Why Elham?
Nestling in the heart of the inspiring Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty, the historic village of Elham is truly one of the most picturesque in East Kent.
Elham (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
Elham’s 43 listed buildings illustrate a long history, from the late medieval Church of St. Mary and fine timber-framed houses from Tudor times, to the former coaching inn of the Rose & Crown. And whilst Charles II may not have hidden in the chimney at the Abbots Fireside Hotel, there is plenty more fascinating history to be uncovered on a short walk around the village.
Abbotts Fireside Hotel (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
Sited halfway along the meandering valley that bears its name, Elham has become rightfully known as a haven for walking. The rolling hills and open fields provide a fantastic selection of both circular and linear routes for all abilities. The well-marked paths wind through unspoilt villages, ancient woodland, pastures and chalk grassland, allowing stunning views across the valley.
Elham Countryside (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
With your walk done for the day, you can also sample fresh local produce from traditional pubs and restaurants, local farm shops, the twice-monthly farmers market, or perhaps visit the nearby Elham Valley Vineyard for Kentish wines. But whatever you decide this is truly a fine place to relax and enjoy an unspoilt corner of Kent.
Activities
The countryside around Elham is part of the protected landscape of the Kent Downs, and there is certainly no shortage of things to do.
Elham Footpaths (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
Click below for more information on the activities you can enjoy in and around Elham:
Planning your stay
Whether you come to Elham for the day or stay for a longer visit, click on the links below to find all you need to know about where to stay, where to eat and drink and other activities on offer in the area.
Elham (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
Further Information
Information on Elham can be found at our own website www.elham.co.uk
Click here to download a copy of the Elham leaflet (PDF file 1.5mb)
Elham (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
Our local visitor information centres can be found at:
Canterbury Visitor Information Centre
12 - 13 Sun Street, Buttermarket
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2HX
Tel: 01227 378100
Web: www.canterbury.co.uk
Folkestone Information Centre
20 Bouverie Place
Folkestone
Kent
CT20 1AU
Tel: 01303 258594
www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk
Elham is located within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Visit www.kentdowns.org.uk for more information.
Elham is situated approximately half way between Folkestone and Canterbury.
For further information on Folkestone and surrounding areas go to www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk
For further information on Canterbury and surrounding areas go to www.canterbury.co.uk
Elham is one of the destinations working with the Hidden Britain project here in the South East.
Click here to find out more about Hidden Britain.
This Country Break has been developed through the Kent Downs AONB Unit’s Transmanche Sustainable Tourism Project, in partnership with the Elham Valley Tourism Group and the Hidden Britain Initiative. The project is part financed through the European Regional Development Fund – Interreg IIIa.
