A – Z of Locations: C is for Chilham

During this year I shall be posting photographs from places around the UK, many of which have not been published before. Where I have previously blogged about a location I will provide a link to the post, though you won’t be able to comment on it as I restrict comments to six months.

C is for Chilham

Renowned for its beauty and charm, the Kentish village of Chilham lies high above the valley of the River Stour in the picturesque Kent Downs. The market square is full of historic medieval buildings, timber framed houses of Tudor origin, the 16th century church and the imposing Chilham Castle.

Chilham Castle – sadly the gardens are only open on Tuesdays during the summer months.

Chilham lies on the routes for the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way to Canterbury.

Half timbered cottage gable end which you pass on the way to the Free Parking just outside the village.
Featured in the book ‘A Thousand Best Churches’ by Simon Jenkins, the XIII century church is noted for its stained glass windows and fine monuments. My visit coincided with the Harvest Festival and the church was exquisitely decorated.
Beautiful container garden
Much of the village is designated a heritage conservation area, in recognition of the historic value of the many of the buildings. Because of the beautiful old buildings, Chilham is often used as a setting for film and television productions.

My visit was in September 2010. I often accompanied my OH in those days when he attended conferences in nearby Canterbury (yet another C well worth exploring) and whilst he was busy in meetings I was busy exploring the Kent countryside, towns and villages and gardens.

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

34 thoughts on “A – Z of Locations: C is for Chilham”

  1. I don’t know Kent half as well as I should. It’s just the way to Dover, which is very unfair. Must try harder! This looks a delight to explore.

  2. Many years ago, I went to Chilham Castle for an event that included jousting, and medieval ‘combat’. I remember it was a very hot summer’s day, and a well-organised, colourful event. Back then, my first wife always carried a camera, (A manual Praktica SLR) and I didn’t own one. When we spilt up, she kept all the photos, including those of Chilham.
    Best wishes, Pete. x

  3. Reminds me when my brother lived in Tenterden, just down the road, and I too explored the Kent countryside and villages.

    1. We stayed near Tenterden on our last visit. It’s very pretty around there, and has the steam railway too.

  5. Clearly a beautiful place to spend a break. The old buildings are wonderful – and there will be lots of good gardens too… 🙂

  6. Like Margaret I’m a bit clueless about Kent and have never even heard of Chilham, nor been to Sandwich 🥪 😕

    1. We used to drive into Kent when we lived in Surrey/Hampshire for a day out to a garden! The short breaks in Canterbury were good opportunities to explore the county more, plus Canterbury is a great city and has a wonderful cathedral.

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