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Kent Downs AONB, Visitor Guide
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In the south east corner of England in the county of Kent.
The Kent Downs run from east Surrey and London (inside in the M25 motorway) all the way down to the Dover coast. They are part of the larger North Downs which run 120 miles (190 km) from west Surrey to the Dover Coast. The North Downs comprise the Kent Downs AONB and the Surrey Hills AONB.
The Kent Downs straddle the M25 around Sevenoaks and push down between the M20 and M2/A2 towards the coast and English Channel. Canterbury is just beyond the eastern fringe of the AONB.
Places in which to base yourself
On the coast, St. Margarets at Cliffe, Dover and Folkestone are obvious. In the west, towards the Surrey border and the M25, try Sevenoaks. To the north, Rochester and Chatham are fascinating. Canterbury is close.
In the Kent Downs, try Elham, Wye, Chatham, Hollingbourne and Westerham.
Coast and Downs
On the coast, visit the White Cliffs Of Dover and South Foreland Heritage Coast at St Margaret's at Cliffe.
Toys Hill, south of the M25 by Sevenoaks, is the highest point on the Kent Downs with great views over the High Weald AONB. Down by Ashford is the wonderfully named Devil's Kneading Trough.
You can walk the Downs on the North Downs Way, a National Trail some 246 km (about 150 miles) long running from Farnham in Surrey to the Dover coast. Try also the Pilgrim's Way which runs parallel to much of the North Downs Way. If you've read parts, or all, of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales then this is its setting. The Pilgrim's Way connects Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral World Heritage Site.
Other attractions
There are some stunning castles and country houses in the area. Try Dover Castle and Leeds Castle, Rochester Castle and Lullingstone Castle. There's also Knole and Chartwell.
Last, at Sandling, visit the Museum of Kent Life.
[Information provided by picturetheuk]
External Links
www.kentdowns.org.uk
