DAYSOUT
© Ailison Miles
CASTLE FARM veined moth. Marbled white and common blue butterflies also frequent the area, with birds like skylarks and kestrels often hovering overhead the valley.
To explore the very best of the local area, there’ s a 7.5 mile walk that rewards visitors with magnificent views, crossing through fields of livestock, leading down into the base of the trough and back up through the woods. Dogs are allowed off their leads in certain areas, depending on the presence of nearby livestock, and the walk is clearly signposted for amateur and seasoned hikers alike, though the terrain is variedly steep in some places so make sure to choose your footwear accordingly!
For wild photography …
Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, Oare kentwildlifetrust. org. uk
Internationally important for migratory, breeding and overwintering birds, the Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is one of few grazing marshes left in Kent with freshwater dykes and open water scrapes. Open year-round, visitors to this 81-hectare site can explore the circular footpaths and various viewing hides, with plenty of interpretation boards on site to ensure every visit is educational. The species that visitors may encounter through the seasons include the avocet, bearded reedling, black-tailed godwit, peregrine falcon, and short-eared owl.
Part of the Oare Marshes Circular walk( explorekent. org), those wanting to capture the surrounding landscape with their cameras can head inland through green fields and country lanes, passing Luddenham Church and picturesque farming fields before coming full circle back to Oare, following a creek towards its coastline shipwrecks and mudflats. After working up an appetite photographing Kent’ s stunning flora and fauna, the Three Mariners is close by with its crackling fire and rustic restaurant area, serving delicious and hearty pub classics to warm even the most weary of walkers.
For family fun …
Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks nationaltrust. org. uk
An Edwardian estate once owned by the banker and plantsman, Frederic Lubbock, Emmetts Garden was first laid out between 1893 and 1895. Now under the ownership of the National Trust, the six-acre garden occupies a sandstone ridge overlooking the Kentish Weald from one of the highest points in Kent, offering panoramic views as well as great walking opportunities. Across the estate, visitors will find an expansive collection of multicoloured flowering shrubs and rare trees alongside a formal 20th-century Rose Garden and varied alpine plant collection in the popular Rock Garden.
With access into the adjoining woodland, there are unique specimens of pine trees to wander between as well as a wild play area for children with swings, a climbing frame, den building areas and balance beams.
For a whole-family adventure, make sure to bring a picnic or packed lunch with you before exploring the beautiful sights.
For a romantic afternoon …
Castle Farm, Sevenoaks castlefarmkent. co. uk
A family-run, working farm based in the picturesque village of Shoreham, Castle Farm has been managed by the Alexander Family since 1892. With a lavender enterprise that began in 1998 in an effort to produce essential oils, this 1,100 acre stretch of Kentish countryside is renowned for growing the fragrant purple flowers and even has an on-site specialised distillery. Now run by William and Caroline Alexander with the help of their three children and hard-working team, Castle Farm is renowned for being the largest lavender farm in the UK.
Perfect for a romantic afternoon out with the most special person in your life, visitors can soak up the summer sunshine with the most gorgeous lilac backdrop. To make the most out of a daytime date at Castle Farm, couples can swing by the Farm Shop Coffee Cart on their walk for a cup of something soothing and delicious, before browsing the farm shop’ s local artisan crafts, seasonal produce, decorations and wonderful range of lavender products sourced directly from the farm. With lavender in bloom from late June to late July, there’ s never been a better time than now to visit Castle Farm!
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