Attractions and Places To See around Chilham - Top 20

Chilham is rich in history. You can explore Chilham Castle, which features a Norman keep from 1174 and a Jacobean manor house. The village also boasts St Mary's Church, a 13th-century parish church with beautiful stained-glass windows, and the well-preserved medieval and Jacobean half-timbered buildings around Chilham Village Square. Don't miss Julliberrie's Grave, a Neolithic long barrow, for a glimpse into ancient heritage.

Chilham is nestled within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering rolling hills and ancient woodlands. You can visit Chilham Lakes, managed for wildlife and birdwatching, or follow the scenic paths along the Great Stour River. Perry Wood and King's Wood provide extensive footpaths, with Perry Wood featuring a 'Pulpit' offering stunning views and King's Wood including a sculpture trail.

Yes, Chilham is a hub for walkers. It lies on routes for both the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims' Way to Canterbury. For easier options, consider trails like the Chilham Lakes Path loop or the St Mary's Church loop. You can find more detailed routes, including easy hikes, by visiting the Easy hikes around Chilham guide.

Beyond walking, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can explore various routes through the Kentish countryside. For specific cycling trails, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Chilham guide, and for mountain biking adventures, refer to the MTB Trails around Chilham guide.

Families can enjoy a visit to Badgers Hill Farm and Cidery, where you can explore a farm shop, meet animals, and taste homemade cider. The Crab and Winkle Way is a traffic-free cycle path suitable for all ages. Further afield, Canterbury Cathedral and Westgate Towers are also noted as family-friendly attractions.

Chilham village offers traditional Kentish hospitality. You can visit historic pubs like The White Horse Inn and The Woolpack Inn, both dating back to the 16th century, located on the village square. They provide a welcoming atmosphere for meals and refreshments.

The summer months are ideal, especially if you wish to visit the gardens of Chilham Castle, which are open on select days. The pleasant weather also makes it perfect for exploring the numerous walking trails and enjoying the natural beauty of the Kent Downs.

Many of the outdoor areas and walking trails around Chilham are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the Kent Downs, Perry Wood, and King's Wood with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock.

Chilham Village Square is particularly famous for its well-preserved medieval and Jacobean half-timbered buildings, some dating from the late 15th century. Beyond the main square, you'll find many other historic timber-framed buildings like Tudor Lodge, Tudor Cottage, Cumberland House, Orions Cottage, and Burgoyne, contributing to the village's 'Olde Worlde' charm.

Yes, the grounds of Chilham Castle, designed by Capability Brown, include a vineyard among its 300 acres of sculpted gardens, ancient oaks, and a serene boating lake.

The Crab and Winkle Way is a popular cycle path that traces the former Canterbury and Whitstable railway line. This traffic-free route stretches for 7 miles (11.2 km) through the countryside and is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers alike.

St Mary's Church, dating back to the 13th century, is renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate funerary monuments. It is also rumored to be the burial place of St. Augustine, with its history potentially extending to a Saxon building from the 7th century.