Best attractions and places to see around Iwade, a region in Kent, England, offer a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. The area is characterized by its coastal public parks along the Medway Estuary, significant marshlands, and historic religious buildings. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, including mudflats, salt marshes, and reed-beds, which support various wildlife. The region also features ancient churches and bridges connecting to nearby islands.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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Regarding the patronage of this church: The apostle Thomas, one of the twelve whom Jesus called into the inner circle of his disciples, is not often mentioned in the biblical writings of the New Testament. The passage probably best known to most Christians is the one following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which has earned him the unflattering nickname "Doubting Thomas" in popular parlance. The Evangelist John reports on this in the 20th chapter of his version of the "Good News" (this is the translation of the word "Gospel"). This theme, of course, also provided an opportunity for dissemination in religious art throughout many eras, for example in one of Caravaggio's most famous paintings – if you're interested, see =>> https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_ungl%C3%A4ubige_Thomas_(Caravaggio)#/media/Datei:The_Incredulity_of_Saint_Thomas.jpg – The feast day of the Apostle Thomas in the calendar of saints is sometimes celebrated on July 3rd, sometimes on December 21st.
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In 1860, the first bridge on this site was constructed for the London, Chatham & Dover Railway Company on their line between Kent and the port of Sheerness. Originally a bascule bridge, it opened to allow large vessels to navigate past and not obstruct maritime traffic on the Swale.
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The Kingsferry Bridge is a combined road and railway vertical-lift bridge which connects the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent in South East England. The seven-span bridge has a central lifting span which allows for ships to pass.
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St Thomas the Apostle Church or 'Harty Church' is a quaint grade II listed building dating back to around the 11th or 12th Century. It's a basic church in a remote setting and has no electricity.
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Oare Marshes is a 71.4-hectare Local Nature Reserve north of Faversham in Kent. It is owned and managed by Kent Wildlife Trust.
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Famed for being the most remote church in Kent, St Thomas the Apostle doesn't even have electricity. The long road across the marshes and oil lamp lighting give it an old world feel. It dates back to the 11th or 12th century and is open to visitors and for mass on the last Sunday of the month at midday.
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Iwade is known for its diverse natural landscapes, particularly along the Medway Estuary. You can explore coastal public parks like Boat Wreck at Riverside Country Park, which features mudflats, salt marshes, ponds, and reed-beds. Another significant natural area is Oare Marshes Spring, a Local Nature Reserve attracting various wetland birds and grazed by wild ponies.
Yes, the area offers several historic sites. A notable one is St Thomas the Apostle Church, Harty, a quaint Grade II listed building dating back to the 11th or 12th Century, known for its remote setting and lack of electricity. You can also see the Kingsferry Bridge, a historic combined road and railway vertical-lift bridge connecting the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent.
Iwade and its surroundings offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Woodland Byway in Kent Downs National Landscape. For more structured routes, consider exploring the many options for hiking around Iwade, cycling around Iwade, or even MTB trails around Iwade.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Riverside Country Park, home to the Boat Wreck, is a large coastal park with diverse habitats and a visitor centre, making it great for wildlife spotting and walks. Oare Marshes Spring is also a family-friendly nature reserve where you can observe migratory birds and wild ponies.
For scenic views, head to Boat Wreck at Riverside Country Park, which offers expansive views along the Medway Estuary. The park's varied habitats provide picturesque backdrops for nature observation.
The Iwade area provides several walking opportunities. You can explore the Woodland Byway in Kent Downs National Landscape, which offers an up-and-down ride that can be muddy but leads to the Pilgrims Way. Riverside Country Park also has various trails through its mudflats, salt marshes, and grasslands. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Iwade.
While specific public transport details for each highlight are not provided, many attractions like Riverside Country Park typically offer parking facilities. For remote sites such as St Thomas the Apostle Church, Harty, access often involves driving across marshes, suggesting car access is common. It's advisable to check individual attraction websites for the most current information on parking and public transport links.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The diverse habitats at places like Riverside Country Park and Oare Marshes Spring are highly valued for wildlife spotting and peaceful walks. The remote and historic charm of sites like St Thomas the Apostle Church, Harty also leaves a lasting impression.
The Kingsferry Bridge is noted as being wheelchair accessible. For other locations, it's recommended to check specific accessibility information, especially for natural reserves which may have varied terrain.
Absolutely! The region around Iwade is suitable for various cycling activities. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles, including loops from Sittingbourne to Faversham or Rochester. For off-road adventures, there are also dedicated MTB trails around Iwade, with options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.


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