The top 10 best walks in Kent

North Downs Way

Many of the most popular walks in Kent revolve around the North Downs Way, which stretches for some 153 miles between Farnham and Dover. There are trails and sections to cater for all abilities and fitness levels, taking in everything from rolling chalk hills to Roman forts, medieval castles, country manors and Neolithic sites.

White Cliffs of Dover

At one end of the North Downs Way, going for a stroll along and in the shadow of the White Cliffs of Dover is among the very best walks in East Kent. Well worth their own special mention, the iconic cliffs are one of the UK’s most breathtaking natural sights, with moderate and advanced hikes available along the 16-mile stretch.

Reculver Country Park

Over on Kent’s northern coast, this country park is home to the impressive Reculver Towers. Site of an ancient Roman fort, there’s a great walk of around 7.5 miles you can do to get there from Minnis Bay.

Elham Valley Way

Dropping down from Canterbury to Hythe along Kent’s south coast, the Elham Valley way spans around 23 miles in total. Whether you’re taking on a short section or the entire trail, the route takes you across beautiful open countryside and through ancient woodland.

Chartwell

Known as the long-time home of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, this historic country house is a fascinating end point for a whole host of walks in the Westerham area, including around the nearby Emmetts Garden and up Mariners Hill.

Scotney Castle

A National Trust site within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s a two-mile path trail around Scotney Castle that’s relatively easy for the whole family. Explore the 700-acre site at your leisure, which is also dog-friendly and dissected by the River Bewl.

Canterbury Tales

Should you prefer to stick to the confines of a city, there are few lovelier spots than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury. Retrace the footsteps of Geoffrey Chaucer’s pilgrims from the medieval Canterbury Tales, as you go on a 2.5-mile walk around the city past the majestic cathedral and other notable attractions.

Clowes Wood

These atmospheric woods lie between Canterbury and seaside town Whitstable. There’s a relatively easy trail of just over three miles through the trees and out across open farmland, where you can spot wildlife including nightjars and nightingales.

Jeskyns Country Park

If you prefer to explore forests populated by fairies and elves, Jeskyns Country Park is for you. A fantastical place to visit if you have little ones, there’s a sand pit to play in alongside miniature dwellings such as Mushroom Manor and Tree Top Village, as well as a gentle walk covering around 1.25 miles.

White Horse Wood Country Park

Another gentle stroll of less than a mile that’s perfect for children, White Horse Wood is just outside Maidstone and offers spectacular views of the surrounding North Downs from its highest point. Look out for historic ruins and landmarks too, including the medieval Thurnham Castle.

Known as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is a brilliant place to live if you love spending time outdoors. Whether you’re interested in our Martello Lakes development in the Hythe area or you’re considering Kingsnorth on the southern outskirts of Ashford, where you’ll find Barratt Homes at Chilmington, get in touch. One of our Sales Advisers can help you pinpoint where exactly you’d like to move to in Kent.