GARDEN OF ENGLAND
Ashford & Tenterden :
Open the Gate to The Garden of England
Lovingly referred to as ‘ The Garden of England ’, no matter the season , Kent has something to offer all of the senses . Whether it is the sweet smell of blossom in the spring , rolling patchwork fields glittering yellow , green and gold in summer , the taste of fresh fruit in the autumn , or the quintessential villages that offer a cosy hearth in the winter , the Kent countryside can be enjoyed every day of the year .
Surrounding the thriving towns of Ashford and Tenterden you will find sprawling footpaths and cycle routes that etch their way through woodlands , across valleys and over hillsides . The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will take walkers through a variety of enchanting landscapes , complete with dramatic views , a wealth of history and biodiverse habitats teeming with wildlife . Here , walkers can tread the footsteps of ancient pilgrims made famous by Chaucer ’ s Canterbury Tales when they visit ‘ The Pilgrim ’ s Way ’.
Dotted with historic landmarks such as the ancient Kit ’ s Coty House and White Horse Stone , right through to more recent history with the Chalk Cross at Lenham carved into the hillside to commemorate fallen soldiers in World War I , this path will fascinate nature and history lovers of all ages .
Kent is also famous for the meandering rivers and vast open lakes drawn from its beloved coastline . Whether you ’ re looking to have fun on the water , delve deeper into the depths of the county ’ s history or want to seek out rare birds and plant life on the marshes , rivers such as The River Stour , which meanders through Ashford , offer a myriad of activities and excursions . The Stour Valley Walk will give you access to some of the most beautiful areas of the Kent Countryside across its 58-mile span , while Conningbrook Lakes Country Park , made up of a series of lakes , ponds , river , wet woodland and grasslands , offers a great place for a riverside stroll and picnic and is host to a variety of wildlife .
Kent is a real mixture of untouched beauty and sweeping expanses of agriculture . The ancient forests of and woodland of neary Boughton Aluph ,
Godinton House Gardens
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