Dryhill Local Nature Reserve
Sevenoaks, West Kent
Photo of Sevenoaks: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0Photo of Sevenoaks: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0
Dryhill is a former stone quarry near Sevenoaks that nature has reclaimed, and was the first geological Local Nature Reserve in Kent. Explore paths through woodland and up to rocky outcrops of Hythe Beds laid down around 115 million years ago, then picnic in one of the two grassy clearings. It suits families and budding geologists for an hour or two.
Highlights
- Exposed rock formations around 115 million years old
- Woodland paths and high rocky outcrops
- Two open picnic areas
- Part of the Kent Downs National Landscape
Good to know
- The site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so leave rocks and fossils in place
Getting there
Dryhill Local Nature Reserve, Dryhill Lane, near Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6EPParking: Free parking.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against kent.gov.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Kent Wildlife TrustSevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Harrison Visitor Centre
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is a 73-hectare former gravel pit turned nature reserve, with five lakes, woodland and reedbed just north of the town. Walk the trails between hides, then visit the refurbished Harrison Visitor Centre for coffee, displays and the new play park. It suits families and birdwatchers for two or three hours.
Image: Emmetts GardenEmmetts Garden
Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian hillside garden at Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, planted with rare trees and shrubs. Wander the rock garden, rose garden and woodland, which offer something to see through the year, then stop at the Old Stables Tea Room. Allow two to three hours.
Stubbs Wood
Stubbs Wood is a long, narrow strip of ancient woodland on the Greensand Ridge near Ide Hill, with glimpses south over the Weald to Bough Beech Reservoir. Walk the ridge paths under oak and beech, with bluebells in spring and patches of rare heathland. Combine it with nearby Ide Hill for a longer walk of an hour or two.