Take a walk among stunning sculptures in beautiful surroundings along the North Downs Way Art Trail. The trail starts in Surrey and stretches for 153 miles to Dover in Kent, track down the nine sculptures and soak up art in the great outdoors or as we like to call it, the GREAT ARTdoors!
We’ve created a substantial open-air gallery for everyone to enjoy for free, follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on an inspired journey through landscapes, nature and heritage, that spans woodlands and open hilltops down to the coast. Highlights include otherworldly works of art including domes with 360-degree views and sculptural seats that reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Explore The Great Artdoors!
Explore The Great Artdoors!
The North Downs Way Art Trail is designed to entice you to stop, rest and enjoy some of the beautiful views along the trail.
Each artwork reflects the special characteristics of each beautiful location, is made from sustainable materials and acts as sculptural seat to allow you to sit, reflect and relax surrounded by wonderful and inspiring art, history and nature.
In addition each piece will be supported by a range of downloadable self-guided walking and/or cycling routes that will make visiting the sites even easier.
Not sure where to start? We’ve complied nine self-guided art walks, complete with insights from the artists and their sculptures. It’s time to discover The Great ARTdoors!
‘After the Black Gold’ By Channel
How to get there
- Section: 12 – Canterbury to Shepherdswell
- Nearest postcode: CT4 6SJ
- What 3 words: ///fault.wicked.cabbies
- Where to start? Snowdown Station or Woolage Village Green
- What to expect: Low hills, valleys and villages
Full route: This sculpture is on section 12 of the North Downs Way from Canterbury to Shepherdswell 10.5 miles (16.8km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
It’s just 1.1 miles from Snowdown Station.
Take your time…
Challenge yourself on the first steps on the road to Rome, part of the Via Francigena, load up your backpack and hit the trail. First off spend time exploring the three sites of historic Canterbury that make up its UNESCO World Heritage Site, then follow the North Downs Way towards Dover.
The Via Francigena
The ancient Pilgrimage Route between Canterbury and Rome is classified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: The Two Sawyers a traditional country pub set in the tiny hamlet in Woolage Green or The Jackdaw in the village of Denton which was used as a setting for the famous Battle of Britain film.
- Explore: Canterbury, Patrixbourne, Shepherdswell, East Kent Railway
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Explore the sculpture and play on the nearby recreation area.
The story behind the sculpture
‘After the Black Gold’ takes its inspiration from the local mining heritage of Woolage village. Known as ‘White City’ to the mining community, Woolage Village was built in 1912 to accommodate miners and workers associated with nearby Snowdown Colliery. The piece is purposely simple, it takes the form of a timber structure supporting two lean-to roof pitches which together provide shelter for a bench.
The sculpture is oriented on the axis towards the old colliery to draw a connection to the site’s history and to benefit from the existing view of it from the recreation ground.
The structure invites walkers on the North Downs Way trail to sit, rest and consider the layers of human intervention in this landscape. On one side you can see the beautiful views looking out towards the colliery and on the other side the houses and play area of the village.
About the artists
Channel is an architecture practice founded by Ryan Cook and the late Sam Little. The practice is interested in the design and construction process, working with industry, institutions and individuals on projects that explore innovative responses to constraint and planetary resources. Sam Little, whose respectful interest in the mining community was intrinsic to this work, died suddenly soon after ‘After the Black Gold’ was launched, and the sculpture remains his only public work.
Nearby experiences
- Natural Pathways Bushcraft Skills
- Family Mini Survival Adventure
- Spoon Carving and Green Woodworking
- Capture Kent (Dover Cliffs)
Other points of interest: Woolage former mining settlement
‘Optohedron’ By Will Nash
How to get there
- Section: 2 – Guildford to Dorking
- Nearest postcode: GU4 8SE
- What 3 words: ///apron.tolls.short
- Where to start? Nearest Car Park is on Drove Road, Albury, GU4 8SE. Newlands Corner Car Park GU4 8SE
- What to expect: Epic views, woodland walks and open valleys
Full Route: This sculpture is on section 2 of the North Downs Way from Guildford to Dorking 13 miles (21km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
Other routes:
- Silent Pool walk: A 6 mile scenic walk around the North Downs, Sherbourne Pond and Silent Pool, which are fed by springs.
