Newington combines a layered village history with routes into the open countryside. Its defining features include the architectural history of the parish church, the Church of St Nicholas, historic buildings in the village and the landscape around it. You can get to know Newington through both its architecture and its green, rural surroundings.

The Church and Historic Village Details

The architectural history of the parish church, the Church of St Nicholas, dates back to the late 11th or 12th century and the 13th century. The building was altered later, in the late 18th or early 19th century. At the west gable end is a round-arched doorway: small wedge-shaped stones form the arch, and there are no imposts. The church offers both a broad view across the centuries and a specific architectural detail that can be examined more closely.

The old pound stands in the village centre and is a Grade II listed structure. The churchyard also contains a gravestone from the mid-18th century. Two cherub heads are carved into the stone; the inscription names Mark Turner, who died in 1751. Together, these different buildings and memorials offer insight into various aspects of the village’s history, though they do not all belong to the same period.

Pound Farm in Newington also has a long building history, with work from at least five different building periods represented there. The village’s former almshouse is now privately owned and still largely retains the form it had around 1700 or a little earlier. In Frogholt, Newington, stands Old Kent Cottage, a timber-framed house with a thatched roof and Grade II listed status. It may date from the early 14th century. These examples show how varied the historic buildings in Newington are—from multiple building phases to a cautiously dated origin.

Village Green and Landscape

Newington lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From the church, there is a remarkable view north across the village towards the North Downs. In the centre, the churchyard forms a large public green space. It provides a setting for the church and neighbouring buildings, and is as much a part of the village scene as its historic buildings.

Footpaths lead from the public recreation ground and allotments into the open countryside, connecting the village with the wider landscape. A large old yew tree stands north of the churchyard and is estimated to be around 2,000 years old. Alongside the church’s building phases, it brings a very different timescale to the character of the village. Newington’s historic position on the road between Ashford and Folkestone is also part of its history.

There are two distinct points to consider when planning your visit: in the village, the focus is on architectural history, monuments and public green space; the footpaths lead out of the village into the countryside. If you are looking for a holiday rental for a stay in Newington, these cultural and landscape interests may influence your choice of destination.

Discover more destinations: Bridge, Woodnesborough, Cliffs End, Tunbridge Wells, Tilmanstone, West Peckham, New Romney, Egerton.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.