Fordwich may be small in size, but it’s big in heart and is home to one of the UK’s ‘best pubs’ (Image: Visit Kent)
Britain’s tiniest town, Fordwich, might be unfamiliar to many, but it is a gem brimming with charm disproportionate to its size.
Home to a mere 381 people, about 180 households, and holder of one of the finest pubs — this delightful commuter town hides within the leafy , merely a short jaunt from Canterbury.
Despite its tiny scale, Fordwich wears its title as England’s littlest town like a badge of honour and lacks nothing in appeal.
The centrepiece of Fordwich’s attractions is the award-winning Fordwich Arms which finds itself celebrated and named among the best watering holes in Britain.
A haven for beer aficionados and alike, this quintessential country pub seduces visitors to its snug riverside perch on the Stour.
Fordwich is the smallest town in Britain with only 381 residents (Image: Visit Kent)
Celebrated for its commitment to local fare and stellar selection of wines and ales, the pub has vaulted to fame, boasting a shining
Neighbouring the acclaimed eatery is The George and Dragon pub, rendering this picturesque spot arguably home to Britain’s most concise pub crawl over its modest expanse of 0.7 square miles.
And if further incentive was needed to drop by, the Fordwich Arms scooped up the “Pub of the Year” accolade at the 2019 National Restaurant Awards, solidifying its status as an essential stop on the UK pub trail.
Fordwich may be small, but it’s steeped in a history of grandeur. Once a thriving port, vessels would navigate up the River Stour to offload their cargo at the town’s wharf, .
The town was bestowed a charter in 1184, enabling it to hold markets and fairs, thereby establishing itself as a crucial trading hub in the area. Present-day visitors can meander through the town’s historical edifices, including the 16th-century town hall.
A quaint bridge over the River Stour, connecting the two halves of the town, stands as a historical landmark and one of its most identifiable features. However, this charming structure can prove troublesome for drivers.
The notoriously tight stone bridge, built in the 14th century—long before the advent of automobiles—permits only one car to traverse at a time, with its height making visibility across it impossible. Consequently, many motorists resort to an ‘advance slowly and cross fingers’ strategy.
Despite its town status, Fordwich feels more akin to a village, comprising approximately 180 homes. According to property experts Rightmove, homes in Fordwich had an average price of £452,800 over the past year. The website also highlighted a significant 28 per cent decrease in prices compared to the pre-pandemic peak of over £630,000.
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Only one car at a time can drive across the narrow bridge (Image: Visit Kent)
Schools and shops
As for amenities like schools and shops, the town’s size means it lacks its own school or major supermarket. Nevertheless, there are ample options in the surrounding areas.
Sturry Church of England Primary School, a highly regarded establishment, is situated in the nearby village of Sturry. Additional primary schools are located in the neighbouring villages of Littlebourne and Wingham.
For secondary schooling, Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury, roughly three miles from Fordwich, is a favoured option. Although Fordwich doesn’t have its own supermarket, an Asda is merely a seven-minute drive away, with a Sainsbury’s superstore and a Lidl located in Canterbury, approximately three miles distant.
The town also features a handful of small shops, including a post office.
The commute to Fordwich to and from London is very simple and takes just over 90 minutes (Image: Visit Kent)
How to get to Fordwich
For those contemplating a visit or commute, Fordwich is just a few miles from Canterbury.
With many Londoners now only required to travel into the city once or twice a week, the allure of residing in such a charming location is increasing.
A day trip by car from south east London takes less than two hours via the M20, transporting you from the city’s hustle and bustle to the serene natural landscape of Fordwich.
If you’re planning an overnight stay, there are hotels available for booking here. The train journey to and from London is surprisingly simple, taking just over 90 minutes.
The high-speed service from St Pancras International to Canterbury takes just 56 minutes, with the town a short bus ride from there. More information can be found on Trainline.
Fordwich is just a 15-minute walk from Sturry train station, which sits on the Canterbury West to Ramsgate and Margate Line. The station offers services to London St Pancras, London Victoria, Dover Priory, Ramsgate, Margate, and Broadstairs.
Despite its small stature, Fordwich has garnered nationwide recognition for its outstanding pub and continues to captivate visitors with its delightful architecture, scenic location, and friendly residents. If you’re seeking a more tranquil, laid-back lifestyle, Fordwich could be your perfect abode.