Family walks in Kent

Across the county there are all sorts of brilliant places to go, activities to try and events to enjoy, and getting active as a family is a great way to be healthy and have fun together. Our friends at Explore Kent have put together their top walks around the county to enjoy as a family. Give one a try – you might just create a new family favourite activity! If there isn’t a family walk listed here for your local area, just visit www.explorekent.org and you’ll be sure to find a suitable walk within easy reach.

Trosley Ramble

This peaceful walk around Trosley Country Park takes in countryside around the village of Trottiscliffe. The route includes sections of the Pilgrims Way, a 120 mile long path from Winchester to Canterbury, while there are activities for children at the country park in the form of the Forest Fun play area.

The walk passes areas of the park’s unique chalk grassland, a habitat that is home to many rare plants, supporting the dark green fritillary and chalkhill blue butterflies.

The Coldrum stones lie along the route, a 3,000 year old burial site that is one of the best preserved of its kind in Kent. Up here you’ll encounter glorious views over the landscape.

King’s Wood

King’s Wood is a 1500-acre forest in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Challock.

The forest is home to a number of sculptures and other artworks, created with natural materials found in the area. The walk takes in each sculpture, marked on a map, as well as the ‘ghosts’ of previous sculptures now being reclaimed by nature. A marked trail leads visitors round the trail, which visitors should allow at least two and a half hours to complete.

Samphire Hoe Easy Access Trail

Nestled on the Dover-Folkestone Heritage Coast, this two-mile trail starting at the Samphire Hoe picnic site combines breath-taking views with the chance to spot all sort of wildlife. Wildflowers cover the park throughout summer, while if you’re lucky you may spot a skylark.

There are two distinct one-mile sections to the walk – one follows the sea wall along smooth concrete, while the other passes through the middle of Hoe with good paths and some steep gradients. There are a number of resting points along this section. The entire trail is wheelchair accessible and there are disabled toilets on-site.

Riverside Country Park Easy Access Trail

Another accessible trail, this walk at Riverside Country Park reveals all sorts of secrets from the past. It makes its way out into the Medway estuary to Horrid Hill, which is said to have earned its name from the hanging of convicts, who had attempted to make their way to this ‘island’ from the prison hulks anchored in the estuary. The hangings were designed to act as a warning and deter other convicts from trying to escape.

The spot was also a known favourite landing point for smugglers in the past, taking advantage of easy access to the many boats carrying their wares up and down the river. Nowadays the area has been transformed into a country park, with a café, picnic area, and accessible toilets.

Knole Park Easy Access Trail

A 4.8K walk for all abilities around the stunning Knole Park, known for its stunning 350- strong wild sika and fallow deer herd! It gives you an enjoyable and easy walk around the main paths around the park, continually climbing and descending throughout the walk.

Along the route, there will be plenty opportunity to spot the deer as well as being able to access the toilets, a café, and a picnic area.

Lullingstone Country Park Walk

This 10.4km circular walk, explores the countryside surrounding Lullingstone Country Park. The walk also travels along the Darent Valley path to the charming village of Shoreham. Throughout the walk, you will be rewarded with some stunning views of the valley after some inclined walking.

Returning to the country park where you will pass the visitors centre, as well as Lullingstone Castle! With a lot of amazing points of interest, this longer adventure will be a hit for any family.

Walmer to Deal Castle

This 2-mile walk offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy watching the busy English Channel as well as to take advantage of numerous local seaside attractions!

From the off set you will enter the attractive town of Walmer which offers a wonderful family day out, continuing onto some beautiful views of the stunning Kent coast and led to the historic Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII to repel potential invaders from France and Spain.

This walk would be perfect for any family, especially those who have an interest in Kentish history.

Dungeness RSPB easy access walk

Explore the unique shingle landscape of Dungeness on this 1.8-mile easy access walk, suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.

This walk is a birdwatcher’s paradise and features a number of named bird hides, giving you uninterrupted access to migrating birds that are found frequently along the coastline!

This walk is suited to a great family trip out or if you are new to walking and looking for an interesting new route to try.

Maidstone west rail trail

A 4.2-mile adventure from Maidstone West train station to East Farleigh train station along the beautiful River Medway. The walk is slightly hilly, and paths may become muddy, there are no stiles but two flights of steps (two and three steps).

The footpath goes through the orchard towards a majestic veteran cedar tree often with starlings gathered on it. Between the fruit trees, you can find plants like clover, fat hen, buttercup, and cranesbill.

Blean Wildart trail

The Wildart Trail highlights and celebrates features of the native woods, a walk of discovery through different habitats within a beautiful ancient woodland setting!

An all access 1.1-mile trail in Thornden Wood uses natural, local materials to create sustainable, non-invasive artwork which blends into the surroundings. The use of sustainable materials is essential on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and means that the artwork can evolve and change through the years; as pieces begin to decay, new artwork can be created and installed.

Search Explore Kent for activities near you

So why not try out one of these walks, or visit www.explorekent.org to search for more activities near you. There is so much to see and do outdoors across Kent and Medway – you’re sure to find something for the whole family to enjoy.

About Explore Kent

Explore Kent works to promote and actively encourage Kent’s residents to access, enjoy and benefit from the great natural resources that Kent has to offer. They are a Kent County Council led partnership initiative, working with Visit Kent and other partners to promote Kent to the wider UK and European community as an outdoor leisure destination. Find out more about Explore Kent at www.explorekent.org, or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.