Your Gateway to Canterbury & Kent
Canterbury Cathedral is just 15 minutes away — and beyond it, medieval villages, ancient woodland, the Kent coast, and miles of countryside
Canterbury Cathedral — one of England's greatest landmarks — is just a 15-minute drive from The Old Alma. Whether you're here for the Cathedral, the walking trails, the local food, or a peaceful countryside escape, you'll find it all within easy reach of our front door.
Walking & Outdoors
Miles of trails through ancient woodland, rolling hills, and riverside paths
The North Downs Way
Passes through Chilham Start: CT4 8DB (Chilham village)This 153-mile National Trail runs right through the village. Walk a section from Chilham towards Canterbury or eastward to the dramatic cliffs at Dover. Perfect for a half-day or full-day hike.
Great Stour Way
From the doorstep CT4 8DB — follows the river to Canterbury CT1A gentle riverside walk along the Great Stour from Chilham towards Canterbury. Flat, scenic, and perfect for dog walks or a peaceful morning stroll. Look out for kingfishers and herons.
King's Wood
5 minutes drive ME13 9RS — Challock, near AshfordOne of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Kent. Criss-crossed with trails through bluebell carpets in spring, perfect for walking, cycling, and spotting wildlife year-round.
Chilham Village Circular
From the doorstep CT4 8DB — starts at the village squareA lovely 3-mile circular walk through orchards and hop gardens with panoramic views across the Stour Valley. Starts and ends in the village square — ideal before breakfast.
Heritage & History
Centuries of history from Roman roads to medieval cathedrals
Canterbury Cathedral
15 minutes drive CT1 2EH — Cathedral Precincts, CanterburyA UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s most iconic buildings. The mother church of the Anglican Communion, with stunning medieval architecture, stained glass, and the shrine of Thomas Becket. One of the principal reasons visitors come to Kent — and just 15 minutes from your bedroom.
Chilham Castle & Gardens
2 minutes walk CT4 8DB — The Square, ChilhamThe castle grounds host open days, jousting events, and garden tours throughout the year. The Norman keep dates from 1174 and the Jacobean manor house overlooks the village square.
Leeds Castle
25 minutes drive ME17 1PL — Maidstone, Kent"The loveliest castle in the world" — 900 years of history set on two islands in a lake. Beautiful gardens, maze, birds of prey displays, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Canterbury Historic City
15 minutes drive CT1 2RA — City Centre, CanterburyBeyond the Cathedral, explore Roman walls, medieval lanes, St Augustine’s Abbey, the Beaney art museum, and a high street full of independent shops. Canterbury is a vibrant city with history on every corner — endlessly walkable and easy to reach.
Eating Out & Evenings
We serve breakfast only — but the area is full of good options
Breakfast Only at The Old Alma
Included with every stayWe keep things simple: a proper cooked breakfast each morning, included in your room rate. We don't serve lunch or evening meals ourselves, and we deliberately don't promote any particular pub, restaurant or café on our website.
Ask Us When You Arrive
Real local knowledge, freely givenChilham village, the surrounding lanes, Canterbury city, and the Kent coast all have plenty of places to eat and drink — from a quiet village evening to something smarter in the city or fresh seafood by the sea. When you check in, tell us what you fancy and we'll happily share honest, up-to-date suggestions for that evening.
Canterbury & the Coast
15–30 minutes driveCanterbury city centre is a short drive away with a huge range of independent places to eat, and Whitstable, Tankerton and Herne Bay offer classic seaside fare. We'll point you toward the areas that suit the kind of evening you're after, without pushing any particular business.
Days Out
Adventures within easy reach for all ages
Whitstable & The Coast
25 minutes drive CT5 2BP — Tankerton, WhitstableColourful beach huts, independent shops, art galleries, and some of the best seafood in England. Walk along Tankerton Slopes for sunset views or browse the vintage and antique stores.
Wye National Nature Reserve
10 minutes drive TN25 5AH — Wye, near AshfordChalk grassland on the North Downs with stunning views across the Weald. Home to rare orchids, butterflies, and the Wye Crown carved into the hillside. A rewarding short walk.
Kent’s Countryside & Gardens
20–30 minutes driveKent is blessed with beautiful gardens, orchards, and historic estates open to the public throughout the year. Ask us at check-in about what’s open and worth visiting during your stay — we’ll always point you somewhere worthwhile without any commercial motive.
Kent Wine Country
20–30 minutes driveKent's chalky soil and gentle climate are perfect for sparkling wine. Several vineyards across the area offer tours, tastings and seasonal events. Ask us at check-in and we'll suggest which ones are open while you're staying.
Getting Around
Useful transport info for planning your stay
🚗 By Car
Free parking at The Old Alma. Canterbury 15 min, Whitstable 25 min, Ashford 20 min, Channel Tunnel 30 min, London ~75 min via M20/M2.
🚂 By Train
Chilham Station is a 10-minute walk. Direct trains to Canterbury East (10 min), Ashford International (15 min), London Victoria (1hr 25 min).
🚌 By Bus
The No. 1 bus runs through Chilham connecting Canterbury and Ashford. Stops near The Old Alma on Canterbury Road.
✈️ Airports
Gatwick ~70 min, Heathrow ~90 min. Eurostar at Ashford International (15 min train) or Ebbsfleet (40 min drive).
What's On Nearby
Seasonal events and annual highlights throughout the year
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Bluebell Walks at King's Wood
Stunning carpets of bluebells through ancient woodland. Free access.
ME13 9RS — ChallockCanterbury Festival of Food & Drink
Local producers, cooking demos, tastings, and live music in the city centre.
CT1 2RA — CanterburyChilham Castle Open Gardens
The Jacobean gardens open for visitors with seasonal planting and events.
CT4 8DB — Chilham☀️ Summer (June – August)
Whitstable Oyster Festival
A week-long celebration of oysters, seafood, live music, and parades on the coast.
CT5 1AB — WhitstableOpen Air Theatre, Canterbury
Shakespeare and summer productions in the Marlowe Theatre's outdoor space.
CT1 2AS — CanterburyChilham Village Fête
Traditional English fête on the village green — stalls, cream teas, games, and live music.
CT4 8DB — Chilham SquareVineyard Tours & Tastings
Kent's vineyards open for summer tours and tastings — ask us for suggestions during your stay.
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Canterbury Festival
Two weeks of arts, music, literature, and performance across the city — Kent's biggest arts festival.
CT1 2RA — CanterburyApple Season & Harvest
Pick-your-own orchards, cider pressing, and harvest festivals across the Kent countryside.
CT4 — Chilham areaBonfire & Fireworks Nights
Local bonfire events across Kent villages — Canterbury, Wye, and surrounding areas.
Various locations❄️ Winter (December – February)
Canterbury Christmas Market
Twinkling lights, wooden chalets, mulled wine, and artisan gifts in the Cathedral quarter.
CT1 2EH — Cathedral PrecinctsWinter Castles & Illuminated Trails
Several Kent castles and historic estates run magical winter illumination events in December — ask us for what’s on during your visit.
Various locations across KentWinter Walks & Country Escapes
Crisp walks along the North Downs Way and quiet winter evenings in the Kent countryside — the perfect off-season escape.
Our Local Favourites
Hand-picked by your hosts — places we love and recommend to every guest.
Ready to Explore Canterbury?
Book your stay at The Old Alma — your perfect gateway to Canterbury Cathedral and the beautiful Kent countryside.
Book Your Stay