Ashford........where the traditional market town meets the vibrancy of a modern international gateway.
The town centre with its historic buildings, tree-lined walk ways, floral displays and street entertainment mix easily with Ashford's international Eurostar station, busy street cafés and excellent modern shopping facilities.
A heritage trail wends its way around the town taking you through the narrow alleyways known as Middle Row featuring mediaeval, Georgian and Jacobean houses. Here also is the old town jail, while nearby an unusual fountain commemorates Ashford's history as a railway town, and a rare First World War tank pays homage to Ashford's part in more recent history. Behind the busy high street you can enjoy the tranquil green oasis of the historic churchyard surrounded by weather-boarded cottages and the local history museum, built in 1635 to house Ashford's first Grammar School.
For shoppers our two modern shopping centres - County Square and Park Mall - stand alongside interesting specialist shops housed in mediaeval and Tudor timber-framed buildings. A new extension to County Square, with Debenhams as its anchor store, has doubled the size of the centre and offers a good mix of High Street retailers. A regular shuttle bus service takes visitors to and from the nearby McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, which houses over 70 high street and designer brands offering permanent discounts of up to 50%.
As a relaxing break from shopping or exploring you can watch the world go by from one of the many cafes or enjoy a picnic in the quiet haven of the Memorial Gardens. And as night falls you can choose to stay in town for ten-pin bowling or an excellent meal or you can head to nearby Eureka Leisure where a 12-screen cinema, nightclub and wide choice of restaurants will keep you entertained.
The high speed 'javelin' train service means that London is now just 37 minutes away, making Ashford the perfect base to combine a relaxing break with some exploring further afield.
Ashford
