Ringwould – Churches, Architectural History and Trails

Ringwould is a rewarding destination for anyone who wants to combine culture, historic buildings and trails through the countryside on a trip. The Church of St Nicholas is the focal point, but ancient yew trees, distinctive houses, gravestones and two different walking routes also give the village several facets. When looking for a holiday apartment in Ringwould, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your days on architectural history, quiet discoveries outdoors or longer walks.

Church of St Nicholas and Historical Details

The Church of St Nicholas is a parish church dating from the 12th century. The present church is thought to date from around 1130. Its west tower was built in 1628, while the north arcade consists of four bays from the 14th century, resting on rough octagonal pillars. Visitors interested in church art and medieval architectural features will also find the original Norman windows noteworthy: one depicting Saint Nicholas is located in the west wall of the tower, and another in the south wall near the porch. The chancel contains two three-light windows.

The furnishings and history of the church include a brass memorial plaque to John Upton, who died in 1530. It is mounted on a wooden wall panel in the church tower. Around the church, the historic atmosphere continues with specific details: south of the Church of St Nicholas are two listed gravestones, including one for Richard Blake, who died in 1723. Approximately five metres east of the church there is also a listed group of seven gravestones belonging to the Taylor family.

Old Houses and Distinctive Local Details

There are also architectural details to discover away from the church. The Old Bakehouse has a date plaque bearing the inscription “T E D 1737”. Laundry Cottage is designed as a half-timbered house with rendered exterior surfaces; the right-hand side elevation is clad in brick. Home Farmhouse and Wall includes an approximately 20-metre-long flint wall dating from the 17th century. The interior of Home Farmhouse and Wall is also thought to date largely from the same period.

Another distinctive address is Ringwould House. The house was built in 1813 by Sir John Soane for Reverend John Monins. The building is made of yellow brickwork and has a slate roof and a large central chimney. Inside, it is thought to retain panelling and library fittings. These different examples make Ringwould interesting for travellers who want to look at more than just a single attraction and pay attention to details on buildings, walls and memorial sites.

Routes for Active Days

For travel planning that involves more activity, the Skylark Trail offers a different perspective. It leads from Walmer railway station via Guston and Dover through the surrounding countryside to the cliffs and is marked with blue waymarkers. The public footpath ER306 runs through Kingsdown Wood towards Ringwould and is used by walkers. The two routes appeal to different preferences: the Skylark Trail connects several named points and the cliffs, while ER306 passes through woodland.

When choosing your accommodation, you can use these focuses as a guide. Anyone who primarily wants to experience historic buildings, church art and memorial sites will plan their days differently from someone who wants to include longer routes through the surrounding countryside. A holiday apartment or holiday house in Ringwould provides a base from which to arrange your outings at your preferred pace, without limiting your stay to a single theme.

Further Places for Orientation

If you would like to compare other local pages alongside Ringwould, these destinations are available: Leaveland, Wrotham, Whitfield, Bilsington, Lenham, Minster, Southborough and Egerton.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kent.