At the heart of the “Garden of England”

Ashford was once a historic market town, and it continues to be a hive of activity due to significant investment, development and expansion in recent years. Surrounded by Kent’s rolling hills and picturesque villages, Ashford offers a blend of town and countryside living.

Ashford is one of the fastest-growing towns in the South East due to its fast rail links to London (40 minutes) and Europe with Ashford International train station being located just outside the town centre. This connectivity has created a variety of shopping experiences and for families, Ashford has a good network of schools with a selection of Ofsted Outstanding Rated schools.

Ashford also has an array of new home developments to suit a range of buyers.

Things to do in Ashford

There are a wide variety of activities in Ashford to keep all ages and interests entertained.

Known for shopping, Ashford boasts the McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet, County Square Shopping Centre, Park Mall Shopping Centre, and a bustling high street.

Ashford has plenty of entertainment options too, including, two Multiplex Cinemas, a Bowling Alley, Trampoline Park, and Eureka Business Park is home to a large Cineworld cinema and Bannatyne Health Club & Spa.

If you are looking for places to eat and drink, Ashford has a wide selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Plus, you will find an award-winning brewery close to Ashford International train station, Curious Brewery, serving its own beers and ciders alongside a tasty food menu.

Take a short drive out of Ashford town centre and you will be in the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With lots of rural walks available you can explore Ashford’s countryside and nature reserves.

The popular attractions of Port Lympne Wildlife Reserve, Rare Breeds Centre and the Kent & East Sussex Railway are also located close to Ashford.

Travel From Ashford

Ashford is a commuter hub for London workers as you can reach London St Pancras International in 40 Minutes via the high-speed train network from Ashford International train station. For drivers, Ashford has a brilliant road network too with motorway links to London, Dover and the Channel Tunnel via the M20. Neighbouring Canterbury City is also just a short drive away via the A28. A selection of bus routes is also available, taking locals from Ashford town to nearby towns and villages.

A traditional seaside town for commuters, families, and retirees alike

Broadstairs has something for everyone. Often described as the jewel in Thanet’s crown, it’s a seaside spot that caters to all tastes.

Located in one of the easternmost parts of Thanet in Kent, Broadstairs is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by train to London’s St Pancras International and just shy of 80 miles in 1 hour 50 by car. The A255 runs through Broadstairs and easily connects to the A299 taking you around the rest of Thanet and beyond to London.

Transport links coupled with its wide selection of highly-rated private and state schools makes Broadstairs a popular town for families in Thanet.

As the town is such a coveted location by investors and locals alike, property prices in Broadstairs are among the highest in the region. So expect the market to be competitive whether you’re looking for a holiday investment or your forever home.

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What to do in Broadstairs

Broadstairs was the holiday-destination of choice by Charles Dickens. As such, you can expect a lot of Dickensian activities in the town.

The Dickens House Museum overlooks Viking Bay and is filled with artefacts highlighting Dickens’ connection to Broadstairs. There’s also an annual Dickens festival which stages a play of one of his works and has been running since 1937. If you find yourself in the town around June, expect to see people dressed up in Victorian clothing promoting the festival.

Broadstairs’ beach, Viking Bay, is a sandy beach at the end of the A255 popular with swimmers and families. The beach also has a surf school and welcomes complete beginners. There’s plenty of parking, cafés and ice cream parlours, ideal for a day outside.

Broadstairs also has a busy social calendar with food festivals in summer, folk week in August, the Broadstairs Blues Bash in February and many more throughout the year.

There’s also a thriving restaurant scene and Broadstairs has the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Thanet. Whether your taste is refined fine dining, takeaway fish and chips, or international delicacies, there’s a restaurant that caters. Have a look at TripAdvisor for the most up to date information on the best places to grab a bite to eat.

There’s no shortage of ways to spend a rainy day with art galleries, museums and boutique shopping for you to while away the time.