In a hurry?
It’s just 2.8 miles from Gomshall or Chilworth station.
Take your time…
Soak up more of the Surrey Hills AONB and start the North Downs Way from Farnham, which is 15 miles away, there’s enough in this market town to keep you busy with its Georgian streets, historic buildings and craft heritage. Also, nearby to the sculpture are the towns of Guildford and Dorking, both have plenty to experience whatever time of year you visit
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Check out the local food scene at Silent Pool Gin Distillery, Mandira’s Kitchen Albury Organic Vineyard and Norbury Park Cheese – it’s a real artisan hub with something for every appetite.
- Explore: Newlands Corner, an iconic park, the site of an Agatha Christie stunt in 1926, Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, see the Martian and HG Wells sculptures in nearby Woking which pay homage to the H.G. Wells and his classic ‘The War of the Worlds.’
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Look through the Eye of the Sculpture and sketch the landscape beyond.
The Story Behind the Sculpture
Located near Newlands Corner in Guildford and takes inspiration from the faceted structure of an insect’s eye. Constructed from weathered steel and locally sourced hazel, the spaces between the logs create homes for wildlife while the embedded kaleidoscopes allow visitors to view the landscape in new and beautiful ways. The name Optohedron is derived from the ancient Greek: optikos, “of seeing” and herd “raised seat.”
About the Artist
Artist and sculptor Will Nash was born in Bangor, North Wales, in 1973. He studied Multimedia Fine Art at Middlesex University and gained an MA in Design by Project from the University of Brighton. At the centre of Will’s practice is a concern with form, structure and quantity.
His sculptures and installations are the results of ongoing explorations of mathematical forms and the relationships they have with one another.
Nearby experiences
Other points of interest:
- Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
- Aldous Huxley Grave, Watts Chapel, Puttenham
Photo Credit : John Miller
‘Coccolith’ By INSTAR
How to get there
- Section: 5 – Oxted to Otford
- Nearest postcode: TN16 2JT
- What 3 words: ///taken.juices.simple
- Where to start? North Downs Way opposite Clarks Lane Farm, Tatsfield, TN16 2JT
- What to expect: Rolling hills, valleys, woodland and farmland trails
Full route: This sculpture is on section 5 of the North Downs Way from Oxted to Otford 12 miles (19km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
It’s just 0.9 miles from Oxted Train Station
Take your time…
Bordering between Kent and Surrey there’s plenty to experience close by in both counties, Titsey Place in Oxted, is a must see, an impressive manor house with beautiful gardens set in the stunning countryside of the North Downs or explore the ancient heathland and woodland of Limpsfield Common.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Titsey Estate & Tea Rooms, Botley Hill Farmhouse, the Estate Deli at Squerryes Wine
and the new Titsey Brewery brewhouse and taproom. - Explore: Emmett’s National Trust Garden which was featured in the film “A Room with a View”, wine tasting at Gaysham Vineyard (Squerryes Wine Estate) and the charming town of Oxted with its beautiful Tudor-style timber-framed buildings and surrounding scenic countryside.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Create your own ancient creature inspired by the designs on the seats of the Coccolith.
The story behind the sculpture
Inspired by the very creatures that, 65 million years ago, formed the foundations of the North Downs Way, ‘Coccolith’ invites visitors to take a seat and immerse themselves in this rolling and quintessential landscape. This ‘Inspiring views’ commission, is built using traditional dry-stone wall techniques, using a hand-picked selection of local ironstone rock excavated from the Titsey Estate along with ‘clunch’ chalk. In ‘the round’ a set of 5 cantilever stone style seats provide the perfect spot to take the weight off and absorb the valley and ‘Inspiring Views’, offering a restful, connecting and playful engagement en route to the next destination. The seats are engraved with the words ‘BUILT UPON TIME AND TIDE’.
