Britain’s smallest town, which is only 12 minutes from Canterbury, is the original home of a little-known Christmas tradition which combines singing, dancing and drinking
Just minutes from Canterbury city is a small market town where a little-known but entertaining Christmas tradition began.
Fordwich in Kent, is just a 12 minute drive from the spiritual centre of Kent and is home to a fun seasonal tradition that combines singing, drinking and dancing. Wassailing, which was first believed to take place in Fordwich in 1585, sees groups of young men move between orchards ‘howling’. On the twelfth night after Christmas wassailing participants head beneath the branches to make a racket, singing, dancing and drinking to ensure a plentiful harvest that year.
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Despite being Britain’s smallest town with only 300 inhabitants, Fordwich has a long and rich history that survives in building form to this day through pretty timber framed structures. One such building is the Town Hall — a brick and timber building beside the Fordwich Arms pub on the riverbank,
The parish church of St Mary is also an old but beautiful building. Inside you will find the mysterious Fordwich Stone, which is a solid block of limestone carved to resemble a tomb. The stone. which likely dates to about 1100, was almost certainly used as a shrine.
If visiting the historic town, make sure to head to the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms. The cosy pub, which is located next to the River Stour, features a 1930s bar and oak panelled dining toom, with three open fires. The pub serves seasonal menus which focus on provenance and showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients.
For coffee lovers, the neighbouring village of Sturry to Chapters is worth a visit. This quaint independent coffee and book shop is the ideal spot for some reading, hot beverage drinking and eating homemade treats. For those who like to walk and see nature, the Stour Valley Walk leads along the Stour from Canterbury to Fordwich and is about two miles. The Stodmarch National Nature Reserve is also nearby, ideal for birdwatching and getting some fresh autumn air.
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A recent visitor said in a Google review: “Beautiful place, nice and quiet. Good for the soul and nice to get out of London. Went with my little boy to see if could see a bittern and bobs your uncle we did.” Another added: “Stunning views of birds and information about the birds inside [the bird lookouts] so you can spot them and learn about them.”
Animal activities don’t have to stop there, as also just outside the town in Howletts Wild Animal Park. This Kent wildlife sanctuary is home to over 390 animals, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county. The peaceful lifestyle of Fordwich is ideal for a day away from the city, to explore its history, architecture and wildlife encounters — a hidden gem in Kent’s countryside.
