10 Best Things To Do In Ashford & Time To Visit

Kent, a county in southeastern England, is filled with numerous attractions and Ashford is a big reason for that. This small town, 40 minutes away from London, serves as a charming destination for tourists, offering something for everyone. If you’re travelling to this location, join us in this guide as we explore the best things to do in Ashford, Kent. There’s something to satisfy every interest here, from tourist hotspots to relaxing outdoor areas.

Table Of Contents

1 10 Best Things To Do In Ashford
2 Honourable Mentions
3 Exploring Ashford On A Budget
4 Best Time To Visit Ashford
5 Frequently Asked Questions
6 Conclusion

10 Best Things To Do In Ashford

Let’s take you on a journey through Ashford with the 10 fun things to do in this town.

1. Take A Tour Of The Curious Brewery

The Curious Brewery is one of our top picks in Ashford, Kent. This one is obviously not for everyone, but it’s a prime pick if you’re a beer lover. This double-awarded brewery is just a few steps away from Ashford International.

Workers at the brewery will give you an informative tour that takes you through the process of crafting beer of the highest quality. You’ll also get a rundown of The Curious Brewery’s history.

Finally, you get to round off your tour of the Curious Brewery by unwinding in the welcoming bar and restaurant. You’ll be served a selection of finely brewed beer taken directly from the tap.

2. Experience The Thrill Of Pressure Point’s Escape Room

On to something you can enjoy with the kids. Pressure Point’s escape room is a great place to be if you love putting your wits to the test. Choose from a variety of themed escape rooms and work together as a team to overcome the challenge.

Each escape room offers a unique and thrilling adventure that tests how well you can solve problems. There’s a friendly team on site to answer your questions and provide assistance while you have a fun time with your family and friends.

Pressure Point Escape Rooms is located in the heart of Ashford, Kent. Ashford International train station is nearby, making it accessible to visitors from other cities.

Check out our article on the best things to do in Gillingham.

3. Visit Biddenden Vineyards Or Chapel Down To Enjoy Tasty Wines

We’ve put these two attractions together because they’re both vineyards but each one offers a different experience. You have Biddenden Vineyards and there’s also Chapel Down Winery.

Biddenden Vineyard is Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard and it produces some of the most spectacular wines, ciders and juices. It is open to visitors all year round and the best part is that entry and tasting are free.

Chapel Down offers a number of unique experiences, from guided tours to tasting and gifting. You even get the opportunity to lease your own vines. You’re welcome to explore the grounds and the herb garden and walk around the Chapel Down vineyard.

4. Watch A Movie At Picturehouse Or Cineworld Ashford

This one is for movie lovers looking to unwind while enjoying the best cinema experience in Kent. You can choose between these two cinemas, each one offering great new movies in a relaxing setting.

Picturehouse features six screens as well as a function room available for hire in a modern setting. They also offer a tasty food and drink experience, which you can plan ahead on the website.

Cineworld is just as good, with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. You’ll also have a range of options when it comes to movies and food.

5. Hike The North Downs Way

Ashford serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring the renowned North Downs Way. This town offers easy access to the trail, allowing you to experience the beauty of the English countryside as you walk.

The trail is located in the South East, close to London and continental Europe. It is near Ashford in Kent, offering you the opportunity to explore two landscapes. You can either pass through orchards and farmland via Canterbury to Dover or walk down the southern route along the Downs.

6. Shop At Ashford Designer Outlet

Discover Ashford Designer Outlet, yet another attraction that is located close to Ashford International train station. McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet is the perfect place to get all your designer wear in Kent.

The shopping centre features some of the most popular global brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, All Saints, Jack Wills, Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger and Ted Baker. The best part is that you get up to 60% of the recommended retail price.

Ashford Designer Outlet is not just welcoming to the entire family; it is also dog-friendly. You can take your furry friends to most stores in the mall. Just make sure they have the paw print sticker on the window.

If you like to carry your canine around, it will interest you to know that Kent has a number of dog-friendly beaches nearby.

7. Visit Godinton House & Gardens

History buffs looking for fun things to do in Kent will enjoy a tour of the Godinton House and Gardens. This 14th-century brick manor was home to the Toke family for hundreds of years. In fact, Captain Nicholas Tokes is mostly responsible for the current design of the house.

Expert guides will lead you on a fantastic tour of the house, tracing its 600-year history. You’ll also get to see an excellent country house collection of furniture, art and porcelain. Enjoy delicious homemade cakes and beverages in the old billiard room before rounding off with a walk around the garden.

Admission into Godinton House is £15 for adults, while children under 16 can enter free of charge. The manor is just on the outskirts of Ashford and you can easily access it from the A20.

8. Learn History At Ashford Borough Museum

Ashford has a number of museums but if you’re only going to see one, it should be the Ashford Borough Museum. Located in the Church Yard in the town centre, it is used to preserve and promote the borough’s rich history and heritage.

This museum has been around for 30 years and it features various displays that tell the story of lost businesses, archaeological finds, smuggling, as well as the part Ashford played in both World Wars.

9. See Big Cats At The Wildlife Heritage Foundation

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation is one to see if you’re a big cat lover. Also known as ‘The Big Cat Sanctuary’, this conservation charity houses more than 40 cats spanning 12 species. You’ll find everything from African and Asian lions to Sumatran tigers, Snow Leopards and Jaguars.

By visiting the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, you’ll also be supporting a charity dedicated to saving these big cats from extinction. The WHF runs breeding programmes to ensure that future generations get to experience the magnificence of these big cats.

