Set in the heart of Kent, Ashford is a market town, which grew rapidly due to the addition of a major railway junction and was further transformed by the building of the channel tunnel. Only 10 minutes from the mouth of the tunnel, it now boasts an international passenger station from which Paris can be reached in two hours.

The town centre has been pedestrianised to provide a safe and peaceful shopping environment and offers a wide range of shops. However despite its modern facilities, Ashford’s past is reflected by the Church of St Mary the Virgin and the architecture of Middle Row.

The surrounding countryside is home to many orchards and hop gardens – the perfect illustration of how Kent gained its ‘garden of England’ nickname.