Ash is in the heart of the Garden of England, famed for its apple-blossom, its oast houses and hop-fields. The Village is 10 miles from Canterbury (with the splendid cathedral rising through the City as it has done since before Archbishop Thomas à Becket was murdered there in 1170) and three miles from the charming mediaeval town of Sandwich.

Within the parish boundary lies Richborough Castle, the Roman gateway to Britain, with 1000 feet of massive stone walls that have stood for 1700 years. To the South, the countryside is very pleasing with the last hills of the Downs as they roll towards the port of Dover, only 75 minutes from France. Dover was another Roman settlement and has a fascinating painted house and a Roman lighthouse, which is as the Romans built it and which lies within the magnificent castle standing above the famous white cliffs. A day’s visit to Calais, France, from Dover or through the Channel Tunnel, is an optional extra which can easily be arranged.

Our Village is dominated by the Church of Saint Nicholas, with its magnificent 500-year old steeple, which served as a landmark for shipping in former times. The steeple and battlement tower, dating from 1500 A.D. is one of only four like it in Kent. The rest of the church is mostly thirteenth century, but also contains the lower stage of a Norman Tower. Equally impressive are the mediaeval monuments, one of the best collections inside any Parish Church in the county.

Around here are many small villages with pretty houses, old churches, attractive gardens, etc, and Ash itself has many lovely gardens and a delightful mixture of house styles. Julius Caesar, St. Augustine and Bleriot all arrived (in different centuries of course!) within 12 miles of our village centre! Castles abound in the area, there are lovely walks along nearby cliffs, shores and the countryside; there is a choice of fine golf courses and several interesting old Inns and Restaurants.

There is plenty to see and do in our part of Kent - we would like you to come and share it with us - and we have some wonderful cooks in the parish too!

Tuesday 4th September - Guests arrive. Optional tour of St.Nicholas Church followed by welcome dinner for guests and hosts.

Wednesday - Guided tour of Richborough Roman Fort and small museum followed by visit to Walmer Castle (home to many distinguished Wardens of the Cinque Ports) and Deal Pier.

Thursday - A day in the city of Canterbury – free time for shopping and tour of the great Cathedral followed by Choral Evensong.

Friday - Either: Either: a visit to Sissinghurst Castle (famous gardens created by Vita Sackville-West) or a trip to Chartwell, the country house of Sir Winston Churchill, in Westerham, Kent. A picnic lunch on this day, whichever you choose.

Saturday - A guided tour of the mediaeval town of Sandwich followed by
a pub lunch and visit to The Secret Gardens at The Salutation
manor house.

Sunday- Parish Communion at St Nicholas’ Church, Ash followed by traditional Sunday lunch with hosts. Visit and walk around Goodnestone Park (Jane Austin connections!) and tea in the grounds.

Monday - Dover for the day – visit the ancient Castle ‘The Key to the Kingdom’. Weather permitting, a short walk along the white cliffs above the busy Docks. Return home via St Margaret’s Bay.

Tuesday - Free morning. An afternoon trip to the seaside town of Broadstairs and optional visit to the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial at Manston. Farewell dinner for all.

Wednesday - Friends depart.

Visit the website - www.s8nicholas.org.uk