Discover Hollingbourne: Trails, Landscape and History

Hollingbourne combines the landscape of the North Downs with historic trails and remarkable buildings. Several walking routes lead through the North Downs, which are part of the National Landscape. There are also ancient bluebell woods and meadows, historic houses, and routes that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Those planning a trip can combine experiences of nature and culture here without having to commit to just one focus.

Walking on Historic Trails

The Pilgrim’s Way, the historic route from Winchester to Canterbury, runs through Hollingbourne. The North Downs Way also begins at Hollingbourne railway station; a section can be walked or cycled from there. For day planning, there are also two circular routes of different lengths to choose from: the Hollingbourne East circular route is 8 miles (12.87 km) long, while the Hollingbourne West circular route measures 6 miles (9.66 km). This means the desired route length can already be taken into account when planning, without confusing the different trails.

In the area around Hollingbourne, Hucking Estate has a signposted Landscape Trail that is just over 4.8 km long. Together with the trails through the North Downs, this provides a choice of different walking destinations. Families or groups travelling together may find it useful to plan longer circular routes, a section of the North Downs Way and a shorter tour for different days. The specific route lengths provide an objective guide for this.

Timber-Framed Buildings and History in the Village

Even away from the trails, Hollingbourne’s historic side is worth exploring. Eyhorne Street features several remarkable timber-framed buildings. All Saints Church in Hollingbourne dates from the 14th century and houses numerous memorials to the local Culpeper family. Those interested in regional history and church art will find another focus for their trip here.

Eyhorne Manor is a timber-framed house of the Wealden Hall House type and dates from around 1410. As a Grade I listed building, it has a special historical classification. The historic Culpeper Needlework can also be viewed by prior arrangement with Val Lurcock at Tel. 01622 880694. This viewing should therefore not be added spontaneously, but planned in advance as part of the stay.

Exploring by Bicycle

Cycling travellers will also find a specific point of interest in Hollingbourne: National Cycle Route 17 can be used along the Pilgrim’s Way north of Leeds Castle through Hollingbourne. This allows the choice of accommodation to be adapted to the desired focus of the stay: a holiday apartment in Hollingbourne is particularly suitable if you would like to combine walking routes, historical discoveries and individual days of cycling. What remains decisive is the actual location of the specific property and how well it fits your planned destinations.

For further travel planning, you can also discover Clacton-On-Sea and Faversham as additional destinations.

For the overarching travel overview: East of England.