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RSPB Northward Hill

Rochester, North Kent

Rochester Cathedral seen from the castle grounds on a clear sunny dayPhoto of Rochester: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo of Rochester: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0

RSPB Northward Hill sits on a ridge above the Thames marshes, with woodland, hayfields and wetland full of birds. Walk the trails to the viewpoints, enjoy bluebells and nightingales in spring and watch huge rook and jackdaw roosts at dusk in winter. It suits walkers and birdwatchers, with no café, so bring a picnic.

Highlights

  • Viewpoints over the Thames marshes
  • Large colony of grey herons and little egrets
  • Bluebell woods and nightingales in spring
  • Winter ducks, birds of prey and dusk roosts
  • Short trail plus a longer woodland trail

Good to know

  • The Heronry Trail is currently closed
  • Toilets in the car park are temporarily closed
  • No visitor centre, café or staff on site
  • Dogs must be under close control on public footpaths

Getting there

RSPB Northward Hill, Bromhey Farm, Rochester, Medway, Kent, ME3 8DSParking: Car park with no formal spaces and large potholes; no cycle racks.

Get directions

Checked on 15 October 2026 against rspb.org.uk, rspb.org.uk, rspb.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check

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