insideKENT Magazine Issue 76 - July 2018 | Page 88

DAYSOUT
MAKE THE MOST OF THE Sunshine cont.
Shorne Woods Country Park
Knole Park
Knole Park // Sevenoaks
You may have visited Knole before, the one-
time country residence of Henry VIII and Vita
Sackville-West, but have you ever explored
the surrounding parkland? Knole Park in the
heart of Sevenoaks consists of 1,000 acres of
stunning countryside. A golf course runs
through it, but there is so much space that
you don’t have to come into contact with the
golfers if you prefer to stay away. It’s the wild
deer that really have an appeal, and they are
perhaps what Knole Park is most famous for.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/lists/explore-
knole-park
Haysden Country Park // Tonbridge
There is always something to do at Haysden
Country Park because of the two lakes, 65
hectares of space, the stretch of the River
Medway that runs through the park, the nature
trail and the historical trail and the designated
cycle route that takes you from Tonbridge
Castle to Penshurst Place. It’s the events that
really make this park special though, including
building bug houses, fishing competitions,
walking, triathlon training and pond dipping.
www.tmbc.gov.uk/services/leisure-and-
culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-
open-spaces-outdoor-facilities/haysden-
country-park
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Trosley Park // Vigo
The little village of Vigo near Meopham has a
lot going for it. One of those things is that,
right at the far end, you can find Trosley Park.
Trosley Park covers 170 acres of beautiful
woodland and chalk downland on the North
Downs and provides some spectacular views.
There are three waymarked trails – the
Downland Trail is very steep in parts, while
the Woodland Walk is much gentler. The
Trosley Trail is an easy access route suitable
for buggies and wheelchairs. All provide
spectacular views over the downs. There's also
an outdoor trim trail should the steep paths
not prove tough enough.
www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-
community/kent-country-parks/trosley-
country-park
Shorne Woods Country Park // Shorne
Just outside of Gravesend is the magnificent
Shorne Woods Country Park. This is a quiet,
peaceful little haven that is fun for all. The site
includes the eco-friendly visitor centre and
café, a sensory garden, orienteering, fishing
lakes, a trim trail and picnic and play areas –
not to mention 292 acres of rolling woodlands,
wetlands and meadows that can be explored
via a variety of waymarked trails.
www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-
community/kent-country-parks/shorne-
woods-country-park
Folkestone Lower Leas Coastal Park
// Folkestone
The Lower Leas Coastal Park is set out in lots
of different levels, terrains and landscapes to
make exploring it all the more exciting. On
top of that, there are three distinct areas: The
Wild Zone, The Fun Zone and The Formal
Zone. The Wild Zone has been allowed to grow
more naturally, so if you want to collect leaves
and go minibeast hunting, this is the area to
head to. The Fun Zone is where the adventure
playground is, and it is an impressive place
indeed. Climbing walls, zip lines, slides of all
types, a shipwreck climbing frame, rocking
boats and the list goes on. This is the largest
free adventure playground in the South East,
so it’s entirely possible you’ll stay in this spot
all day if you have kids who love to run around.
The Formal Zone is more landscaped, and this
is where the lovely blooms can be spotted.
With a café and cycle routes too, this is a great
day out.
www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/lower-leas-
coastal-park/8926