Newington, Halstow & Upchurch

About

Newington, Halstow & Upchurch are rural parishes in the Swale district of Kent, near the Medway estuary. The area is characterised by farmland, orchards, and scattered settlements, with a mix of historic buildings and modern housing. Upchurch, the largest village, has a medieval church and local amenities, while Newington and Lower Halstow are smaller communities with a more agricultural feel. The landscape includes creeks and marshes along the Medway, providing habitats for wildlife.

The area has good transport links, with the A2 and M2 nearby, connecting to London and the Kent coast. Rural lanes and footpaths offer walking and cycling routes through the countryside. Local businesses include farms, small shops, and pubs, with larger retail options available in nearby Sittingbourne. The parishes have a quiet, community-focused atmosphere, with events often centred around village halls and churches.