| Enjoy A Picnic By The River Stour | ||||
| The river begins in Lenham and travels North East through some lovely Kent countryside, and some beautiful villages and towns, to meet the English Channel at Pegwell Bay. The river and its tributaries, although not the most famous in the country, played important roles in Roman times and during the Second World War. The reason it has a heading on this web site is because, unsurprisingly, sometimes when you put a river and town or city together you get more than the sum of its parts. Pegwell Bay. Is of international importance for its diversity of wildlife particularly the different bird species which choose to live or visit here. It is also the place where the Romans and the Vikings decided to invade this country. St Augustine also landed here with a view to converting the country to Christianity and soon became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Sandwich. There cannot be many people in the English speaking world who have no idea of what a sandwich is. John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich is considered the man who invented the term. Well worth a visit. As one of the original Cinque Ports it can now be found 2 miles inland. It has many medieval buildings, nature reserves and two world class golf courses. Boat trips along the river are available. Well worth considering is a visit to Richborough Fort and Amphitheatre close by. Grove. There is a pub situated on the river bank here called the Grove Ferry which could be a pleasant lunch stop. During summer boat trips run from here which enable you to get a closer look at the wildlife. Wickhambreaux. A few pleasant miles of driving along country lanes would find you in this small village with a lovely mill with its functioning water wheel. It also has a quaint pub as well. From here it is a stones through on to Littlebourn which is close to Howletts Zoo. Alternatively at the junction with the A257 turning right will speed you towards Canterbury. Canterbury. Although covered elsewhere on this site the city’s link to the river cannot be over emphasised here as some of the most beautiful and picturesque views of the river are to be found at the heart of the city. Chilham. Located in the Valley of the Great Stour river the river itself does not pass close to the village square however the square really is a must see venue. It has been the location for a number of films and TV dramas. There are a couple of pleasant pubs, a gift shop and a castle as well as tea rooms should a little refreshment be required. Also a large car parking area with public connivances if required. It is believed that Thomas Becket was buried in the church yard. The river continues on past Wye to Ashford and then towards Lenham another village with nice pubs and shops as well as some great footpaths. The list of suggested place to visit following the river here is by no means an exhaustive one but it has to end somewhere. |
River Stour By Fordwich River Stour As It Passes Through Canterbury Town Centre River Stour Between Grove & Sandwich River Stour As It Passes Through Chartham |
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