About the artists
Artists Trish Evans and Nick Humphrey produce multi-disciplinary artwork inspired by the natural world, from the oceans to the uplands, the urban to the rural. Their portfolio includes commissioned public art, exhibition design, installation, engagement and creative interpretation. Working collaboratively, their partners have included The National Trust, National Forest and The Wildlife Trusts.
Nearby experiences
Other points of interest
- Chartwell – Home to Winston Churchill
- Biggin Hill
- Down House – Home to Charles Darwin
'Monumenta Romana’ By Charles Holland Architects
How to get there
- Section: 13 – Shepherdswell to Dover
- Nearest postcode: CT15 5BB
- What 3 words: ///quote.foggy.dust
- Where to start? Shepherdswell Station or Shepherdswell Village Green
- What to expect: Open fields, woodland and villages
Full Route: This sculpture is on section 13 of the North Downs Way from Shepherdswell to Dover 9 miles (14.5km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
It’s just 2.4 miles from Shepherdswell Station or car park.
Take your time…
Walk the 9-mile Shepherdswell to Dover route, passing through Ashley and Pineham villages and finish at Dover Seafront, take a selfie at the Start/Finish Point and at the ‘We are All Winners’ installation then can get a train back to your starting point after a well-earned fish and chips.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Drink at The Bell Inn Shepherdswell, Family friendly, traditional country pub serving drinks and snacks (check ahead for food options) or The Carpenter’s Arms in Coldred, a CAMRA Real Heritage Pub serving the community since the 18th Century.
- Explore: Waldershare Estate, Coldred Village, the Village Green and St. Pancras church.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Bring some paper and crayons and make rubbings of the timber seat.
The story behind the sculpture
Sited on the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail and located on the edge of the Waldershare Estate opposite the Belvedere, an early 17th-century Palladian folly designed by Lord Burlington. Which was commissioned by the owner of the estate, the Belvedere was never completed, and the Grade 1 structure is currently in a semi-ruinous state.
The Monumenta Roman sculpture is fabricated from salvaged timber that has been recycled from flooring, barrels and even sea groins, which all form an open-framed dome surrounded by an octagonal timber seat, it’s both an object of contemplation in relation to the site and its history, a sculpture that gives 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape to walkers on the North Downs Way National Trail. The piece re-imagines the cupola that was originally intended to go on the roof of the Belvedere. In this sense, the artwork refers to a history of objects and architectural fragments brought back from foreign travels including the Grand Tour. It also refers to a history of wayside chapels and shrines that populate pilgrimage routes.
About the artists
Charles Holland Architects is an international architecture and design studio based in Dover. Their work is multi-disciplinary in scope and includes buildings, exhibitions, public art and urban design as well as teaching and research.
The Via Francigena
The ancient Pilgrimage Route between Canterbury and Rome is classified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe.
Nearby Experiences
- Natural Pathways Bushcraft Skills
- Family Mini Survival Adventure
- Spoon Carving and Green Woodworking
- Capture Kent (Dover Cliffs)
https://kentdowns.org.uk/experiences/family-mini-survival-adventure/
Other points of interest
- Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat, Dover Castle and White Cliffs of Dover
- East Kent Railway in Shepherdswell is a heritage railway with café and outdoor activities.
‘Radius’ By James Tunnard
How to get there
- Section: 2 – Guildford to Dorking
- Nearest postcode: RH5 6AA
- What 3 words: /// rapid.leads.play
- Where to start? Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Surrey, RH5 6AA
- What to expect: Rolling hills and valleys
Full Route: This sculpture is on section 2 of the North Downs Way from Guildford to Dorking 13 miles (21km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
- Other routes:
Polesden Lacy: a 7 mile scenic walk around a popular area on the North Downs Way. Enjoy this beautiful hilly walk along the North Downs to the National Trust’s historic Polesden Lacey house and extensive grounds.
