Throwley Forstal

Throwley Forstal combines landscape, rural local history and practical seclusion. The village is located in the Kent Downs National Landscape and is connected to nearby hamlets and villages via public rights of way. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Throwley Forstal should therefore first consider whether walks, historical discoveries and a quiet daily rhythm should be the focus.

Landscape and paths around Throwley Forstal

The Throwley Forstal Conservation Area was designated on 20 April 1973. A network of public rights of way connects Throwley Forstal with nearby hamlets and villages, providing opportunities to explore the surrounding area. Cycling is used here for occasional journeys and recreation. This allows days to be varied: on foot, the connections via the paths are the main focus, while a bicycle is also suitable for individual everyday journeys.

One particular feature of the village is that there are no shops or other services in Throwley Forstal. Buses do not run through the village either. The nearest bus stop is in Badlesmere; from there, services run to Faversham or Ashford. You should take these circumstances into account when choosing your accommodation and planning your journey. Anyone relying on bus connections should use Badlesmere as their starting point; for supplies, it makes sense not to leave errands until you arrive.

Historical traces between Forstal and Throwley

Throwley Forstal and its surroundings offer several specific points of interest for visitors interested in history. Throwley Airfield was established in late 1916 and operated until early 1919. It was located between Bells Forstal and Throwley Forstal. Very few remains of the site survive today, including the Officers' Mess and the Guardroom. These surviving buildings give the historical theme a clear local connection, without making it a fully preserved site.

The architectural history of individual buildings is also noteworthy. South Forstal Farmhouse dates from the 16th century and was refronted in the 18th century. The timber-framed building features painted brickwork on the ground floor and timber weatherboarding on the upper floor. The agricultural buildings approximately 10 metres south-east of the farmhouse also date from the 18th century and are protected together with the farmhouse because of their group value. In Forge House, an integrated smithy survives in the rear lean-to extension. The Windmill Inn stands out for its painted brickwork walls and simple tiled roof.

Throwley is also home to the Church of St Michael and All Angels. The parish church dates from the 12th century; a north chapel was added in the 13th century and a south chapel in the 14th century. The nave arcades date from the 15th century. Restoration took place in 1866, and the tower was also heightened. Anyone interested in church architecture and regional history can include this site as a separate sightseeing stop in their travel plans.

Fête, Belmont House and further discoveries

An annual fête is held on the village green of Throwley Forstal. The event is therefore one of the village's recurring occasions and adds a seasonal accent alongside the landscape and historical themes. Nearby, Belmont House and Gardens offers guided house and garden tours for groups on Wednesdays by prior appointment. Nearby Belmont House also has a collection of at least 340 clocks and other timepieces.

For families, the mix of brief historical topics, paths and different types of outings can be appealing: one day can combine landscape and cycling, while another can focus on architectural history, the church or a tour by prior appointment. The choice of location remains a practical consideration. Accommodation in Throwley Forstal places the rural surroundings and paths at the forefront, but requires more planning for shopping and public transport.

For further orientation in this travel overview, you can also view Romney Marsh, Vigo Village, Ashford, Charing, Birchington, Sheerness, Wye and Hythe.

For the overarching travel overview: Kent.