insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 91

DAYSOUT

Lullingstone Walk: Butterflies and Bees
From stunning smells and hoppy ales to dramatic views and challenging climbs,
Lullingstone's Butterflies and Bees walk, close to this month’s Town Spotlight, is best
experienced at this time of year. And with a shiny new play area at Lullingstone
Country Park, it makes for a great family day out too!
This walk showcases the Darent
Valley Path with the beautiful North
Downs, a Roman Villa, and
Lullingstone Castle; a regular haunt
for Henry VIII and Queen Anne.
Whether you cut it short and just
explore the charming village of
Shoreham or negotiate the exciting
hikes further along, be sure to check
out the country park's Visitor Centre
for all the information you need to
make the most of this great walk.
This area is renowned for its
stunning views of the Kent
countryside, lavender fields, hop
gardens and historic buildings – not
to mention the fantastic brand new
play area, which is great to keep
energetic children entertained.
Hops have been grown in the
Darent Valley for centuries to flavour
the beer produced by the many
breweries that used to flourish
alongside the river. Hop bines are
traditionally used for decorating old
farmhouse kitchens, bars, and
hotels as they are thought to bring
good fortune. The word lavender
comes from the Latin ‘lavare’ – to
wash (which is also the origin of the
word ‘laundry’) and derives from its
use by the Romans. The plant’s
aromatic oils have long been prized
for their domestic, medicinal and

culinary uses, which is why lavender
has remained popular throughout
the centuries. The 15th-century
gatehouse at Lullingstone Castle
was one of the first in the country
to be built of brick. Both Henry VIII
and Queen Anne are known to have
been regular visitors. See if you can
spot St Botolph’s Church at
Lullingstone – it contains some of
the oldest stained glass windows
in England!
From the Visitor Centre, follow
the signs to the Darent Valley Path
across the fields towards the banks
of the river. Continue alongside the
river to the picturesque centre of
Shoreham and past the Kings Arms
public house – a great pit stop! Take
the footpath just past Shoreham
Aircraft Museum, signposted to
Halstead and Timberden Bottom
(The Landway). Follow the path
uphill taking time to turn back and
check out the dramatic views across
the valley and Shoreham below.
At the top, Meenfield Wood
offers an excellent resting point and
an opportunity to enjoy the scenery
before heading downhill to skirt the
top of the Shoreham Memorial
Cross, carved into the hillside, and
on through the woods. Follow up
tree-lined Cockerhurst Road to take

the footpath on the
right, and follow the
route along the field
edge into Redmans
Lane. After a short
distance, turn right,
and take the steps
into a field. Keep to
the left, crossing over
a stile, and follow
along an enclosed
path to a gate. Go
through the gate into Beechen Wood, Lullingstone Park, and across a
fairway to the main entrance of the golf club car park to pass through a
kissing gate and follow the path into the fields beyond.
Continue through the woodland before coming into the open to walk
along the field edge. Look ahead as the path winds downhill to catch
glimpses of Lullingstone Castle in the distance. The waymarked path
continues to wind downhill and offers stunning views of Eynsford Viaduct
before turning to pass directly in front of Lullingstone Castle. A kissing gate
leads back to the banks of the river and the Visitor Centre. If time is short,
numerous footpaths make it simple to plan shorter walks; for example, just
complete the southern or northern section of the full circular walk and head
back along the path at Beechen Wood.
Look out for Castle Farm’s Hop Shop with its great local produce at
the end of the walk. One of the biggest lavender growers in the UK,
the farm even hosts its own Lavender Festival during the second weekend
in July with tours, food tastings, bee-keeping displays, aromatherapy
and more.
Check out the great team building activities, children’s parties and venuehire opportunities for this fabulous country park on the Kent County
Council website – www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/parks-andoutdoor-activities.

Location: Lullingstone (DA4 0JF)
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Time: Allow 3 hours
OS Explorer Map: 147
Terrain: Fields, woodland paths and some steep slopes
Parking: Pay and display at the country park
Refreshments and facilities: Lullingstone Country Park Visitor
Centre, plus shops and pubs in Shoreham

To find out about other walks in Kent
or for information on cycling, riding, and
country parks, visit www.explorekent.org.
Follow @explorekent on Twitter and
Facebook.

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