Nearest train station: Sturry
Fordwich holds the title of England’s smallest town, and is situated along the River Stour in east Kent, about 3 miles northeast of Canterbury.
The picturesque settlement has all the hallmarks of a classic Kentish village (despite being a town) and boasts two cracking pubs in the George & Dragon and the Fordwich Arms.
Following the River Stour eastward along the riverbank opposite the town will lead you into a wooded area where there are plenty of mooring platforms to jump in for a swim. The river is usually relatively shallow though has a gentle current so take care, and keep an eye out for canoes and small boats traversing up the river too.
If you keep walking east up the river, you’ll eventually reach the Westbere Lakes and eventually, Stodmarsh Nature Reserve which is a great place for bird spotting.
How to Get to Fordwich
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to Fordwich by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode CT2 0BY into your sat nav, which will take you to the car park opposite the George & Dragon pub.
If you’re heading along the A28 from Canterbury or from an eastwardly direction, take the exit onto Fordwich Road. The road is well signposted with tourist signs detailing the George & Dragon pub and canoe hire. Take care when nearing the town as the road becomes very narrow just prior to crossing a bridge over the Stour into the town.
By public transport
The nearest train station is Sturry, which is on the Ashford to Ramsgate line and served by Southeastern. Trains run from Canterbury West station to the west and the next station along the line eastward is Minster. Fordwich is a 10-minute walk from Sturry station.
Buses 8 and 8A, which loop between Thanet and Canterbury will also get you to Fordwich, as will the Triangle loop bus which runs between Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay respectively.
By bike
There are some great cycle routes in this area of Kent which operate along the Stour Valley and allow you to access the villages and beauty spots that nestle between Canterbury and Thanet with relative ease and safety.
If you’re coming from Canterbury, Fordwich is a quick 3-mile cycle either along the A28 or off-road, and cycle paths are well signposted. Read more here.
What else is nearby Fordwich?
The historic city of Canterbury is only 3 miles from Fordwich and offers plenty for tourists and revelers alike.
You’re also not far from other wild swimming locations such as the Westbere Lakes, and a lovely section of the River Stour near Plucks Gutter, as well as being a few miles north lay the quaint coastal Kent towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable which offer great opportunities for a sea swim.