Hadlow combines distinctive architectural history with several named walking routes and a garden. When planning, you can weigh up different priorities: historic buildings, walks or Broadview Gardens. Hadlow Tower and St Mary’s Church represent very different historical periods; the routes range from a circular walk starting in the village centre to a longer route through several places. First, consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Buildings with traces of different periods

Hadlow Tower is a Grade I listed building and the most prominent landmark; it can be seen from some distance away. Construction began in 1838, and the lantern was added in 1840. The gap between the start of construction and the addition makes the lantern’s separate building phase tangible.

St Mary’s Church is a Grade II* listed parish church with Saxon-Norman origins. It was first mentioned in AD 975; at that time, it was probably made of wood. Later architectural details mark other periods: the west door dates from 1637, and there is a Saxon arch at the foot of the tower. Taken together, the mention, the presumed early construction and the surviving features offer a layered view of the church’s history.

The heritage of hop growing also has a specific connection to agriculture: hops are grown for Harveys Brewery in a hop field on the Hadlow Hop Tour and used in its Hadlow Ale. Agricultural use may change.

Routes for different plans

The Hadlow Access Trail is a circular route of about 1.5 miles, starting in the village centre. At 10 miles, the Bourne Valley Walk is considerably longer: it runs from Ightham in the north through Stallions Green, passes Bourne Mill and Hadlow village centre, continues through Golden Green and reaches the River Medway at East Peckham. The route lengths can help you compare the scale of the two walks with your other plans. Trail conditions may change.

The Hadlow Access Trail is relatively flat and has four kissing gates that allow access for pushchairs and mobility scooters. As this information is based on visitor information, check conditions before you travel.

The Hadlow River Walk runs from Hadlow along part of the Hadlow Access Trail through fields to the River Medway; field conditions may vary with the season. Oast houses by the River Bourne are a reminder of Kent’s hop-growing heritage. The pillboxes along the route are considered part of Britain’s military heritage. This walk therefore combines countryside with two distinct historical connections.

Plan your gardens and journey

Broadview Gardens covers 4 hectares and includes individually designed themed gardens created by staff and students of Hadlow College. The gardens offer the public spaces to relax and enjoy. As access arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Tonbridge Railway Station is near Hadlow, about 4 miles away. The railway line offers direct services to London and the south coast. Check the current timetable for your journey, as operators and services may change.

The routes on offer range from the circular walk of about 1.5 miles to the 10-mile Bourne Valley Walk. If travelling by train is part of your plans, also take into account the location of the nearest station in the area.

Discover more destinations: Lenham, Dymchurch, Hempstead, Egerton, Shadoxhurst, Ivychurch, Willesborough, Herne Bay

For the broader travel overview: Kent.