When Mike first moved to Kent a few years ago, he often heard it referred to as ‘The Garden of England’ . Having explored most all the region and beyond, he can definitely agree it deserves that title!
Kent offers a variety of beautiful scenic walks for both locals and visitors so well worth a visit. You can choose from a stroll along the shore, a sunny picnic in a picturesque meadow or discover bluebells, forage wild garlic, and learn more about the history of Kent through some of the ancient woodland in the area.
Here are 5 places we have spent time walking and why we find them special.
1. Knole Parke
Located in central Sevenoaks, Knole Park is beautiful medieval deer park, one of the only remaining Tudor parks in the country and it surrounds the grand Knole House, managed by the National Trust. a peaceful walk through the green fields; you’ll see herds of wild deer. The parkland really opens into dense woods which takes you out into the further countryside of Kent along the Greensand Way, it makes for a lovely day out.
2. Darent Valley Path
Accessible from Kent and London by train, this walk follows the River Darent from Sevenoaks to Dartford, through the Kent Downs. We really enjoyed this river walk, as it was very picturesque walking along the riverside, as well as some of the beautiful smaller villages such as Otford, Eynsford and Lullingstone. You can really learn a lot about the history of Kent on this walk and the scenery is beautiful.
3. Canterbury to Chilham
This path goes along the North Downs Way, passing through forests and open fields too. It’s well worth spending time in the cathedral before you go though it’s a stunning building. You pass through the ancient woodland of Blean Woods before heading into the charming village of Chilham, it’s a very beautiful walk.
4. White Cliffs of Dover
An iconic natural landmark, the white cliffs offer some amazing views out to the English Channel, and you can see France too on a sunny day! Walking along the cliffs you get some stunning views and there’s a lot of local history too including Dover Castle and the wartime tunnels so well worth a look.
5. Toys Hill
Toys Hill lies to the south of Sevenoaks and is a vast Woodland. Managed by the National Trust, it also runs along part of the Greensand Way and is a great area to have a relaxing walk and some of the views out to the Weald are breath-taking. The area also supports an abundance of natural wildlife, so is an important area for nature conservation.
