The best spring walks in Kent
My favourite season is just around the corner. Just this week the trees have erupted with pink blossom. I can see signs of daffodils popping up. The days are drawing in. And the sun seems to be shining that little bit harder. During this time of year, there is nothing I love more than going for a walk. And so I have compiled a list of the best spring walks in Kent. Expect blossoming orchards, carpets of bluebells and lots to do for your little ones! Read on to discover my favourite spring walks in Kent.
King's Wood, Challock
My favourite place to go for a walk during bluebell season and top of my list of great spring walks in Kent. King’s Wood is one of the largest woodlands in Kent. There is a fab trail you can follow full of different sculptures designed to be discovered as you explore the woodland. At one point ahead of you, you’ll see a vast carpet of bluebells that you can meander through. It’s the biggest patch of bluebells that I’ve come across. You can find a map of the sculpture trail online however you’ll have to find the bluebells for yourself! My little one loves it here as there are many manmade shelters to explore.
The carpark is small and can get busy during bluebell season so I recommend arriving early or later on in the day.
Jeskyns Community Woodland, Faversham
Another great choice, if you are looking for spring walks in Kent – with blossoming trees, beautiful woods and cows grazing the field, this country park will surely be making you feel like spring has finally sprung. There is a whole host of reasons to visit Jeskyns; the Gruffalo trail, the fairy village, the fab play parks and now the new Superworm trail. Jeskyns has 5 walking trails, with many buggy or wheelchair friendly. The country park is made up of woodland and meadows and also orchards, perfect to visit during the spring. If you wish to further explore the Darnley trail leads to five neighbouring countryside sites.
There is a car park, which also can get very busy at weekends. On site is a cafe with outdoor seating.
Brogdale Collections, Faversham
A bit different to the other spring walks in Kent – you’ll need to buy yourself a year’s pass for this one but it’s worth it! Home of the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale is host to a range of orchards with over 4000 varieties of fruit trees. These include apples, pears, quinces, plums and cherries. You can choose to do a self-guided tour. You’ll find an app on the website to guide your walk. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour, run throughout April – October. The guides are knowledgeable and you’ll have the opportunity to try in-season fruit.
There is a cafe on site as well as shops selling local produce. As well as this there is also a small play park.
Knole Park, Sevenoaks
Knole Park should definitely be added to your list of spring walks in Kent. What could make you feel more like spring has sprung than wandering the beautiful grounds of Knole park, in amongst the blossoming trees, bluebells and the herd of deer that call the site their home. Knole has a great mix of woodland and open spaces – perfect for a picnic if the weather is warm enough. There is a cafe on site where you can grab lunch to go or eat there.
There are suggested walking routes ranging from 4-5km each including one suitable for sturdy pushchairs. Although when we are there we prefer to let the children lead and explore the area for ourselves!
Here you will also find the stunning Knole House, a Jacobean remodelling of a medieval archepiscopal palace. Booking in advance is advised.
Westgate Garden River Walk, Canterbury
Finally on my list of the best spring walks in Kent is the Westgate Gardens river walk in Canterbury. I love this walk as it quickly takes you from the hubbub of the city to gorgeous green spaces. It’s great for one with the kids as there is a fab play park on the way.
Start at Westgate Towers, a medieval gatehouse now a bar, restaurant and escape room, and head over to the River Stour. This is particularly beautiful around springtime when the gorgeous flowers are in bloom. Follow the river and you’ll soon find yourself in tranquil countryside, watching the river punts go lazily by and strolling past fields of grazing cows. This route is also a popular one for cyclists.
We often pair this walk with a spot of lunch in Canterbury after, there are lots of great options but if we have the kids we choose Chapter.
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