family days out in kent

Chart Gunpowder Mills

The Oare Gunpowder Mllls is a site that was used to produce gunpowder from the seventeenth century until the 1930's. Gunpowder was manufactured in the Faversham area on two sites at Chart and Oare, The history of Oare is a very interesting one. In 1694 the mills were operated by Huguenot refuges from France who had fled from religious persecution, by 1844 both the gunpowder mills at Chart and Oare were under one ownership, the works were refurbished in the 1920's and still produced gunpowder until the mid 1930's when they were closed. Both mills were driven by waterwheels with water from the Oare stream, and when you visit the site you will see many of the original buildings. After letting nature take its course for 70 years the site was opened up and turned into a nature reserve for the conservation of of wildlife. And both the industrial heritage and wildlife survive side by side. This is really worth a visit both for the nature trail and the history of our county. Opening times The Trail daily until 5pm check for closing times Visitors Center open at weekends 10am-4-30pm Easter to November 1st For more information contact Tel 01795 424341 Car parking, Disabled access, and toilet facilities available. While you are in the area you might like to visit Chart Mills they are the oldest of their kind and produced gunpowder for over 400 years, powder from Chart was used at the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo, Chart also features the complete remains of an early nineteenth century waterwheel fully restored and is the oldest of it kind in the world. Chart is open at weekends and bank holidays from April until October 2-5pm Free admission The Mills are usually open at weekends and Bank Holidays from April to October between 2pm - 5pm. But ring the contact number before you plan a visit. There was no admission charge on our visit but donations are appreciated

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Faversham 01795 532426
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Faversham Recreation Ground (0.2 miles)

Faversham Activity Centre (0.4 miles)
Faversham 01795 532132
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Faversham 01795 532755
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Nr Faversham 01227 751496
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Challock 01233 740735
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Cineworld (7.5 miles)
Ashford 0871 200 2000
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Merry Go Gound (7.5 miles)
Sittingbourne 01795 430840
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