In a hurry?
It’s just 0.9 miles from Dorking Train Station
Take your time…
Head into the charming market town of Dorking, surrounded by the beautiful Surrey Hills and wander around the historic streets, discovering the arts and crafts shops, boutiques and galleries or enjoy a riverside stroll along the River Mole on the Stepping Stones walk
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Take a craft brewery tour at Surrey Hills Brewery, try Denbies Conservatory Restaurant, refuel at Chimney Fire Coffee and sample a glass or two at Litmus Wines.
- Explore: The mountain peak of Box Hill with 360-degree views of the area, head up to Broadwood’s Tower and visit Polesden Lacey the Edwardian Country House located in a vast estate.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Create your own poem that describes your visit and how the sculpture made you feel.
The story behind the sculpture
Located at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking the project is a collaboration with Surrey Hills Arts. Made from locally sourced oak, the undulating curves of this sculptural seat reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as the radial symmetries of growth found in trees and other plant life.
Engraved with poems written by local poets and inscriptions from members of the public, which encourage a sense of community spirit and engagement. The curved form of the seating area orientates visitors towards the inspiring views that radiate out from the hillside making it the perfect place to drink in the views after a brisk walk up the hill.
About the artist
James Tunnard is an artist and designer working across a wide range of disciplines and materials. His work focuses on the process of creating – how ideas become the material form and then experiences. He is intrigued by the process of imaginative investigation, experimentation and collaboration.
Nearby experiences
Other points of interest
- Millennium Stones, Wing Tips, Inglis Folly all in Reigate
- Westhumble Chapel
- Betchworth Church and Shere Village featured in the 1993 film, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’
- The Black Swan Pub, located near Effingham was used in the 1981 horror film, ‘An American Werewolf in London’
Photo Credit: John Miller
'Feel Our Voice’ By Kezia Cole
How to get there
- Section: 11 – Chilham to Canterbury
- Nearest postcode: CT4 8BA
- What 3 words:///oval.rhino.inches
- Where to start? Chilham Village or Chartham
- What to expect: Picture postcard rural Kent. Orchards and farmhouses, Hop Bines and Oast Houses with views across the Stour Valley as you head towards Canterbury.
Full route: This sculpture is on section 11 of the North Downs Way from Chilham to Canterbury 7.2 miles (11.6km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
Chilham Station is 1.9 miles away and Selling station is 2 miles away.
Take your time…
Head to Canterbury and enjoy a historic, narrated boat tour of the city, explore the villages of Chartham and Chilham, cycle or walk along the Great Stour River on the Stour Valley Way.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Badger’s Hill Farm & Cidery, The White horse in Chilham, The Local or Artichoke in Chartham serve fabulous food and drink,
- Explore: The wealth of woodland including Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, Perry Wood take the trail to the Pulpitt for the best views and go deeper into the ancient Forest of King’s Wood.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Search out some leaves in the woods and try leaf printing, a simple splatter of paint and you can turn a leaf into a beautiful piece of art.
The story behind the sculpture
Starting from the artist’s own short pilgrimage to the site, exploring the walk through psychogeographical techniques to map the sensory journey, Kezia also explored how visitors experience rest and contemplation. Creating a bench made from laser-cut/CNC router-cut slices of wood from recycled apple crates from local Rickard’s farm, that formed the “ribs” of the work, which were slid onto a spine to hold the sectioned pieces together.
The parametric design enables light to filter through the piece and creates a visual ripple as the visitor walks past ensuring the work sits within and gently interacts with the view itself, the contours of the bench mirror words spoken by local people, words that they would say to someone sitting on the bench whilst looking at the panoramic view of farmland, orchards, Farmhouses & Oast Houses, fruit crops, hop bines and the Stour Valley.
