Attractions and Places To See around Little Chart - Top 20

Little Chart is rich in history. You can visit the poignant ruins of the Ruined Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Holy Rood, which was largely destroyed by a V-1 bomb during WWII. The village is also notable for the discovery of a well-preserved Roman Bath-House, dating from the late 1st to 4th centuries AD. Other historical buildings include Bank House, a 16th-century jettied house, and Chart Court with its colourful oast houses.

Yes, Little Chart is historically significant for the discovery of a well-preserved Roman Bath-House in Stambers Field. Excavations revealed a complex with a changing room, cold room with a mosaic floor, warm room, and hot room with a hypocaust system, dating from the late 1st to 4th centuries AD. You can learn more about this discovery on the Kent Archaeology website.

The area around Little Chart is characterized by a beautiful rural landscape of fields, woods, and the valley of the Great Stour river. The village is situated on the Lower Greensand Slopes, contributing to its unique terrain. Nearby, you can also explore the Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve for additional natural beauty.

Absolutely. Little Chart is a popular stopping point for keen walkers, with both The Stour Valley Walk and The Greensand Way long-distance paths routed through the area. Additionally, the historic Pilgrims' Way also passes nearby, offering opportunities to follow ancient routes.

There are various hiking opportunities around Little Chart, catering to different skill levels. You can find routes like the easy 'Pluckley Village – View Over the Valley loop' or more challenging options such as the 'Pluckley Village – St Mary's Church Ruins loop'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the Hiking around Little Chart guide.

Yes, the area offers a range of cycling routes. You can find easy rides like the 'Victoria Park Fountain – Pond loop from Ashford' or more demanding ones such as the 'Romney Marshes near Lydd – Dungeness Old Lighthouse loop'. Explore more options in the Cycling around Little Chart guide.

Beyond traditional landmarks, you can discover unique monuments like the Lenham Cross, a 58m high geoglyph cut into the ground to commemorate WWI victims. Another interesting spot is the Brother Percival Statue (Pilgrim's Rest), a statue of a pilgrim on a bench along the Pilgrim's Way, providing a point of interest for hikers.

Many of the natural walks and historical sites can be enjoyed by families. The long-distance footpaths offer opportunities for family strolls, and highlights like Lenham Cross and Brother Percival Statue are considered family-friendly points of interest. Exploring the rural landscape and local village charm can be a pleasant family activity.

Yes, The Swan Inn is a notable historic pub in Little Chart. Housed in a building dating back to the late 1400s, it served as an old coaching inn and still retains its original coaching stables, offering a glimpse into the village's past.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Little Chart, offering pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter walks can be serene, though some paths might be muddy.

To delve deeper into Little Chart's local history, you can visit the various historical sites mentioned, such as the church ruins and ancient buildings. The Little Chart Parish Council website also provides valuable information on the village's heritage.

Little Chart showcases distinctive Kentish architecture. You can see colourful oast houses at Chart Court, which are traditional agricultural buildings unique to the region. Additionally, Bank House, a 16th-century jettied house, exemplifies traditional timber-framed construction.