The Local Area
Things to see and do around Iffin Farmhouse
Local history
IFFIN – “The youthful dwellers”. Ithynge 1336; Yffyng 1465. OE meaning youth, young people, junior warriors.
Very Little is Known about Iffin farm except that in the early days it was known as “Aethynges”. The name underwent several changes for in 1336 it was “Ithynge” and in 1465 it was “Yffyng”. It is said that Vitalis, a Norman Knight depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, and who is mentioned in the Domesday Survey as residing at Canterbury, had a daughter, Matilda, who married a William Caevel and they possessed the land later. This William Caeval is probably the man who was Portreeve of Canterbury about 1100 and founded Saint Sepulchres Nunnery in the Old Dover Road. A survey of Iffin Woods done in 1983 when the woods were threatened with destruction revealed the site of the medieval manor which was apparently deserted in the 15th century. No manoral site in Kent has ever been fully excavated and it is hoped that this site will be protected. In May 1945 a Bronze Age burial mound was discovered at Iffin Wood. When excavated it was found to contain several inverted burial urns with a few human cremated remains. They date from 1700 to 1100 B.C.
Where to go and what to see
Christmas in Canterbury – https://www.canterbury.co.uk/homepage/35/christmas_in_canterbury
Explore Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay – www.visitcanterbury.co.uk
Visit Dover Castle, the White Cliffs and much more – www.visitkent.co.uk
For a focus on the arts go to Kent’s Creative Coast – www.kentscreativecoast.co.uk
Local Farmers Markets
The Goods Shed, Canterbury – Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 7pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm
Chartham – Every Thursday 2.30pm – 5pm at the Market
Challock – 1st & 3rd Friday of each month 1pm – 4pm at Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane
Wye – 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month 9am – noon on The Green
Sandwich – last Saturday of every month
Doddington Place Gardens
Surrounded by wooded countryside in an area of natural beauty on the North Downs. The Garden has featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles and twice on TV in Country Ways. Open 2pm – 5pm every Sunday until the end of June – http://www.doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk/
Belmont House
The beautiful Georgian House of Belmont and parkland with stunning views of rolling Kent countryside. The house is completely unspoilt and a distinctive example of the work of the architect Samuel Wyatt. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until the end of September. Last admission 4.30pm – http://www.belmont-house.org/
Chapel Down Winery
Tenterden – http://www.chapeldown.com
The Kent Downs
The Kent Downs has a great deal to offer whether you are visiting for a day or staying longer, discover the landscape and enjoy the wildlife by visiting the many countryside sites, woodlands and nature reserves. – http://www.kentdowns.org.uk/
Theatre
If you enjoy the drama and music of the Theatre when you are on holiday then why not have a look at the list of wonderful performances on offer at The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury. We think our local theatre is such good value and show fantastic productions that we are members. The Marlowe Theatre has a long history connected to Christopher Marlowe, a Canterbury lad born in 1564.
Canterbury Food & Drink Festival
Dane John Gardens Canterbury: A wide array of stalls featuring produce from across the region and beyond along with entertainment, food demonstrations and offers to entice you into some of Canterbury’s finest restaurants. – http://www.canterbury.co.uk/canterburyfoodfestival.aspx
Canterbury Festival
Canterbury Festival is Kent’s International Arts Festival, the largest festival of arts and culture in the region, and one of the most important cultural events in the South East. Every year festival fortnight includes a wide range of events, including Music, Theatre & Dance, Comedy, Exhibitions, Walks and Talks. – http://www.canterburyfestival.co.uk/
Our guests’ favourite pubs
Red Lion – Snargate, Romney Marsh TN29 9UK – Great for real ale
Rose & Crown – Stelling Minnis Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6AS
The Compasses Inn – 15 minutes drive into the Kent Downs (great for a pub lunch after a local walk)
The Five Bells Inn – The Street, East Brabourne, Ashford, Kent TN25 5LP – 25 minutes drive into the Kent Downs, on the Pilgrims Way. Very busy, but no bookings taken – worth the wait to eat!
The Duck – Pett Bottom, Canterbury, CT4 5PB – 01227 830354
The Granville – Street End, Lower Hardres, Canterbury, CT4 7AL – Our local pub, serves a great selection of traditional Kentish Ale along with a delicious menu serving modern European Food – 01227 700402
Park & Ride
There is the option of a Park and Ride facility which is roughly a 3 minute drive by car from Iffin Farmhouse. It operates from Monday through to Saturday from 7am to 7.30pm and takes you right into the City Centre and back, with buses every 8 minutes. Also why not check out Sustrans to help you find walking and cycling routes, information on public transport, as well as local shops, sports facilities and other destinations. For museums in the area visit the Canterbury Museums website for more information
