Wickhambreaux is a small village in the valley of the Little Stour. Its name is derived from the Saxon Wickham - a dwelling by a marsh - and the suffix added later when in the 13th century, the land was owned by the de Breuse family. The Black Prince, buried in Canterbury Cathedral, just four miles away, is reputed to have courted Joan the Fair Maid of Kent in Wickhambreaux which was part of her father’s estate.

The village retains its old pattern of church, manor house, rectory, inn and water mill surrounding the green. The church of St. Andrew has a celebrated stained glass window, designed and exhibited in New York by American Arild Rosenkrantz whose technique used for the jewel colours of the glass is unique and breathtaking.

The Nature Reserve of Stodmarsh is within walking distance - its lakes, reed beds and woodland is home to many resident and migratory birds.

Wickhambreaux is on the road from Canterbury to the Ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich, refuge in the 17th century for the Protestants fleeing the Spanish oppression in the Low Countries. They have left their mark on the buildings and prosperity of this small market town.

Kent is steeped in the history of our country, called the Gateway to England, Romans, Danes and Normans have landed on this coast and evidence of their passing is our heritage: from the great Norman Castle high on the white cliffs at Dover, to the Gothic Cathedral at Canterbury, scene of the murder of Thomas à Becket and a magnet for pilgrims and tourists through the centuries. From Walmer Castle official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, latterly a position held by the Queen Mother, at present no one has been appointed to succeed her. To the magical beauty of the moated Leeds Castle former home of the Dowager Queens of England. And to Godinton House a fine Jacobean mansion, a veritable treasure house of superb antiques and furnishings.

We have tried to select from the great number of
interesting places in our area those that don’t entail too much car travel but will give you a varied picture of our countryside and coastline. Come and enjoy with us our corner of England. We gently advise that these visits entail a good deal of walking.

Tuesday - Guests arrive. Brief tour of village. Dinner with hosts.

Wednesday - Visit the splendours of Canterbury Cathedral and the historic City. Free afternoon for shopping. Optional choral Evensong in the Cathedral. Evening meal for all participants in the Village Hall.

Thursday - Visit to Dover with magnificent 11th century Castle and Roman lighthouse set on the cliffs above Dover. Steeped in history including World War II Hellfire Corner. Weather permitting a short walk along the white cliffs gazing down on the busy Channel docks and perhaps the coastline of France on a clear day. Going home a short vist to the tiny church at Barfreston one of the best 12th century churches in England.

Friday - Visit the ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich and its medieval Guildhall. Lunch in Sandwich. Afternoon visit to Walmer Castle 16th century home to many distinguished Wardens of the
Cinque Ports. Perhaps a walk along the seafront.

Saturday - A visit to our neighbouring showpiece, a magnificent 13th century. aisled barn, then on to a picturesque village for lunch and to Godinton House.

Sunday - Morning service at Wickhambreaux Church. Traditional Sunday lunch with hosts. Afternoon visits to be arranged with host. Visit our local bird reserve, a garden or the coast at Whitstable.

Monday - All day visit to one of England’s outstanding historic houses the fairytale moated Leeds Castle with its beautiful gardens.

Tuesday - Visit some of village houses in Wickhambreaux. Lunch at the village pub. Afternoon return to Canterbury for free time, shopping, hair-do? Optional visit to the old leper hospital and church on the outskirts of the City.

Wednesday - Friends Depart.