Photo: Peter Jeffery, CC BY-SA 2.0Walks and outdoor days in Kent
Kent's walking is more varied than the orchards and oast houses image suggests. There is chalk downland at Trosley, a medieval deer park at Knole, shingle and wildflower meadows at Dungeness and a reservoir circuit at Bewl Water that runs to 13 miles.
We have split this into country parks and forests with good facilities, hills and estates with a view, and the coast. Most of the parks are free to enter and charge for parking.
In winter, aim to finish by mid afternoon, as several car parks and cafés close earlier from November.
Country parks and forests
Waymarked trails, play areas and a café near the car park.
Image: Bedgebury National Pinetum and ForestBedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Bedgebury is Forestry England's National Pinetum, a world-leading collection of over 12,000 specimen trees set among the lakes and valleys of the High Weald near Goudhurst. Wander the pinetum on foot, cycle or mountain bike the forest trails, or let children tackle the play trail. With a cafe at the visitor centre, it can easily fill a day.
Why it's here: Walk the pinetum, cycle or mountain bike the forest trails and finish at the lakeside café. It can easily fill a day.
Photo: Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0Trosley Country Park
Trosley Country Park covers 170 acres of woodland and chalk downland on the North Downs near Vigo, with far-reaching views. Three waymarked trails range from easy access routes to longer walks, and there is a children's play area and a cafe. It is a good free option for a family walk.
Why it's here: 170 acres of woodland and chalk downland on the North Downs, with far-reaching views and three waymarked trails including easy access routes.
Image: Mote ParkMote Park
Mote Park is one of the largest parks in the South East, a sweep of parkland, woodland and lake on the edge of Maidstone. There are three children's play areas plus a natural woodland play area, a skate park and BMX track, an adventure zone and a watersports centre, with a cafe for breaks. It is free and easily fills an afternoon.
Why it's here: Parkland, woodland and a large lake on the edge of Maidstone, free to enter and open on foot at all times.
Cobtree Manor Park
Cobtree Manor Park occupies the site of the old Maidstone Zoo on the edge of Aylesford. More than 50 acres of parkland carry two waymarked walks and a sculpture trail, and there are two play areas, one themed on the former zoo. With a café, toilets and baby changing on site, it is a practical free outing for young families.
Why it's here: Two waymarked walks and a sculpture trail across more than 50 acres, with £2 parking for six hours.
Image: Betteshanger ParkBetteshanger Country Park and Kent Mining Museum
Betteshanger Park is a 250-acre country park on the site of Kent's last working coal mine, just outside Deal. There are cycling and walking trails, a play park and a café, and the Kent Mining Museum and Collier's Way trail tell the story of the coalfield. Dogs are clearly welcome, with dog shows and walks on the events calendar.
Why it's here: 250 acres of walking and cycling trails on the site of Kent's last working coal mine, with the Collier's Way heritage trail and a café.
Photo: Bewl WaterBewl Water
Bewl Water is the South East's largest reservoir, set in the High Weald on the Kent and Sussex border with 13 miles of shoreline. Come for a lakeside walk or bike ride, a watersports session or a summer day on the inflatable Aqua Park, then refuel at the Waterfront Café. It suits families, active groups and dog walkers, and can easily fill a day.
Why it's here: A 13-mile full circuit for walking and cycling around the South East's largest reservoir, open daily from 8am.
Hills, deer parks and big views
For when you want to earn your lunch.
Image: One Tree HillOne Tree Hill
One Tree Hill is an unstaffed National Trust countryside site near Sevenoaks, with a network of woodland paths and a view south over the Weald of Kent. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so look out for rare plants, insects and molluscs as you walk. Free and dog-friendly, it is ideal for a short countryside walk.
Why it's here: Woodland paths and a view south over the Weald on a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Free, dog-friendly and ideal for a short walk.
Image: KnoleKnole
Knole has been an archbishop's palace, a royal residence and the Sackville family home, and sits within Kent's last medieval deer park on the edge of Sevenoaks. Tour the showrooms and climb the Gatehouse Tower, or simply walk the 1,000-acre park where a wild deer herd roams. Allow half a day for the house, or an hour or two for a park walk.
Why it's here: Kent's last medieval deer park, 1,000 acres with a wild herd, open dawn to dusk. An outdoor and tower ticket is £6 if you want the Gatehouse Tower view too.
Image: Ightham MoteIghtham Mote
Ightham Mote is a moated medieval manor house tucked into the countryside near Sevenoaks, with 700 years of history under one roof. Explore rooms from different eras, wander the 14-acre garden, then stretch your legs on more than 500 acres of estate walking trails. Booking is not required, making it an easy half-day trip.
Why it's here: More than 500 acres of estate trails around a moated medieval manor, open dawn to dusk.
Image: Battle of Britain MemorialBattle of Britain Memorial
The national memorial to the aircrew of the Battle of Britain stands on the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne with wide views over the Channel. Alongside the memorial itself are the Christopher Foxley-Norris Wall, the Blade of Honour and replica Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft. Inside The Wing, the Scramble Experience tells the story of the summer of 1940.
Why it's here: The national memorial on the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, with wide Channel views. The grounds are free and open on foot every day.
Coast
Chalk, shingle and sea air.
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0Botany Bay
Botany Bay is a sandy cove between Margate and Broadstairs, framed by white chalk cliffs and dramatic chalk stacks. Explore the rock pools and hunt for fossils, and at low tide walk round to Kingsgate Bay. There is a kiosk on the beach and seasonal lifeguards in summer.
Why it's here: Chalk cliffs and sea stacks, rock pools and fossils, with a walk round to Kingsgate Bay at low tide.
Image: RSPB DungenessRSPB Dungeness
RSPB Dungeness protects a wide stretch of shingle, freshwater pits, wet grassland and wildflower meadows on the Dungeness peninsula. Follow the level Discovery Trail between the hides to watch the birdlife, and pick up sightings at the visitor centre. It suits birdwatchers and anyone curious about this unusual landscape.
Why it's here: A level 3.2km circular Discovery Trail between bird hides, across shingle, freshwater pits and meadows. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Questions people ask
Where can I walk in Kent for free?
One Tree Hill near Sevenoaks is free, and Mote Park, Trosley Country Park and Cobtree Manor Park are free to enter with paid parking. The Battle of Britain Memorial grounds on the White Cliffs are free too.
How long is the walk around Bewl Water?
The full circuit of the reservoir is 13 miles, for walking or cycling.
Are there easy walks in Kent for less confident walkers?
Trosley Country Park has easy access routes, and RSPB Dungeness has a level 3.2km circular Discovery Trail with bird hides along the way.