St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church

The red-brick Victorian church on the outskirts of Ashford is worth a quiet visit if you're passing through Kent, particularly if you've got a soft spot for 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture. St Thomas of Canterbury sits with that solid, no-nonsense presence typical of churches built when the Industrial Revolution was reshaping England's towns. Inside, the proportions are satisfying - high ceilings, decent stained glass, the kind of space that feels genuinely peaceful rather than museum-like.

Histor-minded visitors will appreciate the craftsmanship on display. The woodwork catches your eye, and there's an earnestness to the decoration that speaks to the Victorian era's commitment to doing things properly. It's the sort of place where you'll spend twenty minutes looking around, not three hours, but those twenty minutes feel worthwhile.

For families, it depends on the age group. Older children interested in architecture or history will get something from it; toddlers will find it confusing and echo-y. The church itself appears to welcome visitors during reasonable hours, though you'll want to check locally in Ashford before planning a specific visit.

If you're based at one of the glamping sites dotted around the area - Go Glamp is closest at just over a mile away, while Wood View Farm and Chegworth Mill offer rural bases further out - the church makes a gentle cultural break from countryside relaxation. It's not a detour that demands hours of your time, but it's the kind of proper local landmark that gives shape to a day spent exploring this corner of Kent.