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Attractions
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Most tourists plan their vacation around the "attractions". If you
are on a walking holiday, your focus will be on the walking, but you will still see some
of the main points of interest in the area you're visiting (with perhaps a little extra
effort). But, we think, more importantly, you will also see some very interesting
things that may be in your pathway that you might never otherwise have noticed.
These range all the way from little-known local sights and museums to some very
interesting things that you will enjoy perhaps more than a visit to some of the more
famous places. Take for example the immense wooden snake above, carved in sections
out of a tree. It rests menacingly next to the North Downs Way in a community
orchard near Chartham Hatch. If you contemplate a walking trip, be sure
to ask around in each locale as to what "interesting" sights there might be to
see. Most will be things you won't read about in Fodor or The Rough Guide! In fact
some things that locals don't think are particularly interesting may really catch your
eye! Check out our journal for accounts of many more interesting things we saw on
our trip. |
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If you visit the "chocolate box" village of Chilham, you will only
get to gaze at Chilham Castle through the locked gate. Some years ago it was bought
by a private party who discontinued the long-standing custom of letting the public visit
the grounds and buildings. What mysteries lie behind the fog-enshrouded facade? |
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One of the world's shortest tour boat rides can be had in Canterbury, on the
River Stour amidst the historical buildings of this ancient and important city. |
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At the Roman Museum of Canterbury, you can bargain with a 1st century
shopkeeper, though he is not likely to budge. |
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Free attractions are a real rarity in England these days. But if you persist,
you will find a few, such as Canterbury public library, which houses a museum containing a
rather strange assortment of things including the obligatory regimental memorabilia
display and this massive oil painting of cows. |
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A real gem in often overlooked Dover, the Castle warrants more than the
"half-day" suggested by some guidebooks, especially if the weather is mild
enough to enjoy walking around the grounds and taking in the breathtaking views of the
city, ocean, and castle buildings. This view shows the castle from Dover city
center. |
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Wye is one of the most picturesque villages we visited, off our route but
highly recommended by several people we met along the way. Here, old cannons
overlook the harbor. |
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This magnificent windmill in Cranbrook was the only thing resembling a tourist
attraction in that pleasant town. Owned by a preservation society and run by
volunteers, it was regrettably not open except on Saturdays. We could only admire from the
outside. |
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For garden buffs, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens is a must-see. But you can
see all the buildings without ponying up the stiff entry fee to see the actual gardens.
These included the largest set of oast house buildings we saw on the entire trip. |
