Barham: Woodland Walks and History

Barham lies in the Elham Valley and the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Woodlands, chalk grassland, walking routes and archaeological traces shape the landscape in the village and its surrounding area. The village’s history can also be explored from different perspectives: from a regional archive to the historic features of Barham Downs.

Landscape and Routes Around Barham

On the northern side of Green Hills, Covet Wood borders Covert Wood. A public footpath runs along the upper edge of Covert Wood, which is managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust. Covert and Covet Woods offer a peaceful place to relax along the route through the area. In some sections, the paths are uneven, unpaved or narrow; there are also gates and narrow passageways.

Southwest of Barham lies Jumping Downs, a local nature reserve bordering Covert Wood. It covers 14 acres (5.66 hectares) of south-facing chalk grassland. This means that, alongside the woodlands, a clearly defined area of chalk grassland is also part of the landscape. Path and terrain conditions may change, so check current conditions before visiting.

Walks and a Longer Route

The Barham and Adisham walk was created by the North Downs Way National Trail and uses a section of the North Downs Way. The route passes through quiet woodlands and offers views across Barham Downs. The Elham Valley Way offers a different landscape: it is 22.5 miles long, runs between Canterbury and Hythe, and passes through countryside and the Kent Downs National Landscape.

The two routes can be distinguished by their different features. The Barham and Adisham walk focuses on woodland and views across Barham Downs. The Elham Valley Way is defined by its length, endpoints and the countryside along the Kent Downs. This gives you specific planning information for both a named walk and a longer route through the region.

Archaeological Traces on Barham Downs

Near Barham, on Barham Downs, an Anglo-Saxon burial ground and a prehistoric linear earthwork are located on a ridge in the Kent Downs. Despite being partly affected by modern farming, both features are relatively well preserved. The burial ground contains archaeological and environmental remains. The earthwork is interpreted as a routeway and runs for about 700 metres northwest to southeast along the ridge. This interpretation remains tentative; the approximate length and alignment describe the landscape feature, not a walking time.

Local History and Facilities

The Atherton Heritage Centre is located in Barham Village Hall. Its archive contains more than 11,000 items from the five parishes of Adisham, Barham, Bishopsbourne, Kingston and Womanswold. The collection therefore extends beyond Barham. The centre helps visitors research local history, families and community life.

The Church of St John the Baptist in Barham dates from the 14th century and has been adapted to meet 21st-century needs. Facilities include a kitchen and a toilet. Here, the age of the church building sits alongside its adaptation to modern requirements.

Barham Village Store stocks local produce such as eggs, honey, juices and bread. It also offers maps and gifts from craftspeople and businesses in Barham. The selection may vary, so bear this in mind if you are hoping to find particular products or souvenirs.

Discover more destinations: Sandwich, Woodnesborough, Pluckley, Plaxtol, Bilsington, Birchington, Kings Hill, Eastry.

For the wider travel overview: Kent.