Natural East Kent
Country Breaks in Alkham Valley and East Kent
Downlands
The Alkham Valley and East Kent Downlands are a haven of peace
and quiet. Perfect for a rural escape. Picture a quiet valley with
secret rivers, open downland where you can wander ancient woodlands
and breathtaking coast. Add a sprinkle of forgotten heritage -
village churches with intriguing treasures, a world-famous castle,
museums and gardens that enthral. There are many wonders waiting
for you to uncover so what are you wait for take a look at our
suggestions.
The Valley is festooned with accolades and official designations
- Special Landscape Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest,
Conservation Areas and 17 Grade Two-listed buildings. Roughly
translated that means lots plants and animals to see, as well as
geological wonders to admire. You'll find typical chalk downland
country with scattered woodlands on steep valley sides, exposed
chalk cliffs, long ridges and isolated valleys that feed into the
Dour Valley towards Dover. Not only does this region boast these
fantastic attractions the East Kent Downlands is home to a range of
important habitats and wildlife, including areas of herb-rich chalk
grassland and ancient woodlands bright with bluebells and wild
flowers. You'll also notice the striking thread of hedges, dividing
arable fields and linking many of the woodland areas - important
natural corridors for wildlife, providing food, shelter and safety
for birds and animals.
Country Breaks in Rural Sandwich
Sandwich is one of the most historic places in
England and one of the original
Cinque Ports. It is also the best-preserved medieval town and has
more medieval buildings than anywhere in England.² Once a major
port, second in size only to London, it is now 1.5 miles from the
sea, its historic centre preserved. Wander its atmospheric streets
and you’ll come across the highest density of listed buildings of
any town in England.