Toys Hill

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Discover the place that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust

More about this place

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Toys Hill

Things to see and do

Enjoy the fresh air

Spring sun through the trees at Toys Hill, a natural area owned by the National Trust in Kent

Walking at Toys Hill 

Whether you fancy a short wander or a long roam, we have the perfect walk to suit your needs at Toys Hill.

The view of Ide Hill from Toys Hill, a natural area owned by the National Trust in Kent

Cycle, ride or run at Toys Hill 

In a sporty mood? Then why not get some fresh air at Toys Hill

Fly Agaric at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent

Toys Hill autumn spotter sheet 

We've created a spotter sheet especially for you young explorers to take with you on your walk around Toys Hill. Can you spot any spiders, fly agaric or conkers on your adventure?

Keep an eye out for...

The Octavia Hill well at Toys Hill, a National Trust place in Kent

Well, well, well

Octavia Hill (one of the founding members of the National Trust) sank a well for the residents of Toys Hill to use and gifted it to the National Trust in 1898. The well was restored in 1999 and has some of the best views across the Weald of Kent to the Ashdown Forest in the far distance.

The bat tower at Toys Hill

A batty place for a tower

The bat tower was once used as the water tower for the Weardale estate. After suffering damage in the 1987 storm, we decided to convert the tower into a bat hibernaculum. The tower is well used by bats and they seem to like hanging out in their new home.

The pond by the ram pump at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Pump it up at Pugden

Next to a beautifully calm pond you'll see the remains of the Victorian ram pump system which was used to supply water for the Emmetts estate. The basic idea behind a ram pump is simple: it uses the momentum of a relatively large amount of moving water to pump a relatively small amount of water uphill.

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Toys Hill

Wildlife

Adder in the grass at Toys Hill, a National Trust countryside site in Kent
Toys Hill   Kent

Abundant in wildlife

Lying on top of the Greensand Ridge, the hill supports a wide variety of plants and animals. Enjoy the fine views over the Weald of Kent and discover the diverse and abundant wildlife which makes this area a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

Discover flora and fauna at Toys Hill
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Toys Hill

Our work

Ranger Fraser Williamson

A day in the life of ranger Fraser Williamson 

Have you ever wondered what a ranger actually does? Quad bikes, play trails and butterfly watching – it’s not only about bush cutting. Step in the shoes of our ranger and find out what it’s really like.

Filming at Toys Hill Play Video
Video

In profile: ranger Fraser Williamson

Chartwell and Toys Hill ranger Fraser Williamson can be seen in the recent National Trust advert handling a stag beetle. We went behind the scenes to have a chat with him about his job and how he ended up working for the National Trust.

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Toys Hill

Get involved

Volunteers at Toys Hill, a National Trust place in Kent

Volunteer at Toys Hill 

Want to get involved? We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us look after our special area. Download a volunteer application form today and return to chartwell@nationaltrust.org.uk to start your journey.

A group visit at Nymans

Supporter groups in Kent 

There's other ways to support Toys Hill besides volunteering. Local supporter groups help to fundraise for various National Trust properties and are always open to new members. If you're looking to go out and make new friends, then a supporter group could be for you.

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