Discover Alkham

If you want to take landscapes, walking and local history into account when planning your trip, Alkham offers several specific points of interest. The Alkham Valley is shaped by agriculture; chalk downland and ancient woodland are also part of its landscape. The valley is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Landscape and trails

Neck Wood is also within a designated natural area: it lies in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the Alkham, Lydden and Swingfield Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest. Two separate designations are therefore named for the wood. The nature-related details also differ in scale: the Alkham Valley refers to a landscape area, while Neck Wood is a single woodland with two named designations. This lets you distinguish between the wider landscape and a specific wood when planning your trip.

A public footpath runs through Sladden Wood, across farmland and to the village. The route therefore takes in woodland, agricultural land and the village as its destination. A walking route near Alkham is about 7.5 kilometres long and forms a large loop around the northern part of the parish. The two route descriptions answer different planning questions: the loop has an approximate length and location, while the footpath is described as running through woodland and farmland to the village. The local description of the circular walk was updated on 31 March 2014. Before setting out, check the route and distance if you plan to use this walk.

Building history and places in the village

The parish church of St Anthony the Martyr is on Alkham Valley Road and is listed at Grade I. The Marquis of Granby is a Grade II-listed pub. It was built in 1810 for John Collard, an innkeeper. The two buildings offer different historical points of interest: the church’s location and listing are specified, while the pub also has a specific construction date and original innkeeper. This lets you consider two listed buildings through different aspects of local history.

Alkham Village Green has play equipment and picnic areas. Alkham also has a garden centre with tea rooms. These offer different options for your plans: facilities on the Village Green and the garden centre’s tea rooms. If you plan to visit the tea rooms, check their opening hours in advance.

The Drellingore is a Nailbourne in Alkham and is often called “woe waters”. Alongside the Alkham Valley and the named woodland areas, it adds another distinct natural feature to the places associated with the village. The valley, individual woods and Nailbourne refer to different geographical features, which you can distinguish as you explore Alkham.

Discover more destinations: Dymchurch, Hawkhurst, Hythe, Elham, Vigo Village, Plaxtol, Lydd-On-Sea, Shadoxhurst.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.