East Farleigh: Bridge, Church and Paths Along the Medway

East Farleigh brings together the River Medway, buildings from several centuries and rural visitor attractions. Different highlights are worth considering when planning a trip: East Farleigh Bridge and its history as a listed monument, the Church of Saint Mary with its several building phases, Little Fant Farm, and riverside paths.

East Farleigh Bridge: Bridge and Monument

East Farleigh Bridge is a road bridge dating from the 14th century. Built from Kentish Ragstone, it spans the River Medway between Barming to the north and East Farleigh to the south. The bridge is also designated as a Scheduled Monument.

The Church of Saint Mary and its Building Phases

Unlike the 14th-century East Farleigh Bridge, the Church of Saint Mary comprises several building phases. The parish church includes parts dating from the late 11th or 12th century, as well as the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its west tower dates from the 13th century and may have older origins. In 1891, J. L. Pearson restored the church.

Little Fant Farm: Farmyard, Animals and Sonya's Barn Bakery

Little Fant Farm in East Farleigh offers a taste of the countryside. The historic cottage farm is set among the orchards of the Medway Valley, on the western side of Maidstone in Kent. Visitors can walk around the farm and see rescued farm animals. Sonya's Barn Bakery is also located at Little Fant Farm. It serves tea, freshly prepared coffee, and cakes and savoury food made on the farm. Visitor arrangements and food offerings may change, so check the latest information in advance.

Paths Along the Medway and Cycling

The riverside path along the River Medway from Allington Lock to East Farleigh has been upgraded from a walking path to a cycle path. Cyclists should also be aware of a specific restriction on the River Medway towpath at East Farleigh: this section is too narrow for safe cycling. Cyclists should push their bikes through the narrow section and resume riding only once the path widens again. Follow the signs on site.

Kettles& Crossings is a 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometre) circular route starting from East Farleigh railway station. The route description for Kettles& Crossings dates from March 2011; path conditions and markings may change, so check them before setting off. The upgraded cycle path is described as running from Allington Lock to East Farleigh; Kettles& Crossings is described as a circular route starting at East Farleigh railway station. This means the two routes differ in how they are described for trip planning: one runs between named places, while the other is identified as a circular route with a specified starting point.

Discover more destinations: Otham, Kings Hill, Westerham, Bredgar, Elham, Kingsdown, Aylesford, Nonington.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.