Throwley Forstal is located in the Kent Downs National Landscape. The local public rights of way, historic traces and architectural styles offer different ways to plan a stay. The surviving periods of history range from an airfield from the First World War to buildings with much earlier and later construction phases. You can tailor your stay to your interests in the landscape, local history or architecture.
History and architectural styles
The Throwley Forstal Conservation Area was designated on 20 April 1973. Throwley Airfield was established in late 1916 and operated until early 1919. The airfield lay between Bells Forstal and Throwley Forstal. Very few remains survive today, including the Officers’ Mess and Guardroom. The designation of the Conservation Area and the airfield’s short period of operation therefore stand as two distinct points in time.
South Forstal Farmhouse dates from the 16th century and was refaced in the 18th century. It is a timber-framed building with painted brickwork on the ground floor and weatherboarding on the upper floor. The farm buildings about ten metres south-east of the farmhouse also date from the 18th century. They are protected together with the farmhouse because of their group value. Their construction phases and materials offer concrete clues for distinguishing the individual buildings.
Forge House retains an integrated smithy in its rear lean-to extension. The Windmill Inn can also be described by its building materials: its walls are made of painted brickwork, and it has a plain tiled roof. Together, these details illustrate different aspects of building history—from timber framing and later facing to the preservation of a smithy in an extension.
Church and village life
The Church of St Michael and All Angels in Throwley is a parish church dating from the 12th century. Its north chapel dates from the 13th century and its south chapel from the 14th century. The nave arcades were added in the 15th century; the church was restored and the tower heightened in 1866. This sequence helps distinguish the parts of the building by date, rather than viewing the church as the result of a single construction phase.
A fĂŞte is held every year on the village green in Throwley Forstal. If you would like to plan your stay around the event, check the date for the year of your visit before travelling.
Landscape, paths and getting there
Throwley Forstal is located in the Kent Downs National Landscape and is connected to nearby hamlets and villages by the network of public rights of way. If you plan to explore on foot, check the path conditions before setting out. Cycling is also enjoyed in Throwley Forstal for local journeys and recreation.
An important point for your journey: no buses run through Throwley Forstal. The nearest bus stop is in Badlesmere, with services from there to Faversham or Ashford. As transport conditions can change, check the latest timetables before travelling. Throwley Forstal also has no shops or other services. Provision can change too, so check in advance what will be available during your stay.
These details can help you choose suitable accommodation: consider both the paths and historical topics that interest you and your requirements for getting there and finding provisions.
Discover more destinations: Bredgar, West Farleigh, Kingsnorth, Wittersham, Bethersden, Barham, Lympne, Worth
For the broader travel overview: Kent.
