Shepherdswell offers walking routes, rides on the East Kent Railway and architectural and cultural history. For planning, you can choose from different route lengths and directions; the railway and local landmarks offer further distinct points of interest.
Walking routes by length and direction
The 9-mile walking route from Shepherdswell to Dover follows both the North Downs Way and the Via Francigena, passing through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means you can follow two long-distance trails and take in a protected landscape along a single route.
Another distance is covered by Section 12 of the North Downs Way: the linear route from Canterbury to Shepherdswell is 10 miles (16 km) long. This represents not just a difference of one mile, but also a different direction and endpoint. When choosing a route, you can take its length and destination into account together.
The North Downs Way section featuring the Monumenta Romana sculpture starts either at Shepherdswell station or at the Village Green. The North Downs Way Gateway sign stands on Mill Lane next to the Village Green. The sculpture is nearby: its open dome is made from reclaimed timber, encloses an octagonal wooden bench and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The two starting points and the trail sign provide different landmarks for finding your way along this section.
East Kent Railway and woodland walk
Restored electric and diesel locomotives carry passengers from Shepherdswell to Eythorne on the East Kent Railway. Shepherdswell mainline station is less than 100 metres from the East Kent Railway. This distance is a practical reference if you plan to visit both railway locations.
The East Kent Railway grounds also include a walking trail through a 350-year-old woodland. As well as passenger rides, visitors can enjoy a walk and the ancient woodland, offering different interests at the same railway site. If you are planning a ride, check the latest timetables before your visit.
Buildings and local history
Shepherds Well signal box still has its original 23-lever frame. It is the only surviving example of a signal box built to a bespoke design by the London, Chatham & Dover Railway. Its surviving lever mechanism and distinctive design history make the building a striking part of Shepherdswell’s railway heritage.
Shepherdswell’s war memorial, a Celtic-style memorial cross, stands on The Green. The structure is listed as Grade II. Nearby, at Coldred Court, there is also a ringwork and bailey designated as a Scheduled Monument. What survives there is an early medieval Norman earthwork with a bailey, or outer enclosure.
St Andrew’s Church in Shepherdswell is built from local flint with Bath stone dressings. A church in Shepherdswell, also known by the old name Sibertswold, is first documented in 944. These two details provide different perspectives on local history: the building materials of a church and an early documentary reference.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Smeeth, Lamberhurst, Camber, Chestfield, Woodnesborough, Wittersham, Paddock Wood, Broad Street.
Go to the main travel overview: Kent.
