Ashford Kent Museum Gardens Designer Outlet Eurostar Ashford International Kent UK

Ashford Museums & Willesborough Smock Windmill

Ashford may well be Kent's hub for access across the Channel via Eurostar fast train service from Ashford International, however the town retains its old market roots. The relatively small and friendly centre, with a number of treasured historic buildings including central 15th century St Mary's Parish and the 17th century grammar school, feels like an old Kent market town. Pick up an Ashford Historic Trail leaflet from Ashford Tourist Information Office adjacent to the town's main history museum and historic church and churchyard.

Ashford's Borough Museum has some fascinating material, including the Barns collection of photographs of the area taken in the 1880s and 1890s, plenty on the history of the grammar school (the building which houses the museum) and of particular interest exhibits on the history of Ashford and the railways. This central Kent town has long had links with the railways, as well as serving as frontline defense town during World War I and II.

Ashford Borough Museum, The Churchyard, Ashford, Kent TN23 1QG. Tel. 01233 631511. Open from 2 April - 31 October 2007, Monday to Saturday, 10am - 1pm.

Just south of Ashford, easily accessed off the M20 at Willesborough, sits the 19th century Willesborough Smock Windmill. Find out how grain was produced in the 19th century by windmills, and tour the miller's adjacent cottage. Open on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays between April and September from 2 - 5 p.m. Special event days often start at 11 a.m. During July and August the windmill is also open on Wednesday afternoons from 2 - 5 p.m. Small admission fee. See the windmills webguide link right for details.

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Eurostar Ashford International Station & Kent Channel Tunnel Links

Outside of central London, Kent is your main access from the UK into Europe via the county's two Eurostar station links - Ebbsfleet International just minutes off junction 2 of the M25/A2 in North Kent near Gravesend or here from Ashford International in the heart of central Kent. Ashford International, alongside Dover Priory station, the new Ebbsfleet Station and by 2009 Canterbury West Station, is at the heart of some exciting High Speed train improvements into central London St Pancras. Train times into central London set to be cut dramatically, boosting not only Kent's tourist appeal but also its role as communter base and direct links into Europe.

Located right next to Ashford domestic railway station linked by footbridge, Ashford International Eurostar terminal in the heart of Kent is a cheap and convenient fast link into Europe. Many are opting to head into Eurostar's main France and Belgium destination stations Calais, Lille, Paris and Brussels in under 2 hours from Ashford International rather than getting bogged down in central London! Prices are competitive compared with flying, and with superb facilities at Ashford International including weekly budget on-site long-stay parking, toddlers play area, cafes, restaurants, cashpoints, currency exchange and open daily ticket office on-site with self service ticket collection option.

For Disney Land Paris, you've direct rail links from Paris main station on. (about a 30 minute rail journey!). Eurostar family deals abound to Disneyland Paris - checkout Eurostar's webguide right for details. Some of Europe's top city breaks are within easy reach via the Eurostar channel tunnel link direct from Ashford International to Paris (see Paris official tourist guide right), the heart of Beligium and Brussels plus how about Lille, the historic Flanders city and France's fourth largest metropolis. Lille was European city of culture in 2004 and has been on the up and up ever since, with a choice of new and historic architecture, museums and attractions (see Lille's official tourist weguide for details). Alternatively swift shopping trips across to Calais couldn't be easier from Ashford International, just off the M20 motorway and with ample on-site parking. Book cheap Eurostar tickets on-line via their webguide right!

Ashford International, Newtown Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0PS.

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Ashford Kent Stately Homes - Godinton House & Gardens

Considered one of Kent's best stately homes, and a fine example of exterior Jacobean architecture, Godinton House & Gardens is conveniently just off junction 9 of the M20. The remodelled and elaborate Georgian styled dining room dates from 1760. The same family - the Totes, have been in residence over the centuries, adding styles through generations. The effect is a kitsch mix moving through the Chinese room to the Great Hall, a medieval affair. A knowledgeable guide takes you round, pointing out various notable artefacts includings artwork by Reynolds, Chippendale furniture and Worcester ceramic pieces.

You're in the heart of 'the Garden of England' here in Kent's Ashford and Tenterden area, and Godinton's 12 acres of glorious Kent Gardens are a joy to tour. The Rose Garden is a particular highlight, with other themed gardens including the Italian Garden.

You're free to roam the gardens and get up close to the yew hedges, herbaceous borders and more. The Stour River runs through part of the estate and a longer circular walk moves alongside it, affording spectacular views back to the Jacobean House and garden surrounds. Fishing is available on-site and golf is nearby. A number of events run through the year at Godinton, including archery events. Check their website for details. A tearoom is on-site. Nearby, midway between Faversham and Ashford, sits 18th century architectural marvel Belmont House and Gardens, designed by Samuel Wyatt. Aquired by the Harris family in 1801, they were a family at the core of the rise of the British Empire so you can expect some interesting artefacts on display here including a suprb collection of clocks. Find Belmont near Badelsmere off the A251 north of Ashford.

Godinton House and Gardens, Godinton House, Godinton Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 3BP. Tel. 01233 620773. Belmont House & Gardens, Throwley nr Faversham, Kent ME13 0HH. Tel. 01795 890202.

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