see, you can relax and enjoy nature!
So, do you think you would like to see Wye National Nature Reserve soon? Let me know what you think of my new series of Villages in Kent!
And if there is any place you think is worth a look, feel free to suggest some names! We are ready for our next adventure! Et vous?
And if fancy a walk in Kent, make sure to visit Explore Kent! My posts will be more family-oriented as we have Baba and we can not do extremely long promenades. But if you want more of a challenge, the website has so many great suggestions for you to visit!
For more information, you can also visit visitkent.co.uk & kent.gov.uk.
Merci for reading as always!?
kent looks so beautiful, you have chosen a lovely place to live!
Very interesting read as a family member moved to Kent not that long ago
Lots of great photos!
I didn’t realise there were so many pretty villages in Kent
Stunning place to visit – hope to visit soon
Some beautiful nature reserves, love the kent downs
This looks absolutely stunning xx
Have not visited Kent, it looks like there are lots of lovely places to visit.
Kent is nearly as beautiful as the beautiful North West countryside…
looks really beautiful and looks like you had a great time x
I live in Kent but I’ve never visited this place, I’m going to add it too my list!
Looks like you had the place to yourselves
What gorgeous views from the hill.
Lovely places for a day out and a picnic.
looks very peaceful and relaxing there!
Great photos, look lovely
Love the tranquil atmosphere ..
I live in Kent and we have some lovely places to visit
Stunning
I live quite close to the Kent Downs. I’ve lived in Kent all my life; it has some beautiful areas and fun places to go with the family.
I didn’t realise that there was such lovely countryside in Kent
Looks stunning countryside and love your rainbow ballet pumps too