A cinema in a former Victorian lecture hall, a church window dating from around 1350, and fishing lakes with different access requirements give Hawkhurst several specific ways to explore. Culture enthusiasts can trace local history through individual buildings; when fishing, lake size, fish species and access rules guide the choice. So if you are looking for accommodation in Hawkhurst, you can plan your stay around your own interests rather than trying to fit every option into a single itinerary. Culture, fishing and a meal break are different ways to shape your visit.
Cinema, Church and House History
Hawkhurst Cinema is located in Victoria Hall, a former Victorian lecture hall. Its previous use as a venue for lectures makes the setting of a cinema visit part of the area’s architectural history. Screenings are available from 10 am. If you would like to include a film in your day’s plans, check the current schedule in advance. The cinema also has a café-bar. As information about facilities can change, it is worth checking the latest details before your visit.
The oldest part of St Laurence Church comprises the chancel and the north chapel. The Great East Window was built around 1350. Highgate House offers a different period of history: it is a house dating from the mid-16th century that was altered in the 17th century. These examples highlight different aspects—from the oldest parts of a church and a window with its own date to the later-renovated history of a house.
Fishing: Size, Fish Species and Access
Four Trees Lake is a tree-lined fishing lake covering three-quarters of an acre. Main Lake at Hawkhurst Fish Farm covers four acres and is a carp and catfish lake for specimen fishing. The stated sizes and individual characteristics offer two specific points of comparison: a smaller, tree-lined lake and a larger water with carp and catfish as target species.
Access rules also differ at Hawkhurst Fish Farm. Specimen Lake is for members only and requires at least five years’ experience in carp fishing. The lake is stocked with more than 200 particularly large fish. Quarry Lake is accessible only with a day ticket; advance booking is recommended. The choice therefore depends not only on lake size or fish species, but also on which access rule applies to your visit. Check the conditions before making plans and take into account the recommendation to book Quarry Lake in advance.
Local History on Routes of Different Lengths
The Hawkhurst Heritage Trail is just under six miles long. The Highgate-Central route from A Walk in the Past is about three-quarters of a mile. If you are specifically looking for a shorter walk, you can consider Highgate-Central a more compact alternative to the considerably longer Heritage Trail. A Walk in the Past was developed to bring Hawkhurst’s hidden history and heritage to light. A free 20-page PDF brochure is also available, offering a virtual look at the former centre. If you would like to use the brochure as an introduction to local history, check its availability in advance.
For a meal break, Waterside Café serves fresh, homemade food made with locally sourced ingredients. As opening details can change, check the latest hours before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Broad Oak Brede, Chevening, Yalding, Tudeley, Aylesham, Shepherdswell, West Farleigh, Seasalter.
For the overview of the wider region: Kent.
