One visitor said there were “little cottages galore” and she was overjoyed to spot the red telephone box
This quaint and quirky village in Kent has just 200 or so inhabitants and it can be found near a Roman road. Those dreaming of a white Christmas are likely to be disappointed in this part of the world, so don’t expect spectacular snowy views like this in Postling.
But it’s Kentish walking country and perfect for a two-hour stride out for some fresh air and to shift those calories we’ve been loading on during the festive period.
There are “little cottages galore” in Postling and you’ll see beautifully-kept homes, and an old finger post sign marking the way to other villages. It’s in a small valley in the Kent Downs area of outstanding natural beauty, so there’s breathtaking views.
As you might expect with such a small population, it’s a quiet village and you won’t find a shop or pub, but don’t despair about the latter.
Head to the “warm friendly” pub, the family-owned and run free house, The Gatekeeper Inn in Etchinghill, where you will find a log burner set in a brick fireplace. The pub is only 1.5 miles from Postling, on the Canterbury Road. It’s at the southern end of the Elham Valley, and the building dates to 1595.
It’s perfect for a visit at this time of year, as it has Christmas decorations, fireside chairs, cushions and candles, and it’s dog-friendly. It’s 17 miles from Canterbury, on the Roman road of Stone Street, so you also have the delight of a food-lovers city to explore.
It has four out of a possible five stars from 474 reviews on TripAdvisor, with the latest review in November saying: “Once again Helen and her team welcomed 15 of us straight from wreath making for a Christmas lunch. We were greeted with a glass of prosecco in this warm friendly pub with the fire roaring. The food was delicious and service was excellent , the boys looked after us well.”
Another visitor said: “Upon entering, there was an instant warmth about the place, a lovely cosy seating area for drinks, then it opened up to a dining area with plenty of customers enjoying a meal with friends, which is always a good sign.”
In Postling, look out for the distinctive red telephone box, which was a model made to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V. The phone box is often photographed for Instagram, whether as a backdrop for a smiling selfie or even for a gleaming Triumph Bobber motorbike. But more on that later.
And do visit the church, which is beautiful in its simplicity. St Mary and St Radegund Church, which has a Medieval wall painting, lovely old latched wooden gate, and a slope up to its doors.
John E Vigar’ in his excellent Kent Churches website describes it thus: “An unknown gem that deserves more visitors, this is set in a tiny valley high above the M20 on the slopes of the Downs. At first sight a simple church of nave, chancel and west tower, but inside there are a wealth of treasures.”
The phone box is often photographed for Instagram, whether as a backdrop for a smiling selfie or even for a gleaming Triumph Bobber motorbike. It’s hardly surprising because of the lovely countryside, people in Postling love dogs and horses.
And there are cows and sheep everywhere in warmer seasons. At baling time, you can see huge round straw bales in lines across the fields. There is also a 12th Century church, beautiful in its simplicity, called St Mary and St Radegund with a Medieval wall painting, set in a quiet churchyard. It still has Norman features from its origins.
With its lovely old latched wooden gate, and slope up to its doors, with daffodils and primroses everywhere in the spring, it’s a stunning and probably a little changed view.
In John E Vigar’s Kent Churches website, he describes it as “An unknown gem that deserves more visitors, this is set in a tiny valley high above the M20 on the slopes of the Downs. At first sight a simple church of nave, chancel and west tower, but inside there are a wealth of treasures.”
For a stunning view of the church, walk along the North Downs Way.
This charming photograph was taken by N Chadwick, who writes below about the distinctive K6 telephone box
“The K6 was introduced in 1935, designed to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V. It was a smaller version of the K2, and went on to be installed prolifically around the country. It is the most recognised and iconic telephone box, that many people around the world are familiar with. The first K6 is still to be found outside the Royal Academy of Art in London.
Other versions of the red telephone box were designed and implemented but none were ever to survive the popularity of the K6. Over 240,000 red telephone boxes were built between the 1920s and 1980s.
BT had replaced many red telephone boxes during the 1980s and 90s with the aluminium KX100, leading to English Heritage to designate over 2000 as listed structures. Only 9400 K6’s remain.
BT offered councils to ‘adopt-a-kiosk’ for £1 to keep local K6’s in place. Many have found alternate uses as mini libraries/book exchanges & art galleries, and even for storage of heart defibrillators.”
17 miles south of Canterbury
Postling is around 17 miles to the south of Canterbury. And in Postling is the source of the East Stour river. The village was spelled Postlinges, that’s another one to learn how to pronounce, when it appeared in the Domesday Book. Near Stone Street, a Roman road, the village falls under the borough of Folkestone and Hythe.
Postling Court is the old manor house and would have been used as the local court and magistrate. If you want to get in some walking while you are there, there is a great 3.8 miles walk described as an easy hike and for any fitness level, with easily-accessible paths.
This should take you around 1 hr 46 mins and you can start from The Street in Postling, which is also close to the church mentioned above. During the walk you will take in Tolsford Hill and you’re promised “great views” in many places.
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