Ashford

Ashford Walking & Cycling Routes

Stour Valley Walk: Wander along a section of the Stour Valley Walk which runs right through the centre of Ashford.

• Heading West from Ashford International Station takes you past Victoria Park towards Godinton House & Gardens, before reaching Hothfield where you’ll find Nine Oaks Vineyard and Hothfield Heathlands.
• Or, head East from Ashford International Station along the Stour Valley Walk to reach Conningbrook Lakes Country Park.

Alternatively, why not hop on a bike and try one of Ashford’s many cycle routes (including the Wealden Cycle Trail to Tenterden!).

Ashford Designer Outlet

Choose from over 100 designer brands, and plenty of food and drink outlets, all under one roof. There’s even a children’s play area to keep the kids entertained.

Travelling by train: Customers that show a valid train ticket to Ashford International at Guest Services will receive a McArthurGlen Club day pass which unlocks an extra 10% off in participating brands.

Accessibility: The Designer Outlet is fully accessible for wheelchair users with step-free access | Dogs: Dogs allowed but must be on leads, look for paw prints in the shop windows for dog-friendly stores

Coachworks

Relax and enjoy a day or night out in this mixed-use venue which boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces. The Yard includes an outdoor bar and stalls from local vendors that serve delicious food from a range of global cuisines. There’s even an event space for watching films or live sports.

Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchair users except for the private hire space and indoor bar which are on the first floor | Dogs: The venue is dog-friendly

Docker Bakery

Known for its solely plant-based products, Docker Bakery is a local Kent business that specialises in sourdough breads and pastries. Now with two stores, one in Folkestone and one in Ashford, Docker Bakery makes freshly baked goods each morning for home deliveries and instore.

Willesborough Windmill

Come and take a tour of the Grade II* listed white smock mill, restored back to a working windmill. Learn about the process of making flour from corn and how the Miller lived, before sitting back and relaxing over homemade tea and cake in Mrs. Cobbs’ Kitchen.

Children can even try making their own flour on the quern stones and take home a small quantity!

Directions: Buses run to Willesborough from Ashford International Train Station (Stagecoach 10 and 503 services).

Accessibility: There is a small car park reserved for disabled visitors

Godinton House & Gardens

Nestled at the base of the Kent Downs, take a tour of the 14th Century Jacobean Mansion – finding out how it was to live as the last owner. Or just explore the 12 acres of gardens and parkland, rounded off by a trip to the Billiard Room Café.

Children under 11 are FREE to enter the house and gardens.

Directions: The closest bus stop is Godinton Park (Stagecoach 507 service via Ashford International Train Station). The wider parkland can be accessed via public footpaths from here.

Accessibility: Ground floor of the house and tearooms are accessible for wheelchair users | Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed

Curious Brewery & Taprooms

Take a tour of the state-of-the-art brewery to see how premium beer is made, followed by a tasting of Curious Brewery’s best beers and ciders.

You can also enjoy a meal overlooking the brewery operations, with fresh beer straight from the tank and locally-sourced food.

Accessibility: The main restaurant and bar is accessible for wheelchair users via a lift | Dogs: The taproom and restaurant is dog-friendly

Kent Cookery School

From Thai and Indian dishes to bread making and macarons, Kent Cookery School offers classes for all abilities and tastes using fresh produce from local Kentish suppliers and farms. Whether joining solo or with someone else, you can choose from a short-evening or a full-day course – there are even specific Adult & Child courses for kids aged 8-14 years!

Directions: Buses run to Mersham Business Village from Ashford International Train Station (Stagecoach 10 service).

Accessibility: Kent Cookery School is not wheelchair accessible due to the listed nature of the building | Dogs: Dogs are not allowed

Nine Oaks Vineyard

Enjoy some small-batch, estate-grown English wines from this family vineyard. Join a guided walk of the vineyard, followed by a tasting of still and traditional sparkling Kentish wines.

Tours and tastings must be booked in advance.

Directions: Buses run to Hothfield from Ashford International Station (Stagecoach 510 service en route to Maidstone), then walk through Hothfield (approx. 15 minutes) to reach Nine Oaks Vineyard.

Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed

Victoria Park

Take some time to enjoy Ashford’s largest central park. Stroll along the woodland walk, take your bike and have a go on the new hard-surface pump track or find some calm in the sensory garden.

Maybe even stop for a drink and some food in Harper’s Cafe while the kids have fun running around the flagship playground.

Accessibility: The park is accessible for wheelchair users with paved, step-free access and accessible toilets | Dogs: Dogs are allowed

Warren & Hoads Wood

Visit this Local Wildlife Site close to the centre of Ashford. Nestled within roads, railway and houses, the open woodland has a variety of waymarked trails that give visitors a choice of circular walks.

See if you can spot the elusive Highland Cattle that graze there in the summer!

Accessibility: An all-weather path runs along the bottom of the reserve but all other routes have steep inclines, steps and uneven surfaces | Dogs: Dogs allowed but must be on leads

Conningbrook Lakes Country Park

Made up of a series of lakes surrounded by ponds and grassland, this former quarry site now hosts a variety of wildlife. Enjoy the walking paths around the country park – the circular trail brings you back through the Conningbrook housing estate – or stop for a picnic by the water.

Accessibility: Partially accessible for wheelchair users with a tarmac path leading from the main car park to the water, but the rest of the site consists of flat, grass paths | Dogs: Dogs allowed but must be on leads

Hothfield Heathlands

Explore one of the last remaining heathlands in Kent, consisting of a combination of open heath, grassland and bog. There are four waymarked circular trails, with boardwalks allowing access to some of the wettest parts of the reserve.

Directions: Buses run to Hothfield from Ashford International Train Station (Stagecoach 510 service en route to Maidstone).

Accessibility: There is a dedicated accessible trail for wheelchair users | Dogs: Dogs allowed but must be on leads