New Homes in Ashford

Welcome to Ashford

Located close to the North Downs in Kent, Ashford is a popular town with first-rate transport links by road and rail making it a great place for commuters to live. Whether you’re taking a walk along the River Great Stour, visiting the town museum or enjoying a day out with the family, there’s lots to see and do in and around Ashford.

A quick history

The region around Ashford dates back to the Iron Age, with the discovery of artefacts in the local area. In the Roman era the town was important for the production of metal at the iron works, while during Saxon times the manor house at Ashford gave refuge to people escaping Viking raids nearby.

By the 13th century Ashford had grown into a market town, and by the 18th and 19th centuries the farmer’s market was thriving. In the early 20th century Ashford became a target during the First and Second World Wars due to its importance as a railway hub, while today the town is popular for its shopping areas, historic sites and good schools.

Business and industry

Throughout the centuries, Ashford has been a town of many different industries including pottery and print. Today the town is home to a number of business parks, with locally-based companies including RIFT Group, engineering company MJ Allen, frozen food business Brake Brothers, and Premier Foods.

Ashford is also within commuting distance for a number of other big employers including Saga Group in Folkestone, P&O Ferries in Dover and BAE Systems in Rochester.

Things to do in the area

If you enjoy a spot of retail therapy, Ashford is home to a number of shopping centres including the award-winning Ashford Designer Outlet, and County Square Shopping Centre in the town. Cultural attractions including the restored St Mary the Virgin Church, Ashford Borough Museum and the town’s Heritage Trail, while Godinton House and Gardens and Willesborough Windmill are close by.

For those of you who enjoy getting out in the countryside, Ashford Green Corridor is in the town while Tankerton Beach is just a short drive away. For families with children or grandchildren, there’s lots of opportunity for days out that everyone will love, including the Rare Breeds Centre, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, and Lathe Barn.

Travel and commuting

Ashford is located right next to the M20, ensuring there are good transport links to surrounding towns by road and rail. Travelling south east, Folkestone is just 25 minutes away by car or 15 minutes by train, while Maidstone is 30 minutes away by car or 25 minutes by train.

If you’re travelling further afield, Ashford is not only linked to London by rail but also with mainland Europe via the Eurostar which goes through the town. The train journey to London St Pancras from Ashford International takes under 40 minutes, while it takes under two hours to get to Paris on the Eurostar. For air travel, London Gatwick is around one hour away by car.