In Teynham, St Mary’s Church, the First Fruit Walk and the waterscape along Conyer Creek represent different sides of the area. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between architectural and church history, orchards and boating opportunities. This way, you can choose the focus that interests you most during your trip.

St Mary’s Church and the history of the palace

St Mary’s Church is a Grade I listed building. Its core consists of 12th-century flint masonry. The building comprises a nave, aisles, north and south transepts, a chancel and a west tower. Its place in church history also reaches far back: St Mary’s is a minster church of Kent, founded before the Norman Conquest of England. Its architecture and early ecclesiastical significance give the area a distinct cultural and historical focus.

The adjoining parish church was a significant part of the layout of the Archbishop’s Palace of Teynham. An extensive masonry complex immediately south of St Mary’s may have been the site of the palace; however, historical records also mention a location north of the church. The complex may be on private land. Both the possible attribution and the alternative location form part of the story of the palace.

Fruit growing and paths through the fields

The history of local fruit growing also includes Richard Harrys, a fruit grower who worked for Henry VIII. Richard Harrys planted 105 acres of land in Teynham with cherries and apples from abroad. The First Fruit Trail, in turn, begins near the site of Henry VIII’s original 105-acre orchards at Osiers Farm and New Gardens, west of Station Road.

The First Fruit Walk passes through historic orchards associated with the orchards selected by Henry VIII and the cherries typical of Kent. The landscape along the route includes orchards, grain fields and strawberry fields; along the way, there are views of remains from the region’s brickmaking industry. This brings fruit growing, changing types of fields and another part of the region’s economic history into view.

The Conyer Loop of the First Fruit Walk is 2 miles (3.2 km) long. This distance helps you estimate the length of the circular route; your own pace is also important when planning how much time to allow. The route connects the history of fruit growing with a specific distance, while the walk through the different fields gives an impression of the area’s agricultural diversity.

Conyer Creek, Swale Marina and brick transport

Conyer Creek branches off the Swale; Swale Marina lies at the end of the creek. Visitors can use the slipway there to launch boats onto the Swale and take them out again. If you plan to make use of this option, it is best to confirm the boating arrangements before you arrive.

Remains of the once important regional brickmaking industry can still be found on the banks of Conyer Creek. Bricks were transported from there to the capital in sailing barges. Two different connections with the water come together at the creek: the opportunity to launch boats onto the Swale and the historic role of the bank in transporting bricks. Along with its church history and paths through orchard and field landscapes, Teynham offers several distinct themes to consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Yalding, Bredgar, Lympne, Sandgate, Bearsted, Doddington, Egerton, Petham

For the main travel overview: Kent.