Home > Attractions > Kent > Fordwich

Fordwich, Kent

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A village on the River Stour, 2 miles from central Canterbury, Fordwich was once the port for its larger neighbour. Today it is a quiet place, with a timber-framed town hall.

Though it numbers only 300 inhabitants, Fordwich is officially a town, making it the smallest town in England.

Fordwich was first recorded in 675 AD. It's name means simply a settlement by a ford. It became a burgh, or designated town, during the Saxon era. Henry III granted Fordwich a borough charter, a status it maintained until 1886. The importance of Fordwich was based on its role as the port for Canterbury. It's importance was further recognised when it became an arm of the Cinque Port of Sandwich. This heritage is remembered each year in a 'Ship Money' ceremony.

The village has some wonderful historic buildings, many of them half-timbered. Among these are the Town Hall, a beautiful brick and timber building beside the Fordwich Arms pub on the riverbank. The town hall is probably the smallest in England; it is certainly one of the prettiest! It can be visited on regular open days.

The parish church of St Mary stands behind the Fordwich Arms, beside the river. This is a lovely old building in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Inside the church is the mysterious Fordwich Stone, a solid block of limestone beautifully carved to resemble a tomb. Tradition says that the Fordwich Stone was a shrine over the relics of St Augustine. It is a magnificent piece of medieval craftsmanship, and the carving can be stylistically dated to around 1100.

The signposted Stour Valley Walk leads along the Stour from Canterbury to Fordwich, a distance of about 2 miles. This makes a lovely walk, which can be broken with a drink or a meal at the Fordwich Arms, a lovely old riverside inn.
Fordwich, Kent, England

About Fordwich
Attraction Type: Village
Location map
Fordwich Photos
OS TR180597

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Fordwich, St Mary - 0 miles (Church) St Augustine's Abbey - 1.3 miles (Abbey) Conduit House - 1.7 miles (Historic Property) Canterbury, St Martin - 1.9 miles (Church) St John the Baptist Hospital - 2 miles (Historic Property) King's School - 2.1 miles (Historic Property) Fyndon Gate - 2.1 miles (Historic Property) Sir John Boys House - 2.2 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Canterbury - 2.7 miles away Whitstable - 6.3 miles away Chilham - 7.9 miles away Godmersham - 9.4 miles away Barfreston - 9.8 miles away Sandwich - 9.8 miles away Wye - 11.4 miles away Lyminge - 12.5 miles away

Photos of Fordwich

River Stour at Fordwich

Oast House

Manor House

See all Fordwich Photos

Nearest Accommodation to Fordwich

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

13 Green Court - 3.4 miles from Fordwich Bridge, Kent Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £280

Chapel Cottage - 7.3 miles from Fordwich Woolage Green, Kent Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £255

Heron Manor - 7.9 miles from Fordwich Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £420

More Self Catering near Fordwich

Nearest Hotels

The Evenhill - 2.1 miles from Fordwich Littlebourne, Kent Stay from: £63.00

Chaucer Hotel - 2.1 miles from Fordwich Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £59.00

The Millers Arms Inn - 2.2 miles from Fordwich Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £70.00

More Hotels near Fordwich

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Coach House - 2.3 miles from Fordwich Canterbury, Kent From: £42.50

Amanda House - 2.5 miles from Fordwich Canterbury, Kent From: £35.00

Magnolia House - 2.6 miles from Fordwich Canterbury, Kent From: £114.00

More bed and breakfasts near Fordwich

Canterbury
Tourist Information Centre
12-13 Sun Street
The Buttermarket
Canterbury
Kent
England
CT1 2HX
Tel: 01227 378100
Fax: 01227 378101
Email: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
Map