Spring walks at Toys Hill

There's plenty of nature to be found on a walk to Toys Hill this spring, though our bluebells are what we're best known for, popping up around mid-April each year. To help steer you in the right direction we've listed our top bluebell walks for you below. There's plenty to see outside of bluebell season though with countless awe-inspiring views across the Weald of Kent and beyond.

New viewpoints providing a home for wildlife

Over the winter our rangers and volunteers have been busy clearing some of the trees around the woodland. This may sound counterproductive, but it’s the best thing we can do for our wildlife.

The richest habitat for wildlife isn’t solid woodland, but the woodland edges, openings and coppices. The vast majority of woodland critters live within a few metres of any opening.

This spring enjoy the viewpoints that were opened up over winter and keep an eye out for buzzing nature.

 

See for miles over the Weald of Kent from Toys Hill
View from the Octavia Hill well at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent
See for miles over the Weald of Kent from Toys Hill
The woods in spring at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent
Toys Hill   Kent

Weardale walk from Toys Hill

Emmetts Garden and Chartwell have reopened but you are required to prebook your car parking space. For a more spontaneous walk, park at Toys Hill and make your way on foot to Chartwell or Emmetts Garden. If you would like to visit the gardens at Chartwell or Emmetts, please book tickets for each in advance of your visit. You can, however, access the café at Chartwell and the Tea Room at Emmetts Garden without booking. Please then continue on the public footpath at Emmetts Garden.

Discover West Kent
Chiltern Bluebells

Please help look after the bluebells 

'Bluebells are my most favourite sign of spring. They are beautiful yet so fragile. There's something really lovely about helping to protect them, because they do need our help' - Crispin Scott, Wildlife & Countryside Adviser.
By sticking to the paths you are protecting the native British bluebell so it will flower next year and for years to come.

Try A Longer Walk

The bat tower at Toys Hill

Octavia Hill Centenary Trail - views and nature 

Emmetts Garden and Chartwell are currently open but on a prebooked ticket only. You will be required to book a ticket to Chartwell and Emmetts Garden in order to visit both sites and walk between the two. The café and toilets at Chartwell and Emmetts are open on a one-way route.

Sun through the trees at Toys Hill, a National Trust property in Kent

Octavia Hill Centenary Trail - life and history 

Celebrate the life of Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust on a walk to Crockham Hill village and the church where she is buried, up to Mariners Hill and on past Chartwell, former home of Winston Churchill.

Bluebells in bloom at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Top bluebell photography tips 

It’s important to avoid accidently damaging the plants with your camera equipment, your feet or even your canine companion’s paws. Here’s a top tip from volunteer photographer Hugh Mothersole – “By shooting from a low angle it’s easy to create the illusion that a person is sitting or standing amongst the bluebells when they are actually out of harm’s way on a footpath. Look for bends in the paths or junctions if you want flowers in the foreground as well as behind your subject”.

Did you know...

Every damaged bluebell takes 4-6 years to regrow

By sticking to the paths you can help preserve these fragile native flowers for years to come