Pictures of Ashford
in the county of Kent
About Ashford
Local cattle and sheep reared on Romney Marsh have ensured the success of this lively little Market town. Ashford's Cattle Show is one of the oldest in the country and people flock here from all over, to show their prize animals or to simply enjoy a day out. The town gained importance after a railway junction was sited here in the mid 19th-century but Ashford's history stretches way back in the annals of time, this is demonstrated by the many fine old buildings to be seen in the town; including, the 15th-century church, the old grammar school and the market house.
Ashford is a pleasant town to visit, it bears all of the hallmarks of Wealden towns and villages with some very fine examples of Weatherboarded buildings to be seen both in the town and nearby villages. The shopping facilities are excellent and there are many interesting old inns in the area. Ashford has a fine Museum with many objects of interest on display.
The Romney Marshes are an area on the South Coast of England which lies between Folkstone in the East and Winchelsea in the West. The land used to be Marshland but over the passage of time it has been changed to its present form - farmland. Quite a large area of the land lies below sea level but protection throughout, is provided by sea defences and walls.
The Marshes are famous for their sheep and smuggling and for many years smuggling provided some local families with their only source of income! The area is used by Windsurfers, Sailors and other Watersport enthusiasts. There are good safe beaches along the coastline of the Romney Marshes.
Your trip should include a visit to nearby Bethersden. This village provided the Marble for the alter steps to Canterbury Cathedral. The ancient Cinque Port of Hythe is well worth a visit, so to is Dymchurch, once the historic centre for the government of the Cinque Ports. It is known that Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother enjoyed a long association with the Cinque Ports. The countryside all around is quite spectacular and one could easily enjoy time spent relaxing on golden sands or touring the many towns and villages that abound throughout this very special area.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Ashford
| Lympne Castle | (7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Port Lympne Wild Animal Park | (7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Saltwood Castle | (10.1 miles, 16.2 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway | (11.6 miles, 18.7 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Great Maytham Hall | (12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Canterbury Royal Museum & Art Gallery | (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Leeds Castle | (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Hole Park Gardens | (12.9 miles, 20.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Sir John Boy's House (Kings Gallery) | (12.9 miles, 20.8 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Canterbury Cathedral | (13.0 miles, 20.9 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| St Augustine's Abbey | (13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Sissinghurst Castle Garden | (13.4 miles, 21.5 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Lydden Motor Racing Circuit | (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Howletts Wild Animal Park | (14.2 miles, 22.8 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Lamb House | (14.3 miles, 23.0 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
All attractions in AshfordAll attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Ashford
Pluckley, in the county of Kent (5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction W)
The village, which is scrambled on a ridge above the scenic River Beult, is said to be the most haunted village in England.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Chilham, in the county of Kent (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction NE)
Chilham is a place of extraordinary serenity, it is both picturesque and pleasant, a lovely place to spend a perfectly peaceful day or a quiet, romantic weekend.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Appledore, in the county of Kent (9.0 miles, 14.4 km, direction S)
This picturesque village with its wealth of attractive architectural properties sits quietly on the edge of Romney Marsh.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Tenterden, in the county of Kent (9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction SW)
The town is located on slightly rising ground looking out over the vast agricultural landscape of the Rother Levels, which sweep down to the Romney Marshes and finally, the sea.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hythe, in the county of Kent (10.2 miles, 16.5 km, direction SE)
This delightful seaside resort is one of the five original Cinque Ports, it can trace its noble history all the way back to AD732 when it was granted a charter by the Saxon King Ethelred.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Brookland, in the county of Kent (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction S)
This is a pretty area full of natural wonders to be discovered on quiet walks or by taking a cycle ride along the paths of the many rivers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Smallhythe, in the county of Kent (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction SW)
Between the 14th and the 16th-centuries this lovely Wealdon hamlet was a flourishing port and famous ship building centre where one of Henry VIII war-ships was built.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Faversham, a Historic Market Town in the county of Kent (11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction N)
There is record of settlements in the area in pre-historic times, it is known that the Romans and the Anglo-Saxons both established villages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Lynsted, in the county of Kent (12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction N)
A charming, restful place in what is known as cherry-orchard country, and although the cherries are still here, arable farming has taken over much of the land.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Rolvenden, in the county of Kent (12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction SW)
Surrounded by a well-wooded landscape, this delightful village was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book, so we are assured of its long history.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Canterbury, in the county of Kent (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction NE)
Canterbury is an exquisite joyous place, it is submerged in history and is considered to be the birthplace of English...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Leeds, in the county of Kent (13.5 miles, 21.7 km, direction NW)
For a romantic day out and a trip into England's rich historic past you can do no better than visit the pastoral village of Leeds.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Playden, in the county of East Sussex (14.2 miles, 22.9 km, direction SW)
Playden is situated just north of Rye. It is most noted for its beautiful Norman Church dedicated to St. Michael which dates from around 1190.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Rye, in the county of East Sussex (14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction S)
Regarded by many as the prettiest town in England, Rye is a very popular place to visit along the south coast of England in...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Camber, in the county of East Sussex (15.1 miles, 24.3 km, direction S)
Backed by the Walland Marsh, Camber has one of the finest stretches of pure sand and sand dunes found along the East Sussex coast.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Ashford International Station | (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) |
| M20 Junction 9 | (1.1 miles, 1.7 km) |
| M20 Junction 10 | (1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction E) |
| Wye Station | (3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction NE) |
| Lydd Airport | (13.8 miles, 22.1 km, direction S) |
| London City Airport | (43.1 miles, 69.4 km, direction NW) |
| Ashford to London | (50.1 miles, 80.6 km, direction NW) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Ashford
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Ashford center |
| Cornerstone B&B | (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) |
| Ryemore Guest House | (0.8 miles, 1.2 km) |
| Holiday Inn Ashford Central | (0.8 miles, 1.3 km) |
| Ashford International Hotel - A QHotel | (0.9 miles, 1.5 km) |
| Downsview | (1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction NE) |
| The Conningbrook Hotel | (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction NE) |
| The Croft Hotel | (1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction NE) |
| Ashford Warren Cottage Guest House | (1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction E) |
| Eastwell Manor Hotel | (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction N) |
| New Flying Horse Inn | (3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction NE) |
| All hotels in Ashford |
