Neighbouring Villages:
Bekesbourne, Lower Hardes and Bishopsbourne.
Position:
The village of Bridge is situated in the Nailbourne Valley in an attractive rural setting on the old Roman Watling Street, formerly the main road between London and Dover. It lies 2.5 miles south east of Canterbury and 12 miles from Dover. Bridge, like other similar villages in the locality is a popular residential area for people working in Canterbury and other nearby towns. There are not many villages that can boast such varied architecture from Tudor to Victorian. The centre of the village is a designated conservation area.
History:
One of the first work houses in Kent was built in 1837 in Union Road and the record book gives the names of many inmates who, often forced by poverty, took residence up there. Bridge has survived two wars mercifully undamaged.
Interesting Facts:
Higham House, now known as Highland Court was one of the largest country houses in East Kent in the 17th Century. Count Zborowski, of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang fame, lived in the house earlier this century. Bridge Hill House was the former home of the grandson of the French philosopher Montesquieu. The Post Office was used by Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, who then lived at Broome Park to send his first dispatch in 1914.
Road and Rail Links:
Approximately 1.3 miles to Bekesbourne rail station running between Dover and Faversham, approximately 2.7 miles to Canterbury East Station, approximately 3.2. miles to Canterbury West Station for trains to London and the coast. Regular bus services to Canterbury and surrounding areas.
Shops:
Post Office, Butchers, Newsagents.
Schools:
Bridge and Patrixbourne CE Primary School, Bridge Village Playgroup, Woodpeckers Nursery (please set up a link to Ofsted).
Doctors and Dentists:
Bridge Health Centre. Dentists: V. Wright, G. Hamill and K. Leadbetter
Clubs:
After School Club, Allotment Association, Art in Bridge, Girl Guides, Junior Football Club, Tennis Club, Brownies, Bridge Village Sports Trust, Chess Club, Fish Scheme, League of Friends, Nailbourne Horticultural Society, Neighbourhood Watch, Parent and Toddler Group, Pigeon Club, Cricket Club, Women’s Institute.
Leisure Facilities:
Bridge Village Hall, children’s play areas.
Pubs and Restaurants:
The White Horse, Plough and Harrow, The Red Lion.
Surrounding Countryside.
Barham Downs which offers beautiful countryside for walking, riding and cycling. Nearby Goodnestone Park Gardens a haven of tranquility for a peaceful family day out or a walk. The gardens also provide the setting for special events including concerts and plant fairs. Howletts Wild Animal Park is a major tourist attraction at nearby Bekesbourne.
