Top Things to do in Ashford
Things to do in Ashford, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Ashford, United Kingdom including Wye National Nature Reserve, Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Hawking Centre, Godinton House & Gardens, Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve, Memorial Gardens, Victoria Park, Conningbrook Lakes Country Park.
Restaurants in Ashford
1. Wye National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By NewtzGodmersham
One of the most spectacular views in Kent and some wonderful walks through woods, over the Downs and up to the Wye Crown. Perfect for dog walkers, joggers, or just a stroll and a picnic.
2. Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Lying just 15 miles south east of London and covering 878sq.km of Kent's stunning countryside, the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of the most enchanting parts of England to explore. Dramatic cliffs (including the White Cliffs of Dover), ancient woodlands, meandering rivers, chalk downland, traditional orchards and tranquility with pockets of postcard-picture villages dotted throughout, await the visitor.
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
Covering an area of just over 560 square miles, the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is considered to be one of the best surviving medieval landscapes in Northern Europe. It covers, at the heart of South East England, parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey. This "natural beauty" is made up of small irregular-shaped fields, (often the remnants of medieval hunting forests), ancient woods, scattered farmsteads, narrow, sunken lanes (ideal for dog walking) and hamlets and villages. These hamlets and villages developed from temporary buildings ibn wooded areas (known as "dens") where farmers grazed their pigs. In my area, for example, we have Tenterden, Biddenden and Benenden where the buildings are, characteristically, timber, stone and white weather-boarded. The main industries in the area include farming, agriculture and tourism. For tourists, round my home town of Cranbrook, we are lucky to have three castles, Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam. Also, apart from the woods at Sissinghurst, we are lucky to be not that far away from Bedgebury Pinetum. I consider myself to be very lucky to live in this Area of Outstanding NaturaL Beautyn and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to visit one of England's finest landscapes
3. The Hawking Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By surreymilly2017 - Surrey, United Kingdom
A big thank you to Reece for a fascinating half day Falconry Experience. Our family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in particular our 7 year old whose birthday we were celebrating. Reece had immense knowledge of the birds and great skill in their handling. All the birds were special but we particularly loved Maggie the Hooded vulture-such a character. We had a spontaneous and delicious Afternoon tea on the terrace of Eastwell Manor afterwards.
4. Godinton House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Discover a Jacobean house with a Medieval hall and lose yourself in the incredibly beautiful gardens and ancient parkland. Fabulous events and workshop programme throughout the year. Gardens open Tuesday to Sunday: 1st March- 31st October 1pm-6pm. Visit website for House and visitor Tearoom opening times.
Reviewed By jackier59er
My daughter and I spent a such lovely afternoon enjoying the gardens, and then taking the circular walk around the estate. The staff we met were really friendly and so helpful, and the homemade cake delicious! Loved wandering around the different areas of the garden, with my favorite, admittedly, being the huge kitchen garden. Being able to then buy a bag of their Russet apples to bring away was an unexpected bonus! Thoroughly recommend a visit to this oasis of calm in a mad world.
5. Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By cleo464 - Ashford, United Kingdom
Fantastic walk around the reserve. Lots of blue bells. Clear routes to follow. Parking available. Benches to sit if needed.
6. Memorial Gardens
7. Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By samharnold - Ashford, United Kingdom
Love this place a short walk from our house and loads of room to run. Was an absolute godsend whilst we were in isolation. A quiet place to get back to nature.