About the artist
Kezia’s work is based in participatory practice with communities to co-create live audience experiences. She is currently exploring how the ephemeral experiences shared within participatory work can be translated, transmuted and transformed into solid and lasting forms. Her practice is playful, collaborative and responsive to the needs of the groups she develops work with.
Nearby experiences
Other points of interest
- Chilham Castle
- No Man’s Orchard
- Bigbury Fort
‘Coppice Oratory’ By Tchonova + La Roi
How to get there
- Section: 10 – Wye to Chilham
- Nearest postcode: Mountain St (nearest sculpture) CT4 8DG or Taylors Hill, Chilham Village CT4 8BZ
- What 3 words: grades.heats.masks
- Where to start? Mountain St Car Park, Chilham, Chilham Village, Chilham Station or Wye
- What to expect: Forests, historic towns and pretty hamlets.
Full Route: This sculpture is on section 10 of the North Downs Way from Wye to Chilham, 7.2 miles (11.6km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
It’s just 2.1 miles from Chilham Station or park at Mountain Street Car Park and walk the mile to the sculpture following the North Downs Way through King’s Wood.
Take your time…
On this stage of the North Downs Way you’ll witness the first sighting of Canterbury Cathedral a welcome sight for all walkers.
Take your bikes – King’s Wood is vast, see more in a day with a choice of good cycling trails on the hard forest roads and mountain bike trails in the woods.
If you visit in spring, you’ll see the stunning displays of bluebells.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: The Church Mouse Tea Rooms for delicious homemade scones and cakes, The White Horse traditional pub, The Woolpack country inn and Badgers Hill Farm & Cidery, which are all conveniently located in Chilham.
- Explore: Godmersham village and park, visited by Jane Austen, Eastwell Lake and the quaint village of Chilham.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Go Wildlife Spotting – seek out the forest’s large free-roaming fallow deer.
The story behind the sculpture
This four-metre-high wooden sculpture is a key lookout point on the North Downs Way, a space for reflection for modern-day pilgrims travelling along the route through King’s Wood, near Canterbury and Ashford. Positioned in the 1,450-acre King’s Wood above Godmersham at the point where Canterbury Cathedral becomes visible to walkers.
The sculpture made from coppiced chestnut directly from the forest woodland faces towards the famous World Heritage Site and the first Cathedral in the UK, both just seven miles away in the distance. The intimate and accessible oratory is an inclusive space open to everyone and offers a place for reflection and rest along the trail.
About the artists
Matthijs la Roi and Simone Tchonova are the eponymous architects of Tchonova + la Roi, a London-based architecture practice.
Their collaborative design process focuses on responding to distinct site-specific elements from the historical, political, cultural, social and natural surroundings. This applies both to the conceptualisation and materialisation of their work. The practice is highly interested in raw materials and the physical process of constructing.
Nearby experiences
- Creative Glass Classes
- Outdoor Studios
- Creative Pilgrims
- Become a Rebel Farmer
- Capture Kent (Canterbury)
Other points of interest
- ‘Feel Our Voice’ sculpture is approx one hour walk away
- Chilham Castle
- Stour Valley Arts Trail
- Godmersham Park
- Badgers Hill Animal Farm & Cidery
'We are all Winners’ By Alma Tischlerwood
How to get there
- Section: 13 – Shepherdswell to Dover and Section 15 Folkstone to Dover
- Nearest postcode: CT16 1LA
- What 3 words: ///alas.blatantly.piston
- Where to start? Waterloo Crescent, Dover Seafront
- What to expect: Beaches, promenades and the famous White Cliffs
Full Route: This sculpture is on section 13 of the North Downs Way from Shepherdswell to Dover 9 miles (14.5km) and section 15 Folkestone to Dover 8.5 miles (13.6km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
Nearest train station is Dover Priory just 0.6 miles away.
Take your time…
A must is walking the North Downs Way and England Coast Path to Samphire Hoe, walking towards Folkestone you’ll pass Shakespeare’s Cliff which was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s King Lear.
