Barham is a small village in an area of East Kent noted for both its beautiful countryside and a wealth of historical interest. The village street winds up from the green, past the pub which serves both traditional ales and excellent food, to the 13th century church whose copper coated spire is a local landmark. The village spreads along the sides of a downland valley surrounded by fields and woodland where paths and bridleways afford opportunities to walk and appreciate the fine views. The village is quiet and peaceful and yet not isolated. It is just six miles from Canterbury and the Channel ports are only twenty minutes drive away. London is within easy reach by rail or coach from Canterbury.

The area is steeped in history having been visited in the past by the Romans, Normans and many others. Henry VIII stayed nearby on his journey to Calais and more recently Eleanor Roosevelt presented gifts to Barham Women’s Institute during the Second World War.

Within a few miles of Barham you may explore grand castles such as Dover and Walmer, visit the shrine of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, wander through beautiful gardens or browse the antiques shops in ancient towns with quaint medieval buildings.

You may like to travel further afield to see such gems as the moated Leeds Castle in its fairytale setting or Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s home. Tunbridge Wells, famous for its Regency spa is also a great place to shop and nestling in the Weald of Kent are the delightful small towns of Tenterden and Cranbrook. The famous gardens at Sissinghurst are close by. Wherever you decide to go your journey will take you through beautiful Kentish countryside past quaint villages and blossom filled orchards.

Your holiday will not be a non stop round of travel and sight seeing, as we know from experience that visitors need to
relax, so the programme allows plenty of rest time when you may simply go shopping, walking, or simply sit with your
friends and watch the world go by.

We take pleasure in showing visitors our special part of England and look forward to welcoming you to our village and our homes.

Tuesday - Guests arrive. Evening with hosts.

Wednesday - Tour of Barham Benifice, lunch in local pub, cream tea at Barham Vineyard, evening with friends in parish.

Thursday - Canterbury all day. Visit Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, sightseeing tour of city. Afternoon free for shopping. Evening barbecue party.

Friday - All day visit to Chartwell and Ightam Mote, evening with friends in parish.

Saturday - Dover Castle and the White Cliffs. Afternoon relaxation, evening with friends.

Sunday - Worship in St John’s Church. Sunday lunch at pub, followed by afternoon visit to Goodnestone, or choral evensong in the Cathedral. Evening with your hosts.

Monday - Leeds Castle or Tunbridge Wells and drive through Kent countryside, afternoon tea on way home, evening with hosts.

Tuesday - Half day visit to Sissinghurst Castle gardens and nearby historic market towns. Evening informal farewell supper.

Wednesday - Friends depart.