North Downs Way via Canterbury

Extra Nights & Rest Days

The ancient settlement of Farnham is a good choice if you wish to spend an extra night getting to know the area at the start of your holiday. Bordering the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of options for exploring the area on foot, while the town centre is home to a range of fine historic buildings and is overlooked by the magnificent Norman Castle and keep. A heritage trail around the town can be completed in around two hours. On the outskirts of Farnham are the ruins of Waverley Abbey while the grounds of Farnham Park, a variety of gardens, potteries and galleries, cry out for exploration.

If you prefer somewhere a bit livelier, the bustling town of Guildford has plenty of amenities, including shops, bars and restaurants, yet there are still plenty of historic attractions that make for a fascinating visit. Attractions include a medieval undercroft on Guidford high street, the former courtroom of the Guildhall, Guildford Museum and the wonderful Guidlford Castle, where there are panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Rochester is also a fantastic choice for an extra night. The town is home to England?s second oldest cathedral and one of the best preserved examples of Norman architecture in England at Rochester Castle. For fans of literature, Restoration House and Gardens is a must, as it is said to have been the inspiration for Miss Havisham's Satis House in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

When walking the North Downs Way via Canterbury, there is only one choice for an extra night and this is the superb Cathedral city of Canterbury. With the magnificent cathedral dominating its skyline, Canterbury offers a wealth of other fascinating attractions, including the 1000 year old St Dunstan's Church; Grayfriar's Chapel, the only remaining Franciscan Friary; Canterbury Castle and The Canterbury Tales, which brings Geoffrey Chaucer's tales to life.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:

Tour Facts

Total distance: 130 miles (208 km)
Duration: 11 nights, 10 days walking
Minimum daily distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Maximum daily distance: 18.5 miles (29.5 km)
Code: NDWC1 Grade: Moderate / Demanding
Season: 2nd January - 24th December
Start of holiday: Farnham
End of holiday: Dover

Travel Information

Useful information and travel links that will assist you in your plans to travel to the start of the holiday and back from the end of it are sent to you with your full tour pack. A summary is given below:

By Air - The most convenient major city and international airports are London Heathrow, Kent (Manston) and London Gatwick.

By Rail - There is a rail station at the start of the trail (Farnham) and also at the end of the trail (Dover).

By Bus - Various bus services run to Farnham and from Dover.

From London - Trains run from London Waterloo station to Farnham.

Return To The Start - The easiest way to return to the start of the trail, is to catch a train from Dover to Farnham.