Ideally located with access to a bustling town centre, idyllic countryside and only a short drive from the Kentish coast, Ashford has lots to offer as a place to live. There is also a wide range of new-build developments for young people to get on the housing ladder, including Riverside Park, our collection of contemporary open-plan apartments and townhouses. Phase three is currently underway.
As further restrictions ease from Monday, 17 May, people are enjoying the spaces around them even more than ever. Below, we have outlined the best places to eat and drink, shop and enjoy the outdoors within the borough.
Shopping
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is one of the borough’s landmark shopping destinations, attracting visitors from far and wide. In 2019, it underwent a 100,000 sq ft, £90 million expansion, which encompassed 40 new stores, a new food piazza, an events space, a children’s playground and additional parking. Stores include Kate Spade, POLO Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Nike.
County Square is centrally located and home to high street favourites such as Pandora, New Look, Superdrug and H&M. Owned by Ashford Borough Council, Park Mall is a local hotspot with both independent retailers and national names.
Food and drink
Elwick Place, a £75m leisure hub, is home to a wide range of hospitality establishments including Macknade, an all-day eatery and deli, and Unità 4, a Puglian-inspired restaurant specialising in fresh pasta. As we revealed in a recent blog post, there are several new additions coming soon to Elwick Place – Matches Sports Bar, Grill & Social, The Gastronomist Club and Dansaki.
Curious Brewery is another popular food and drink venue in Ashford town centre. Alongside its operating brewery, its bar and restaurant serve classic mains, bar snacks and sweet treats. There are plenty of other great spots elsewhere in the borough from pubs like The White Lion in Tenterden to more fine dining restaurants like The Wife of Bath in Wye.
Ashford is also home to some of the leading producers of English wine including Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Biddenden Vineyards, which offer tours and tastings.
Green space
Only moments away from our Riverside Park project and a short walk from Ashford town centre, Victoria Park offers 17 acres of outdoor space. The Great Stour river runs through the park and there’s plenty to see, including the Grade II listed Hubert fountain.
Conningbrook Lakes Country Park is perfect for families, with a variety of walking trails and a picnic area. The park is rich in wildlife from migratory wildfowl and kingfishers to butterflies and dragonflies.
GRE Assets is currently delivering Riverside Park, a major residential development in Ashford, Kent.