From Dover if you head north on the England Coast Path in the opposite direction, you’ll pass through the National Trust White Cliffs estate before hitting the picturesque St Margaret’s Bay Beach and the South Foreland Lighthouse, there’s plenty of photo opportunities along the way, but for the epic shot walk along the cliff pathways for miles of unrivalled views.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: Try a scoop of ice cream from Pebbles Kiosk, local seafood from Dover Patrol restaurant and Cullins Yard, or fresh fish & chips from Wheller’s or The Boardwalk Café.
- Explore: Samphire Hoe Visitor Centre, Western Heights, Dover’s Secret Wartime Tunnels and discover more art on the Chalk Up 21 Trail.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Take a selfie at the famous Dover Start Finish line a sculpture (also created by Alma Tischlerwood) with the White Cliffs and Dover Castle in the distance and the English Channel in the foreground.
The story behind the sculpture
This sculpture forms a winner’s podium in the shape of a bench with the engraved words “we are” in Latin, created as a modern monument and homage to pilgrimage.
The overall look is elegant and in keeping with the surroundings, but also subtly references the humorous concept of the start/finish line, which is a great photo opportunity for more than just North Downs Way walkers.
On the side facing the city, the symbol of a pilgrim is engraved and covered with gold leaf.
It functions as a bench with different heights for all ages and disabilities. The ‘seating sculpture’ is a place to relax, reflect, rest and meet loved ones at the now and then very busy seafront, the sculpture also playfully depicts both the present and the ancient world and refers to the sense of achievement we feel after a long walk.
About the artist
Alma Tischler Wood studied with Guenter Fruhtrunk at the Munich Academy and briefly Philosophy at Goldsmiths University of London. Following her graduation, Alma received among other awards an award and scholarship of the city of Munich. Her work uses colour and geometric abstraction to disrupt on many levels, with a refreshing pinch of irony and humour in her public murals and interior installations.
Nearby experiences
- Be a Ranger for the day at Samphire Hoe with White Cliffs Countryside
- Birdwatching at Samphire Hoe
- Capture Kent (Dover Cliffs)
- Natural Pathways Bushcraft Skills
- Family Mini Survival Adventure
- Spoon Carving and Green Woodworking
Other points of interest
- Dover Castle
- Three Waves sculpture by Tonkin Liu Architects
- Dover Museum and Bronze Boat
- White Cliffs of Dover (National Trust)
- South Foreland Lighthouse (National Trust)
‘Sedile Francigena’ By Polysemic
How to get there
- Section 12: Canterbury to Shepherdswell
- Nearest postcode: CT4 6HJ
- What 3 words: /// blurs.expose.improving
- Where to start? Canterbury Cathedral
- What to expect: Open fields and woodland. Undulating with no big slopes.
Full route: This sculpture is on section 12 of the North Downs Way from Canterbury to Shepherdswell 10.5 miles (16.8km) for more details, visit the North Downs Way website.
In a hurry?
Nearest train station is Adisham, which is 2.5 miles away. Bekesbourne and Snowdown stations are also nearby.
Take your time…
Stroll around the quiet village of Adisham on the edge of the old coal mining area of East Kent. Which joins the North Downs Way for a short section by following little used footpaths and bridleways where you can discover some interesting woodland sections. Good views of Barham Downs open up north-eastwards to the coast as you return to the village. Follow this route.
The Via Francigena
The ancient Pilgrimage Route between Canterbury and Rome is classified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe.
Make a day of it
- Eat & drink: The Pig at Bridge Place, Tadpole Tearoom, the Black Robin or The Duke of Cumberland.
- Explore: Simpsons Wine Estates, Bridge Village, East Kent Railway Visitor Centre.
- Travelling with Mini-Explorers? Quiz your kids – how long is the Via Francigena and where does it finish?
