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Try your hand at glass art during a relaxing course with Matt at Creative Retreats in Chilham then take a personal pilgrimage to St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Brabourne following the beautiful North Downs Way to see the most complete 12th century stained glass window in Britain.

  • 2 days
  • Ashford

Itinerary details

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A reflection of delights in the Kent Downs

Try your hand at glass art during a relaxing course with Matt at Creative Retreats in Chilham then take a personal pilgrimage to St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Brabourne following the beautiful North Downs Way to see the most complete 12th century stained glass window in Britain.

Coloured Glass window including 3 men
Day 1 - AM/Lunch/PMArts & Crafts

Creative Retreats & Holidays

Arrive in Chilham by train/bus and walk to Matt’s studio where you can spend a relaxing creative day or short break, learning how to create stain glass, glass fusing or glass applique with Creative Retreats & Holidays.

Creative Retreats & Holidays
bicycle-leaning-on-a-fence
Day 2 - AM/Lunch/PMWalkingCycling

North Downs Way, Chilham – Brabourne

Following your glass art retreat why not enjoy a full day’s walk or cycle of 13 miles along The North Downs Way from Chilham to Brabourne.

Either take a picnic from Chilham Farm Shop or your accommodation provider or stop off at one of the lovely country pubs along the route such as The Flying Horse (££) at Boughton Lees or The Tickled Trout (££) situated on the banks of the River Stour in Wye.

Head south along the well signposted North Downs Way towards Boughton Aluph, on through Wye enjoying stunning views across Kent and finally ending at Brabourne where you can visit  St Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Brabourne. A must for stained glass fans. Here you’ll not only find captivating architecture and magnificent memorials, you’ll find the only complete stained glass window in Britain complete with Norman glass in its original 12th Century setting. The church opens daily from dawn to dusk

Chilham Farm ShopThe Flying HorseThe Tickled TroutSt Mary the Blessed Virgin ChurchPlan your walking/cycling route
pub
Tea/DinnerPlaces to Eat

Five Bells Inn – Dinner

Five Bells Inn (££) – a modern pub serving a great selection of local food and drink

Five Bells Inn
pub
Accommodation OptionsPlaces to Stay

Overnight Stay in Chilham or Brabourne

The Old Alma B&B (£) In Chilham

The Woolpack Inn  (££) In Chilham

Five Bells Inn  (££) In Brabourne. Stay in one of the four stunning rooms named after Kentish hops and grapes  each with their own unique character.

The Old Alma B&BThe Woolpack InnFive Bells Inn
Alternative Options Food & Drink

Rebel Farmer Experience

Book an inspirational journey with the Rebel Farmer Experience in Brook. During your 3 hour visit enjoy a hands-on farming experience, learning to grow organic fruit and veg all year round. Take a tour around a micro farm and get to taste locally grown produce in Kent during a tasty lunch!

Rebel Farmer Experience

Travel

Train station at Wye/Chilham/Ashford with a regular train service to London

Bus – The 652 bus service from Canterbury to Ashford provides bus transport along the A28

The 666 bus service from Faversham to Ashford

The 10X bus service runs along the A20 – Ashford – Maidstone

Cycle Hire – Cycles need to be booked in advance – good quality cycles available from £21.95 per day. Can be collected from Ashford or delivered.

Car Parking available at all suggested places.

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