DAYSOUT
HOPPING THROUGH TOWN AND VILLAGE
BEGINNING IN THE HEART OF PADDOCK WOOD , ONCE THE CENTRE OF THE HOP GROWING INDUSTRY , YOU ’ LL HAVE A CHANCE TO EXPLORE AN INTERESTING RANGE OF LOCAL SHOPS BEFORE HEADING OUT THROUGH ORCHARDS , WOODLAND AND OPEN COUNTRYSIDE . YOU ’ LL SEE SEVERAL OAST HOUSES , A REMINDER OF THE THOUSANDS OF HOP PICKERS THAT CAME TO PADDOCK WOOD FROM LONDON DURING THE 19TH CENTURY .
Your walk begins at the station which was opened in May 1842 . The station was the making of Paddock Wood which was just a sizeable village prior to the station opening . In just over 50 years , Paddock Wood became a small town with the influx of hop pickers adding to the population .
Many people came from London to Paddock Wood for their annual hop picking holiday , a tradition for city dwellers during the 19th century .
From the station , follow Commercial road up through the town , passing the Church of St Andrews on your left with its large rose window . Constructed in 1860 , the church was destroyed by a bomb in 1940 . The church you see today was reconstructed using ragstone from the original church .
At the end of Commercial Road , bear left . Shortly , turn right into Badsell Road . Just after passing Mascall ’ s Park cross the road and take the footpath on your left .
If you fancy a small detour , continue along Badsell Road until you reach the nature reserve at Foal Hurst Wood . There is also a community Orchard – you may see some early flowering blossom there if you ’ re lucky !
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