Things To Do
in Ashford
Ashford is a market town located in the county of Kent in southeastern England. It is known for its historic charm, with a market dating back to the 13th century and picturesque streets lined with old buildings. The town also boasts a modern side, with shopping centers, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
Ashford is well-connected by transportation, including a high-speed train service to London.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at Victoria Park. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and perhaps grab a coffee at a nearby café.
Visit the Ashford Museum to learn about the local history and culture. Follow this with lunch at a charming Pub in the town center.
Relax at the park or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Take a stroll through town to admire the charming architecture.
Visit the historic Godinton House & Gardens for a peaceful start to your day. Explore the stunning grounds and enjoy a guided tour of the house.
Head to the Ashford Designer Outlet for some shopping and lunch. Check out the various brands and enjoy a meal at their food court.
Dine at one of the outlet's restaurants before returning to your accommodation. If time allows, enjoy a movie at the nearby cinema.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and heritage with historic buildings and landmarks.
- Good transport links, including proximity to London and access to the M20 motorway.
- Variety of shopping options and local markets.
- Welcoming community with a range of cultural events and activities.
- Access to green spaces and parks for outdoor activities.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours.
- Cost of living may be relatively high compared to nearby areas.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Public transport options might be less frequent outside of peak times.
- Some areas may experience higher levels of crime.
Best Activities in Ashford
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the River Stour or go for a boat trip to admire the scenic surroundings.
Explore the beautiful Victoria Park, ideal for picnics, leisurely strolls, and enjoying outdoor events.
Embark on a nature walk through the Wye National Nature Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscape.
Spend a relaxing day fishing or bird watching at the serene Eastwell Lake.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ashford with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ashford
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the countryside and has a great photo spot at the top of the hill.
A beautiful estate with well-maintained gardens, providing numerous photo opportunities and scenic views.
Known for its picturesque setting and stunning views, offering a great location for photography.
Food in Ashford
Ashford Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This savory pie features a rich filling of seasoned pork encased in crisp, golden pastry. It is a local delicacy and can be found at traditional bakeries like Hinge's Bakehouse.
Must-Try!
Kent is renowned for its hops, and the Spitfire Ale, named after the iconic wartime fighter plane, is a must-try. Visitors can savor this unique ale at local pubs and taverns such as The Churchill Tavern.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ashford better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held on the first Sunday of each month, the market showcases a vibrant selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable street food, allowing visitors to savor local flavors and interact with passionate food vendors.
This lively festival takes place annually, featuring a diverse range of international cuisines prepared by skilled chefs. It's a great opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore global street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ashford, it is customary to greet people with a polite 'hello' or 'good morning/afternoon' when meeting someone for the first time or entering a room.
It is important to respect people's personal space in Ashford. Avoid standing too close or touching someone without their permission.
Punctuality is highly valued in Ashford. It is respectful to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ashford with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ashford
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ashford, United Kingdom, tipping is generally not expected but appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants if the service was satisfactory.
Payment in Ashford, United Kingdom is commonly made through cash, debit or credit cards. Contactless payments are widely accepted, and it is rare to encounter establishments that do not accept card payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ashford.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Ashford, United Kingdom. The weather is mild, and you can enjoy beautiful blooming flowers and gardens. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside.
Summer is peak tourist season in Ashford. Expect warm weather and long sunny days. It's a perfect time for outdoor festivals, events, and enjoying the coastal areas nearby.
Autumn brings beautiful foliage colors to Ashford. It's a great time for scenic drives, hiking, and enjoying the harvest festivals and local produce.
Winter in Ashford can be chilly and damp, but it's a cozy time to visit local pubs, explore historic sites, and enjoy holiday markets and events.
Ashford at Night
Hiking in Ashford
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful forest area with a variety of trails suitable for hiking and walking. It offers scenic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
A stunning area featuring rolling hills, woodlands, and picturesque villages. Several trails are available for hikers of all levels.
This greenway features landscapes of natural beauty and allows for walking and cycling alongside the route from Ashford to other nearby areas.
A picturesque park with well-maintained paths and trails, perfect for leisurely hikes and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
A long-distance trail that runs from Farnham to Dover. Sections near Ashford offer breathtaking views and diverse landscapes for hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ashford through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ashford by plane.
Located approximately 40 miles west of Ashford, Heathrow is the primary airport serving London and is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Gatwick is about 50 miles southwest of Ashford and is the second largest airport in London, handling a large number of international flights.
Situated around 60 miles northeast of Ashford, Stansted is known for being a base for low-cost airlines, offering various international destinations.
Approximately 60 miles northwest of Ashford, City Airport primarily serves business travelers with flights to various European destinations.
Located about 70 miles northwest of Ashford, Luton is another major hub for low-cost airlines, facilitating numerous international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Ashford, representing the majority of the population.
Includes White Irish, White Gypsy or Irish Traveler, and White Other.
Includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds.
Includes Black African, Black Caribbean, and other Black backgrounds.
Includes individuals from mixed backgrounds such as White and Black Caribbean, White and Asian, or other combinations.
Includes groups such as Arab and other non-specified ethnicities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Ashford, with many local clubs and leagues for different age groups and skill levels.
Rugby has a strong presence in Ashford, with clubs that cater to both youth and senior players and a vibrant community following.
Cricket is a cherished summer sport in Ashford, with several local teams and a rich history in the region.
Netball is widely played in schools and local clubs, particularly among women and girls in Ashford.
Running is popular in Ashford, with many residents participating in local races and clubs that promote fitness and community involvement.
Cycling is a favored activity for both leisure and sport in Ashford, with numerous cycling routes and clubs supporting enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ashford.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Ashford provide diverse vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that those with plant-based diets can relish flavorful meals. Notable venues include The Curious Brewery and Taywell Farm Shop & Café.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find an array of gluten-free options at establishments like The Conningbrook Hotel, where dedicated menus cater to gluten-free dietary needs.