Pubs
The Swan and Dog
Shepherd Neame pub in a 16th century building in Great Chart, Ashford, serving food and Kentish ales, with an outdoor area and function bookings.
Verified Oct 2026
Chalk downland reserve above Wye with orchids, a circular nature trail, wide views over Romney Marsh and the Weald, and two car parks.
About Wye National Nature Reserve
Around 134 hectares of chalk grassland and woodland on steep coombes, about 2 km south east of Wye and 6 km north east of Ashford, within the Kent Downs. Natural England lists around 21 orchid species and views over Romney Marsh, the Weald and the Channel coast. Kent Downs describes a circular nature trail and several public footpaths. There are two car parks, with voluntary charges payable by RingGo. The slopes are steep and livestock graze the site.
Where it is
What's on here
Eat and drink in Ashford
Cafés
Williams and Thomas Tearoom
Family-run tearoom and shop on Faversham Road, Kennington, with daily cakes, cream teas, toasties and weekly specials, open Thursday to Saturday.
Verified Oct 2026
PubsRestaurants
The Old Mill
Shepherd Neame pub and restaurant on Mill Lane, Kennington, serving food through the day, with sharing menus, ales and bookable tables.
Verified Oct 2026
Cafés
Willesborough Cafe
Family cafe on Church Road, Willesborough, serving breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and pie and mash, open daily until 4pm.
Verified Oct 2026
Guides that mention Wye National Nature Reserve
GuideFamily Days Out, Parks & Walks
Ashford and Tenterden: heathland, woods, nature reserves and the steam railway
Hothfield Heathlands, Conningbrook Lakes, King's Wood, Wye and Ham Street Woods reserves, plus Tenterden's steam railway, St Mildred's and Kiln Field.
More things to do in Ashford
Parks & Walks
Hothfield Heathlands
86 hectare heath and bog reserve near Ashford with four waymarked walks, boardwalks and a 500m all-weather trail. No toilets on site.
Dog Friendly
Parks & Walks
King’s Wood
588 hectare Kent Downs woodland near Challock with walking routes, a sculpture trail, a mountain bike route and pay-by-app parking.
Parks & Walks
Conningbrook Lakes Country Park
34 hectare lakeside country park beside the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, with walking paths, wildlife areas, picnic benches and public art.
Dog Friendly