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Cobham Wood and Mausoleum
KentRestored 18th-century mausoleum, set in peaceful wood pasture
Near Cobham, Kent
Important notice
There is no on-site parking - the nearest parking is at Shorne Wood Country Park.
Darnley Mausoleum will host open days on April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6 & 13.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 5 March 2026
Asset Opening time Mausoleum Closed South Lodge Barn Closed Woodland Dawn - Dusk - Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome in the woodland but not in the Mausoleum. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout. Please keep dogs on a lead, and if ponies or cows approach you, let your dog off the lead.
- Toilet
Facilities available at South Lodge Barn when open.
The nearest parking is at Shorne Wood Country Park (not owned by the National Trust) who charge a small fee for parking all day. The Mausoleum is approximately a two mile walk from the country park across uneven terrain.
- Accessible toilet
Available at South Lodge Barn when open.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Woodland is rough terrain with kissing gates on the path from South Lodge to the mausoleum. The mausoleum is reached via a series of steps to the chapel and crypt.
- On foot
- Map available at South Lodge Barn detailing routes to the Mausoleum.There is a waymarked footpath from South Lodge Barn to the mausoleum (just under 1 mile) and free guided tours (donations welcome) when Mausoleum open (subject to guide availablity). Route from Shorne Wood Country Park is approximately 2 miles. Other routes available across from Cobham Hall and Ashenbank Wood (Woodland Trust).
- By train
- Sole Street is the closest railway station, roughly 1 mile from South Lodge Barn. Regular services run from London and other Kent destinations.
- Cycling
- Cycle routes available to Mausoleum via various routes (but please note there are kissing gates from South Lodge Barn).
- By road
- There is no parking at Cobham Woods, nearest parking at Shorne Wood Country Park. Via the M2 and A2. Exit A2 at Shorne/Cobham. Follow signs for Shorne Country Park.Parking: The car park at Shorne Country Park is not owned by the National Trust, there is a small fee charged for all day parking. The Mausoleum is approximately a two mile walk from here.Sat Nav: Shorne Wood Country Park DA12 3HX.
- By bus
- The closest bus stop is on The Street (near Cobham village war memorial). Local services, such as the 416/417, run from Gravesend and Meopham Monday-Saturday.
Planning your visit
PDF
Cobham Wood and Mausoleum map
Take a look at the map of Cobham Wood and Mausoleum to help plan your visit.
PDF
Highlights
Countryside
An ancient wood pasture with grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.
Mausoleum
The 18th-century Darnley Mausoleum. Designed by architect James Wyatt set in peaceful wood pasture, with limited opening.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Cobham Wood
Discover Britain's 'wild wood' past through 190 acres of historic wood pasture and views of the Kent countryside at Cobham Wood.
Upcoming events
Event
Open Days 2026
Possibly inspired by Roman remains, Lord Darnley left detailed instructions for a square stone building with a 'prominent pyramid' surrounded by a dry moat, where he and his descendants could be laid to rest. It was completed in 1786, but never used.
Event
Heritage Open Day 2026
As part of England's largest community festival of history and culture, we'll be opening our doors for free. Come and enjoy a walk through the beautiful woodland and take a guided tour of the 243-year-old Darnley Mausoleum.
About Cobham Wood and Mausoleum
Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.
Standing at the highest point of the site is the 18th century Darnley Mausoleum. Designed by architect James Wyatt, the restored Mausoleum was featured in the BBCs Restoration programme in 2003.
History
Article
The history of the Darnley Mausoleum
When the vaults in Westminster Abbey became full, the Earl of Darnley commissioned a family mausoleum, but it has never been used for its intended purpose.
Support us
Article
Our work at Cobham Wood and Mausoleum
Discover the work being undertaken at Cobham Wood and Mausoleum to protect this special place for ever, for everyone.
