Where are we?
The M25, M20 and A20 are all within easy reach. London is approximately 60 miles away by road or can be accessed from any of the three mainline railway stations within 5 miles at Headcorn, Pluckley and Charing. The rail journey to London (Charing Cross or Victoria) takes approximately 70 minutes.
The ferry ports of Dover and Folkestone are 30 minutes away by road and the Eurotunnel vehicle terminal at Cheriton is 20 minutes away. Ashford International station for Eurostar foot-passenger services is less than 15 minutes away by car, or 8 minutes by train.
Directions.
From M20 (southbound):
leave the motorway at Exit 8. Take the A20 towards Ashford.
From M20 (northbound):
leave motorway at Exit 9. Take the A20 towards Maidstone.
From A20 at Charing:
take the turning signposted to Pluckley and Smarden. Stay on this road. After approximately 5 miles, you will cross over a brick railway bridge. Gate Cottage is a further 500 yards on the left.
If you are in Smarden, on the other hand, take the main street with the church behind you. Follow this road for 1.5 miles and at the top of Maltmans Hill, the road turns sharp left. After 30 yards you will see the entrance to Gate Cottage on your right.
Maps: