Chillenden Windmill - Kent

I had wanted to explore this windmill for some time, but I kept missing its open hours or wasn't in the area. Since I was alread visiting different places, I thought I would make Chillenden Windmill my last stop for the day. It was open later than the other locations I had visited. Before heading there, I checked the website to confirm it was open, and it was. Additionally, this visit would mark the last of the 2026 season, as the windmill would reopen in May 2027.

 

The windmill itself is a really interesting little structure and not as large as other windmills you typically see. This lovely gem is also Grade II listed. The mill was a working mill until 1949. In December 1957, it is said that the mill was purchased for £100, and KCC restored it to a working mill for £728, although they did not retain all the machinery. Sadly, in 2003, the windmill collapsed, and in 2004, plans were announced to rebuild on the site. The mill reopened to visitors in 2005.

 

TYPE FW3-24 Pillbox - Wickhambreaux Kent

 Type FW3 - 24 pillbox 

This pillbox wasn’t actually on my itinerary, but since I was in the area anyway, I decided to check it out while visiting another location nearby. Most pillboxes look quite similar; the only difference is that some are empty while others still contain remnants of their past. Aside from the graffiti, this one was in better shape than most I have seen, and it also had an interesting information board nearby that provided details about the history of the area and highlighted other pillboxes in the vicinity.

The walk to the pillbox was straightforward, as there was a public footpath that led right to it, and you could also go inside the pillbox to take a look around.

The plaque explains that it was constructed by civilians in the early 1940s and was manned by seven soldiers.

Langdon Coast Artillery Searchlights, & fan bay deep shelter

 Langdon Searchlight & Fan Bay Deep Shelter 

The last time I explored the Langdon Searchlight was in 2019, after it was dug out by the National Trust. I thought it would be a good idea to check it out again with my friend and my daughter. I have to say, exploring it on an extremely hot day was not the best idea. The walk down to it was horrible; I had forgotten how steep the zigzag path was. However, once we got down there, it was nice, and the view was beautiful. My daughter wanted to go to the beach, but the tide was still rough and going out, so I didn't want her going down to the beach. The Langdon Searchlight was first built in 1909 and was used to watch out for warships. By the time World War II happened, another searchlight was added, and they were all connected via a chalk tunnel. Sadly, one of the searchlights was destroyed in the early '90s after a rockfall occurred. Then, in 2013, another rockfall happened, causing the footpath to be completely shut off for anyone trying to get down to it. The National Trust made a new access tunnel for people to go down to the beach and enjoy it.

The overall experience was really good, and it was a great day out despite the heat. We will need to revisit to see the boat later.

Fan Bay Deep Shelter 

I have explored the Fan Bay Deep Shelter before on a tour, and I must say it was quite enjoyable. This time, my daughter joined me, and she really loved the experience. They had extra areas open that weren’t accessible during my last visit, so it was a treat to see those.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the site, and it was nice that the tour started outside at the gun placement before moving into the magazine. At the end of the tour, they allow you to return to the gun placement if you’d like to go back.

The Fan Bay Deep Shelter dates back to the 1940s and housed 185 soldiers during the war. It was built in just five months and included six five-inch guns. After World War II, the Fan Bay Deep Shelter was abandoned until the National Trust discovered it in 2012 and restored it for public access in 2015. Over the years, more areas have been excavated and added to the tours. I highly recommend visiting if you're in Dover!

Arethusa Venture Centre Second Visit - Upnor - Kent

 

Arethusa Venture Centre

Date Januray | Location Upnor | Satuts Abandoned 

This was my second visit to Arethusa, having been there in 2025, where I only explored the poolside. This time, the exploration was straightforward, and I found that some of the buildings were open, which I hadn't seen before. However, the rock climbing wall was sealed up again, so I couldn't get inside. I also wanted to revisit the pool, but that was sealed off as well. Nevertheless, it was still cool to see the areas I was able to access.

To keep the history brief, the place closed down in 2019 and was raided in August 2025 for a cannabis farm. They want to demolish the site and build a bunch of new flats. The site was built in 1935 and was used by schools to offer a number of different activities.

The Friars Aylesford Priory - Kent

The Friars Aylesford Priory  

Date November | Location Aylesford | Open to the public.

I have to say, this place is absolutely beautiful, and I’m sure it’s even prettier in the summer. We were in the area for a birthday party, and after it finished in the late afternoon, we decided to check out this priory, which had been on my list for a long time. I don’t know why I hadn’t visited sooner. The location is stunning, and since we arrived a bit later in the day, it wasn’t too crowded. The little churches inside were very cute and charming.

So it said that the Friars was founded in 1242