You can book a lodge and enjoy an overnight visit at the sanctuary or spend some hours here and take photos.

10. Ride The Train At Kent & East Sussex Railway

Ashford is home to the Kent and East Sussex Railway, which is one of the earliest examples of a rural railway. This main station isn’t exactly in Ashford, but in Tenterden but it shouldn’t be too much trouble to get here.

Once you buy your ticket, a guide a briefing about the history of the railway before you step aboard the steam or diesel train to travel the ancient road.

The Kent and East Sussex Railway was originally designed to serve rural villages when it opened in 1900. The railways ran between Robertsbridge and Tenterden until it was shut down in 1961.

Honourable Mentions

We’ve given you our top 10 list but there’s more. Ashford has so many great attractions to discover that we didn’t want you to miss some other great ones. Here are some other fun things to do in Ashford that didn’t make our initial list.

Visit Rare Breeds Centre

There’s a reason Rare Breeds Centre is so popular among tourists in the UK. This attraction welcomes more than 130,000 visitors every year. Rare Breeds Centre is perfect for any animal lover who wants to learn more about what taking care of animals entails.

This attraction is located in Woodchurch, Ashford, surrounded by the beautiful Kent countryside. It is home to many rare and native breeds of livestock, including pigs, sheep, horses, chickens and cows. The Rare Breeds Centre is managed by The Canterbury Oast Trust, which runs special seasonal events throughout the year.

Enjoy The Outdoors At Wye National Nature Reserve

Discover Wye National Nature Reserve, one of the best locations for anyone who fancies wildlife and stunning views of the outdoors. This reserve is home to numerous wildlife, including moths, insects and orchids, all of which are important for conservation. It safeguards these species, so they can be enjoyed now and studied in the future.

Wye National Nature Reserve spans over 134 hectares (0.5 sq mi) of chalk downland, woodland and grass. The reserve is 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of Wye and 6 km (3.8 mi) northeast of Ashford, so you can access it from either town.

Spend Time At Hole Park Estate

Hole Park Estate is one of the lesser-known attractions in Ashford but it is still a great place to be. It comprises a private home in the middle of an extensive sixteen acres of gardens, featuring lawns with trees.

Enjoy amazing views across the Kent countryside, seeing up to 20 miles to the east. This area is completely secluded with barely any sound from trains or planes, even though it is within reach of London.

Take a photo, enjoy your lunch on the lawn and just relish the moment. The best part is dogs are welcome so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friends at home.

SDVH offers a wide range of executive car options, perfect for luxury trips to Ashford. You can also check out our spacious estate cars for family travel.

Exploring Ashford On A Budget

Ashford offers a bunch of fun things to do, especially if you have enough money to fund the experience. If you’re on a strict budget, don’t worry. You can still have a great time. You just have to stick to free attractions like Ashford Park, the Ashford International Hotel Garden and Wye National Nature Reserve. You may also find the following tips helpful:

Pack a picnic: Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the park. This way you get to save on an expensive lunch.
Check for free events: Many local events, such as farmers’ markets and festivals, are free to attend.
Use public transportation: Ashford has a good public transportation system, so consider using buses or trains to get around.
Look for discounts: Check for student, senior or group discounts at attractions and restaurants.
Look for budget-friendly accommodation: There are several affordable hotels and guesthouses in Ashford.

Best Time To Visit Ashford

You can visit Ashford, Kent, at any period of the year but some months work better than others. You may want to consider spring and autumn, as they have mild temperatures with fewer crowds. Plus, attractions tend to be cheap in spring. Summer is ideal if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. You can also look out for festivals and spend time at Kent’s beaches.

Winter can be a charming time to visit, especially if you enjoy the festive atmosphere and winter sports. However, you have to deal with the cold and occasional snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Attraction In Ashford?

The best attraction in Ashford is Godinton House & Gardens, known for its stunning gardens and historic house. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy nature and history. There are a bunch of other fun things to do in Ashford, from shopping at the Ashford Designer Outlet to learning history at the Ashford Borough Museum.

Is Ashford International Hotel A Good Place To Stay When Visiting Ashford?

Yes, Ashford International Hotel is a good place to stay when visiting Ashford. It offers a combination of comfort, convenience and amenities that make it a popular choice for many travellers. You’ll also find some of the best attractions in the town nearby. You may also consider other options like Premier Inn and Hampton By Hilton.

Is Ashford Cheap To Visit?

Yes, Ashford is cheap to visit. Compared to other popular UK cities, you can often get good value for your money in Ashford. Hotels are fairly affordable and you’ll find many cheap or free fun things to do. Keep in mind, however, that expenses may vary depending on the time of the year and accommodation quality.

What Is The Best Way To Get Around Ashford?

The best way to get around Ashford is by driving. Ashford has a fantastic network that connects to different parts of the town. You can also walk. Ashford is a compact town, so you can easily get to most places within a short distance. Public transport, taxis and cycling are other great options for getting around.

How Many Days Should You Spend In Ashford?

You should spend between two and six days in Ashford. There’s really no ideal length of stay. It all depends on how much time you have available. Two to three days is enough if you’re looking for a quick escape to explore the town’s main attractions. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Ashford experience, try to spend at least five days in the town.

Conclusion

There are so many things to do in Ashford, from visiting Chapel Down and Biddenden vineyards to exploring Godinton House and Ashford Borough Museum. No matter your interest, you can look forward to a fantastic experience. So hire a car and get ready to explore the finest of this town.

10 Best Things To Do In Ashford & Time To Visit