Two Sister Churches Reunited - a beautiful guided tour and walk from The Lost Village of Dode to St. Benedict's church
The Lost Village of Dode, Wrangling Lane, Luddesdown, Kent, DA13 0XF
This circular walk conveniently starts at 12:30pm from Holly Hill car park (DA130UB), where our guide will meet you. From here it's a short walk to Dode church where William’s Walk to St. Benedict’s church in Paddlesworth commences. The architectural style of Dode and Paddlesworth churches is characterized by their simple, Norman-era design, featuring uncoursed flint with ashlar dressings and round-arched windows. Dode Church, specifically, is known for its two-cell structure, small single-light windows, and a restored east-end window. Both churches, once thriving settlements, were largely abandoned after the Black Death in the 14th century. The walk down takes about an hour and leads through beautiful, ancient woodland and farming fields with magnificent views of the Kent countryside. At. St. Benedict's you are welcome to stay for a tour around the building on the architecture, between 3 and 4pm.
Please note that steep slopes and some challenging terrain put some physical demands on this hike. Wearing suitable shoes is highly recommended! The walk back from St. Benedict's to the car park will be unaccompanied.
Alterantively, you can visit both churches by car or bike. Dode Church will be open to visitors between 12 and 3pm. Please note that parking facilities at Dode are very limited and we'd therefore recommend parking at Holly Hill whenever possible. There is plenty of parking at St. Benedict's.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 September:
- 12:30 - 16:00
Location & directions
The Lost Village of Dode, Wrangling Lane, Luddesdown, Kent, DA13 0XF
- Directions:
- Use What3words: ///hoot.decide.poetic
- Contact on day:
- Jacobine van Laar
- Telephone number:
- +447835082725
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- https://www.stbenspaddlesworth.org/
- Booking contact name:
- Jacobine van Laar
- Booking telephone number:
- +447835082725
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.stbenspaddlesworth.org/
- Booking opens:
- 21 Aug 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Please note that steep slopes and some challenging terrain put some physical demands on this hike. Wearing suitable shoes is highly recommended! The walk back from St. Benedict's to the car park will be unaccompanied. Alterantively, you can visit both churches by car or bike. Dode Church will be open to visitors between 12 and 3pm. Please note that parking facilities at Dode are very limited and we'd therefore recommend parking at Holly Hill whenever possible. There is plenty of parking at St. Benedict's.
Additional information
Please note that steep slopes and some challenging terrain put some physical demands on this hike. Wearing suitable shoes is highly recommended! The walk back from St. Benedict's to the car park will be unaccompanied. Alterantively, you can visit both churches by car or bike. Dode Church will be open to visitors between 12 and 3pm. Please note that parking facilities at Dode are very limited and we'd therefore recommend parking at Holly Hill whenever possible. There is plenty of parking at St. Benedict's.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 50
- Est. tour duration:
- 3 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