The story behind the sculpture:
Located on the Via Francigena, Sedile Francigena is an incredible piece of engineering and a beautiful work of art, which in Latin translates to seat or bench, the base is created from local materials, lime mortar, stone and flints from houses and churches, with the top originally being made from a high-tech precision cut paper product.
It differs from the other sculptures in that it isn’t specific to the location where it is installedand tells the story of the entire route, across the English Channel to different countries with hugely fluctuating topography and landscape. It makes you consider the enormity of the journey and the potential for adventure and learning on the way. It’s also a very visual and tactile piece – it draws you in to touch, sit on, and take in the views across Barham Downs.
About the artist
Christopher is the director of Polysemic, an interdisciplinary design studio focused on the creation of places for performance and the technical and cultural infrastructure that supports them. He was nominated for the 2019 Arts Foundation Fellowship in Experimental Architecture and is the London coordinator for the Long Now Foundation. Chris is also a visiting lecturer at the University of the Creative Arts, Canterbury.
Nearby Experience:
- Natural Pathways Bushcraft Skills
- Family Mini Survival Adventure
- Spoon Carving and Green Woodworking
- Capture Kent (Dover Cliffs)
Other points of interest
- ‘After the Black Gold’ sculpture is nearby
- Higham Park & Gardens
View the Art Trail on Google Maps
The North Downs Way team have created a Google map showing the art trail sculptures and nearby accommodation options, food and drink venues and points of interest.
Food & Drink
Our route has numerous pubs, restaurants and cafes close by, with excellent food and drink options in the towns and cities you pass through.
For local beers, why not explore the Ales of the Trail?
Immerse yourself in creative experiences
Witness an inspiring coast and countryside that will ignite your creative fire
The North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have always nurtured painters, writers, poets and dreamers.
There are more than 30 newly developed unique sustainable, natural, tourism experiences near the trail and in the Downs.
Take a look at our collection of Draw Downs to nurture your own creative spirit and create memories to last a lifetime.
Inspirational itineraries
If you’re looking to turn your next trip to the North Downs Way into a short break or a longer holiday, we have plenty of cultural and creative itineraries to inspire your perfect trip.
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You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please enquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your enquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
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You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please enquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your enquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
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Continue
You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please enquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your enquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
Discover the sculptures...
'After The Black Gold' By Channel
Taking inspiration from local mining heritage, this purposely simple piece takes the form of a timber structure supporting two lean-to roof pitches which together provide shelter for a bench.
Find out moreFind out more: 'After The Black Gold' By Channel
‘Optohedron’ By Will Nash
Constructed from weathered steel and locally sourced hazel, the spaces between the logs create homes for wildlife while the embedded kaleidoscopes allow visitors to view the landscape in new and beautiful ways.
Find out moreFind out more: ‘Optohedron’ By Will Nash
‘Coccolith’ By INSTAR
Take a seat and immerse in this rolling and quintessential landscape. The perfect spot to take the weight off and absorb the valley and ‘Inspiring Views’, offering a restful, connecting, and playful piece en route.
Find out moreFind out more: ‘Coccolith’ By INSTAR
‘Monumenta Romana’ By Charles Holland Architects
Fabricated from recycled salvaged timber, which all form an open-framed dome surrounded by an octagonal timber seat. Experience 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape of the North Downs Way National Trail.
Find out moreFind out more: ‘Monumenta Romana’ By Charles Holland Architects
‘Radius’ By James Tunnard
Engraved with poems and inscriptions, the undulating curves of this sculptural seat reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys, this seating area orientates visitors towards the inspiring views that radiate out from the hillside.
Find out moreFind out more: ‘Radius’ By James Tunnard
'Feel Our Voice' by Kezia Cole
The parametric design enables light to filter through the piece, creating a visual ripple as the contours of the bench mirror words spoken by local people, words that they would say to someone sitting on the bench whilst looking at the panoramic view.
Find out moreFind out more: 'Feel Our Voice' by Kezia Cole
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