A Guide to Exploring Vineyards from Chilham

Best times to visit

Spring (April-May): Blossom season in the orchards and quieter vineyard tours.

Summer (June-August): The village hosts regular events in the square, and walking trails like the Stour Valley Way are at their best.

Autumn (September-October): Vineyard harvest season - tours at Chartham and Simpsons are especially lively.

Winter (November-February): Quieter, but Chilham’s pubs and the castle grounds (open for events) provide atmosphere, while vineyards remain open for tastings.

The vineyards near Chilham

Within 10-15 minutes you’ll find Chartham Vineyard and Simpsons Wine Estate. A little further are Barnsole and Woodchurch, both well-regarded still and sparkling producers. Together, they offer a mix of boutique estates and polished visitor centres, giving you plenty of variety in one small radius.

What else is there to do in Chilham?

Visit Chilham Castle and its grounds (open for select events and tours).

Stroll through the Tudor square, one of the prettiest in Kent.

Walk the Stour Valley Way, which runs right through the village.

Use Chilham as a base to explore Canterbury (10 minutes away).

Where to eat and drink in Chilham

• Budget: Shelly’s Tea Rooms - classic scones, cakes, and light lunches in the square.
• Create a splash: The White Horse - a traditional pub with hearty menus.
• Push the boat out: Head into Canterbury (10 mins) for fine dining - The Fordwich Arms (Michelin-starred) has an exceptional English wine list.

For self-catering, Canterbury has farm shops and wine merchants stocking local bottles.

Where to stay

The Woolpack Inn - 600-year-old inn with cosy rooms, from £110.

Evenhill Hotel (Canterbury outskirts) - relaxed inn from £120.

Boutique B&Bs in the square or nearby countryside, from £90.

FAQs about Chilham vineyard weekends

• Can you get to Chilham by train?
  Yes - Chilham station is on the line between Ashford and Canterbury, 10 minutes’ walk from the village.
  
• Can you reach vineyards from Chilham by public transport?
  Partially. Chartham is on the same train line, though taxis are usually needed for Simpsons, Barnsole, or Woodchurch.
  
• Which vineyards are near Chilham?
  Chartham, Simpsons, Barnsole, and Woodchurch are all within 30 minutes.
  
• Where can you drink local wine in Chilham?
  Local pubs stock Kentish wines, but for a proper tasting you’ll want to head to the vineyards themselves.
  
• Are there vineyard stays near Chilham?
  Not in the immediate area, but several vineyards (including Chapel Down and Gusbourne) partner with nearby hotels.
  
• Is Chilham a good base for a vineyard weekend?
  Yes - it’s quiet, picturesque, and unusually well connected by train for a village.