Coxheath: Trails, Orchards and History

Coxheath lies on the Greensand Ridge. From there, views extend south across the Weald of Kent and north towards the Kent Downs. The village is a traditional fruit-growing area and forms part of the “Coxheath Orchards” landscape area. Old orchards are considered important historic and landscape features. Anyone considering Coxheath as a travel destination can explore both its landscape and local history.

Walking through the landscape

A network of footpaths is used for recreational walking and offers views of the surrounding countryside. The network includes paths that form a circular route through the landscape around the village. The Greensand Way runs along the ridge on the edge of Coxheath. The route also offers opportunities to walk shorter sections in Surrey and Kent. The Coxheath Walk starts at the Coxheath Village Hall car park on Stockett Lane and takes between one hour and one hour and 15 minutes.

For planning your day, the Coxheath Walk is the walk with a specific estimated duration, while the circular route describes the shape of the paths through the surrounding countryside. This gives you both an indication of how long an individual walk takes and an idea of the paths around the village.

Beacons and military history

In 1588, Coxheath was one of the sites in a network of beacons established that year. In 1756, the village became a military camp. Clock House formerly served as the headquarters and officers’ mess of Coxheath Military Camp. Today, it is a Grade II listed house. This connects the camp’s former use with a specific building in the village.

Holy Trinity and its history of construction

Holy Trinity is a Grade II listed church. It was built in 1884 as a chapel for Maidstone Union Workhouse and was formerly used as a workhouse chapel. Its layout comprises a nave and chancel, as well as north and south transepts; there is also a small vestry. The nave and chancel form the building’s lengthwise sections, while the transepts are arranged at the sides. This makes it possible to understand the church not only through its date and former use, but also through specific architectural features.

If you would like to visit the interior of Holy Trinity, you can arrange a visit after making contact in advance. Be sure to plan for the necessary advance contact when considering a visit.

A seasonal highlight

During the Christmas season, festive lighting is displayed each year in Coxheath village centre and on the surrounding streets. It is a seasonal feature of the village and may play a part in choosing when to travel. Along with the paths, old orchards and historic buildings, it gives Coxheath several different points of interest for a stay.

Discover more destinations: Plaxtol, Ringwould, Aylesham, Stone in Oxney, Sissinghurst, Upchurch, Ashford, Brenchley

For the wider travel overview: Kent.