Chartham brings together the Great Stour, walks through the countryside and a remarkable history of churches and the village. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you can choose based on your interests: are you mainly interested in riverside walks, nature or historic buildings? The different route lengths and destinations provide a practical guide, without requiring you to fit every activity into a single outing.

Walking routes with different character

The Great Stour Way is a surfaced multi-user path that runs through Chartham alongside the Great Stour. It is intended for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. Check local path conditions before your visit.

The Chartham South Lost Landscapes Walk is 6.35 miles long and runs along the River Stour. The route passes through ancient woodland and ends with views and prehistoric heritage at the Chartham Downs. The Chartham North Lost Landscape Trail is another option: it runs through the northern part of the parish along the North Downs Way.

The historic walk from Chartham to Canterbury starts in the village. A shorter 3-mile section can be started by getting off at Chartham station. The distances offer a clear comparison: this shorter section contrasts with the 6.35-mile South Walk. Check the relevant train and path conditions before travelling.

Chartham station has a covered bicycle parking area with eight spaces. As station facilities can change, check what is available before travelling.

Riverside scenery and nature

No Man’s Orchard covers 4 hectares and lies on the eastern edge of Chartham Hatch. It has around 152 mature Bramley apple trees and 45 pollinator trees; the site is designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The North Downs Way runs alongside the orchard. Much of Chartham’s farmland and woodland borders the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Stour Valley near Chartham is also known for its wildlife. Animals found along the riverbank include grey herons. Together with the orchard trees and surrounding landscapes, this gives the area a different character from its surfaced paths and historic sites.

Church art and local history

St Mary’s Chartham is a Grade I listed church dating from the early 14th century. The chancel contains stained glass dating from around 1294. The church also houses a brass relief of Sir Robert de Septvans, considered one of the finest in the country, as well as 18th-century wall monuments, including works by Rysbrack and Scheemakers.

St Mary’s is generally said to be open daily from around 10 am to 4 pm; opening times depend on volunteer availability. Contact the church before you arrive. This lets you plan your visit separately from the building’s enduring points of interest.

Local architectural heritage also includes the Dovecote at Burnt House Farm: a rare combined dovecote from the 18th century, particularly well preserved and largely in its original condition. Above-ground and underground remains of the medieval Horton Chapel also survive northeast of Chartham and near the River Great Stour.

Another focus for your visit

At Chartham Vineyard, visitors can see a demonstration vineyard and an old dovecote. This adds a wine-related activity to the riverside paths, countryside routes and church art. The different themes can help you choose Chartham as an overnight destination based on what you’d most like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Newington, Rolvenden, Edenbridge, Hadlow, Crockenhill, Matfield, Sutton Valence, Halstead

For the main travel overview: Kent.