Sparkling Kent Downs
Explore two exceptional vineyards located in The Kent Downs AONB and find out why this area produces the perfect sparkling English wine. Enjoy a self guided walk leading you through Champagne Tattinger vineyards enjoying the spectacular scenery of The North Downs AONB before heading to a hilltop village for lunch. In the afternoon explore Westwell Wines for a vineyard tour and tasting session. To round off your day enjoy a superb meal at one of Kent’s finest dining restaurants in the pretty village of Wye, where you can extend your visit with an overnight stay.
- Wye
Itinerary details
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Sparkling Kent Downs
Explore two exceptional vineyards located in The Kent Downs AONB and find out why this area produces the perfect sparkling English wine. Enjoy a self guided walk leading you through Champagne Tattinger vineyards enjoying the spectacular scenery of The North Downs AONB before heading to a hilltop village for lunch. In the afternoon explore Westwell Wines for a vineyard tour and tasting session. To round off your day enjoy a superb meal at one of Kent’s finest dining restaurants in the pretty village of Wye, where you can extend your visit with an overnight stay.
The Lost Landscapes Heritage Trail, Chilham – Perry Woods
https://explorekent.org/activities/chilham-walk-lost-landscapes/
Complete the secondary route of The Lost Landscapes Heritage Trail starting at Chilham (train station & bus route) This circular 4 ½ mile trail will take approximately 2 ½ hours and leads you to the stunning view point of the mount in Perry Woods. You’ll then pass through the Domaine Evremond vineyards owned by Champagne Tattinger on the slopes of a stunning valley between Old Wives Lees & Perry Woods before returning to Chilham.
Woolpack Inn/Shelleys Tea Room
In Chilham explore the beautiful ancient village square – famed for TV appearances in Miss Marple, Poirot & Jane Austen’s Emma – where you’ll find The Woolpack Inn (££) an award winning 15th century Shepherd Neame Inn serving a wide ranging delicious menu using locally sourced produce.
For a light lunch why not try Shelleys Tea Room serving up sumptuous cream teas or light lunches (££)
Westwell Wines
Travel to Westwell (only 1 mile from Charing railway station) where you can complete a vineyard tour around Westwell Wine Estate where you’ll see the vineyard at its most verdant as the fruit begins to develop on the vines and learn about their approach to sustainable winegrowing.
Following the tour you’ll have the opportunity to taste 5 wines in a tutored tasting. The tour will last approximately 2 hours and will involve a walk in the vineyard on uneven ground so come with suitable footwear and clothing for potential wet and cold weather.
The Wife of Bath/ The New Flying Horse Food
To round off your ‘High Life’ experience why not treat yourselves to modern dining with an a la carte meal at The Wife of Bath in Wye (££- £££). (Railway station & bus route) The two AA rosette awarded restaurant has long been regarded as one of the finest food destinations in Kent and is now run by the Rocksalt team, headed up by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay protegee Mark Sargeant.
For a cheaper option try The New Flying Horse (££) in Wye, serving lovely food with fantastic service.
The Wife of Bath / The New Flying Horse Stay
With six beautifully appointed double rooms, The Wife of Bath, provides the complete exclusive overnight package to complete your ‘High Life’ experience in The Kent Downs AONB
The New Flying Horse also has accommodation with nine recently refurbished rooms providing a high standard of accommodation. Two twin rooms and a family room make this a great place for families to stay.
Travel
Train: Stations at Wye/Chilham/Charing/Ashford, with a regular train service to/from London
Bus – The 652 service from Canterbury to Ashford provides bus transport along the A28.
The 10X bus (operated by Stagecoach) runs along the A20.
Cycle Hire – http://www.homewoodcycles/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. Follow The Pilgrims Cycle Trail to access all destinations mentioned in this itinerary.
Car Parking is also available at all suggested places.