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Toys Hill
Discover the place that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust
Brasted Chart, Kent, TN16 1QG
Car park
Dogs
Please keep to the paths and keep dogs under close control.
No facilities available. Waymarked black route suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Woodland paths, uneven and steep in places.
By road
A25 to Brasted, then turn into Chart Lane and continue for 2.3 miles, then follow the brown signs for Toys Hill car park. Car park is situated just past the Fox & Hounds pubs on the right hand side.
Parking: Free National Trust car park at Toys Hill, near the Fox & Hounds pub.
On foot
Links to several public footpaths and is intersected by the long distance Greensand Way path.
By train
Sevenoaks and Edenbridge, both 4.5 miles
By bus
Services 238 and 210. Please note both of these services operate on a rural timetable. Check with the bus service provider before traveling.
By bicycle
Toys Hill is very popular with cyclists. If you are coming by bike, please ride in single file and take care on the roads due to fast moving traffic along the steep narrow lanes.
Horseback
There are a number of bridleways which intersect Toys Hill. Please note there is a height restriction on the Toys Hill car park which prevents taller vehicles such as horse boxes from entering.
Brasted Chart, Kent, TN16 1QG
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Toys Hill with your dog
You and your four-legged friend will be spoilt for choice at Toys Hill. There are plenty of routes to choose from, and some historical points of interest to discover.
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Highlights
Woodland
Extensive woodland featuring many walking paths from the car park. Part of the old exclusion zone after the 1987 Great Storm.
Weardale Manor ruin
The old Weardale Manor. Built in 1906, it had 145 rooms but was demolished in 1939 after falling into disrepair.
Toys Hill Well
Nineteenth-century well, sunk by National Trust founder Octavia Hill for the village. Restored in 1999 and has panoramic views.
Bat tower
Once a water tower for the Weardale estate, it is now a converted bat hibernaculum, after damage in the 1987 Great Storm.
Pugden Ram Pump
Remains of the Victorian ram pump system, used to supply water for the Emmetts estate.
Things to see and do
Article
Wildlife at Toys Hill
Discover a landscape of lowland heath, woodland and sandy soil and the variety of different wildlife it supports, from fungi and bats to dormice and reptiles.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Walking at Toys Hill
Discover lots of walking routes, points of historical interest and wide-ranging views at one of Octavia Hill’s favourite places. Visit to see the landscape that inspired her.
Activity
Cycling, riding and running at Toys Hill
With a network of bridleways, there are plenty of ways to explore Toys Hill including horse riding, mountain biking, road cycling and running on a 6km Run England route.
Top trails
Trail
Octavia Hill Centenary Trail West
Follow the Octavia Hill Centenary Trail West in Kent and experience the places that were part of the life and history of one of the National Trust's founders.
Trail
Toys Hill and Emmetts Garden circular walk
A 2.5-mile walk from Emmetts through the picturesque village of Ide Hill in the Kent countryside.
Trail
Weardale walk from Toys Hill
A 5-mile walk through the Kent countryside that links the three National Trust properties of Toys Hill, Emmetts Garden and Chartwell.
Places to stay
The Morris Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.
Welbeck Cottage
Nestled on the vast Sheffield Park estate in the glorious Sussex countryside, this gardener’s cottage puts you at the heart of the historic parkland.
Woodlands Cottage
A former game keeper’s house, this classically-styled cottage is surrounded by woodland.
Priest's House
Sitting on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle’s gardens, this is the perfect spot for garden lovers.
2 Bettenham Cottages
Immerse yourself in rolling farmland and peaceful countryside. This cosy cottage is the perfect getaway for friends, family and one well-behaved dog.
Polesden Garden Cottage
You’ll find gorgeous views over the Polesden Lacey estate and elegant interiors in this Regency-style villa.
About Toys Hill
Toy's Hill is more than 200 acres (81 hectares) of woodland. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its abundant wildlife, and much of it is recognised as a Grade I site of national importance for nature conservation.
It is a marvellous place to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing walk, admire fine views over the Weald of Kent and to discover the wildlife it supports.
Toy's Hill probably took its name in the Middle Ages from a local land-owning family. It is part of the Lower Greensand Ridge which runs all the way along the northern side of the Weald of Kent, just to the south of the North Downs.