Winter walks in Kent

Our places in Kent have a huge variety of walks on offer. You can even take a waymarked walk between some of them to make a whole day out. Pull on your wellies or walking boots and follow in the footsteps of our founder Octavia Hill when you walk on one of the Toys Hill trails. It’s one of the reasons she set up the National Trust and not the only place with stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as robins and squirrels on an estate walks around Scotney Castle or Ightham Mote. Every step you take helps us open up the views for years to come.

View from the Octavia Hill well at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent

Toys Hill 

Walk in the footsteps of our founder Octavia Hill and discover the places that inspired her to set up the National Trust. The ranger team have been clearing and coppicing as part of their woodland management, which has opened up some spectacular views.

Walk in Octavia Hill's shoes
Chartwell house from Mariners Hill

Mariners Hill  

Explore Mariners Hill on this loop trail; an extension of our Westerham to Chartwell trail. The Mariners Loop crosses through National Trust and Squerryes Court land and has been made possible by the kind support and permission of the Warde family.

Climb Mariners Hill
A crisp winter morning overlooking the orchard at Chartwell

Walk the Chartwell estate 

Start out exploring over 80 acres of farm and woodland at Chartwell before venturing further afield on one of our winter walks. Families will love the forty-five minute walk to discover our natural play area, whilst those out for a longer hike can go out into the Weald to Toys Hill or Mariners Hill.

Find a walk
Looking at the West face of the house with frosted foliage on the wall in front

Ightham Mote's circular walk to Knole 

With so much of the Kent countryside to explore there's no better starting point than Ightham Mote. Stroll through wide-open countryside, past historic features and into whispering woodland. There are some stunning views along the way, framed by frosty bare branches.

Time to explore
The parkland in the winter sun

Scotney parkland trail 

See a different view of the medieval ruin from the parkland trail, which loops around the estate. In winter, stark vistas open up across the moat and up towards the house, giving a different view of the historic landscape. Wrap up warm and turn right into bare-branched Kilndown Wood, where squirrels scuttle between the majestic trees and red berries add a splash of festive red. Pop into the cafe afterwards for a warming hot chocolate.

Discover the trail
Walking through the Sissinghurst estate

Sissinghurst Castle estate walk 

Discover the winter highlights of the 450-acre wider estate. Nestled in the heart of the Weald, this landscape inspired the creation of a world-class garden and the prolific writing of Vita Sackville-West.

Explore the estate