Darnley Mausoleum
Explore Cobham Woods, a National Trust gem, featuring the striking Darnley Mausoleum and charming Highland cattle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Vibrant foliage & fewer crowds
Darnley Mausoleum
Best Time
Vibrant foliage & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Cobham Woods, a National Trust gem, featuring the striking Darnley Mausoleum and charming Highland cattle.
"A fair trek but pretty & finding the highland cows made it worthwhile."
🎯 Check Mausoleum Opening Times
The mausoleum is rarely open. Verify dates on the National Trust website before your visit.
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Shorne Wood Country Park has parking (fee applies). Free options exist near Bligh Way Park or Cobham Cricket Club, but involve longer walks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Darnley Mausoleum Exterior
Cobham Woods
An impressive Grade I listed building designed by James Wyatt, a striking sight even when closed.
Highland Cattle Encounters
Cobham Woods
Friendly Highland cows often graze in the woods, adding a delightful surprise to your walk.
Autumn Woodland Colors
Cobham Woods
The ancient woodland transforms into a vibrant spectacle of colors during the autumn months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Mausoleum
Navigating Cobham Woods & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Mausoleum Opening Times
The mausoleum is rarely open. Verify dates on the National Trust website before your visit.
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Shorne Wood Country Park has parking (fee applies). Free options exist near Bligh Way Park or Cobham Cricket Club, but involve longer walks.
🐄 Spot the Highland Cows
Keep an eye out for the charming Highland cattle grazing in the woods – a highlight for many visitors!
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Signage can be minimal. Download an offline map or use GPS to avoid getting lost in the woods.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Mausoleum Opening Times
The mausoleum is rarely open. Verify dates on the National Trust website before your visit.
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Shorne Wood Country Park has parking (fee applies). Free options exist near Bligh Way Park or Cobham Cricket Club, but involve longer walks.
🐄 Spot the Highland Cows
Keep an eye out for the charming Highland cattle grazing in the woods – a highlight for many visitors!
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Signage can be minimal. Download an offline map or use GPS to avoid getting lost in the woods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain involves woodland paths and fields, so sturdy footwear is essential for a pleasant walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cobham Woods for its beautiful woodland walks and the unique charm of spotting Highland cattle. The Darnley Mausoleum is an interesting architectural feature, though its limited opening hours are a common point of note. Parking and signage can be challenging, but the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for many.
"One of the best places to take a walk in the Medway area, with pleasant woodland, a preserved area of wood pasture, and some good views across the fields at nearby Ranscombe nature reserve. Particularly attractive in autumn when the trees display some lovely colors. The mausoleum itself has very restricted opening hours but is still an interesting building to see from the outside even when it's closed. No visitor facilities but that keeps it from becoming too popular. Keep a look out for Highland cattle grazing."
Andrew Thomas
"A fair trek from where we parked at Shorne Country Park but it was pretty & finding the highland cows on the way made it worthwhile. The mausoleum wasn’t open on the day we visited but apparently is open certain days.
There aren’t many signs so we did get a little lost but thankfully had phone signal to get us in the right direction back to the car park."
The G Force
"Great place to come for walks, cycling, picnics or just relaxation.
Plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the nature, listen to singing birds or woodpecker, see the mausoleum or grazing cows freely moving about.
Kids and dogs will love love it!
The area of Cobham Wood is National Trust property, and is well kept.
There are many paths you can choose from, including walks through the fields.
There are no toilet facilities.
The nearest parking will be Shorne Wood Country park, sadly not free of charge.
Free of charge will be to park your car near Bligh Way Park and just walk from there or at Cobham cricket club."
Irina Springate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shorne Wood Country Park offers parking for a fee. For free parking, consider areas near Bligh Way Park or Cobham Cricket Club, though these require a longer walk to the mausoleum.
Signage within Cobham Woods can be sparse. It's advisable to use a GPS device or download an offline map to help navigate the trails.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in Cobham Woods, with various paths suitable for bikes.
The walking distance varies significantly depending on your parking choice. From free parking spots, it can be a considerable trek, especially for those with young children.
Information on direct public transport to the specific woodland entrances is limited. It's best to check local bus routes and plan your journey accordingly, potentially combining with a taxi or longer walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The grounds of Cobham Woods, including the area around the Darnley Mausoleum, are managed by the National Trust and are generally free to access. However, the mausoleum itself has very restricted opening hours and may require specific access or tours on those days.
The mausoleum has very limited opening hours, often only a few times a month. It's crucial to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Cobham Woods, being National Trust property, is typically free to enter for walkers. Parking at designated areas like Shorne Wood Country Park may incur a charge.
Yes, you can still admire the exterior of the Darnley Mausoleum from the outside even when it is closed to the public.
Guided tours are not commonly advertised. Access is usually limited to the specific open days, and exploration is often self-guided.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the impressive exterior of the mausoleum, enjoy walks through the woodlands and fields, and often spot grazing Highland cattle. It's a great spot for picnics and relaxation.
No, there are no visitor facilities such as toilets or cafes directly at the Darnley Mausoleum or within the immediate woodland area.
Yes, Cobham Woods is very family-friendly. Kids often enjoy spotting the Highland cows and there are paths suitable for walking and exploring.
Highland cattle are a common sight. You might also hear or see various bird species, including woodpeckers, and enjoy the natural woodland environment.
The terrain includes woodland paths and fields, which can be uneven. While generally manageable, sturdy footwear is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The mausoleum itself offers striking architectural shots. The surrounding woodlands, especially in autumn, and the grazing Highland cattle provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone photography may be permitted, but it's essential to check current regulations and obtain any necessary permissions, especially as it's National Trust land.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for both the mausoleum and the natural landscape.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission from the National Trust.
You can capture candid shots of the cattle grazing, interacting with their environment, or posing majestically against the woodland backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mausoleum itself might not hold a child's attention for long, the journey through the woods and the potential for wildlife spotting make it an engaging experience. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Sturdy shoes are a must for little adventurers navigating the woodland trails.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Autumn is particularly recommended for its stunning foliage, transforming the woods into a colorful spectacle. The area is also popular for trail running and cycling, so you'll likely encounter other outdoor enthusiasts. Be prepared for limited signage and pack essentials, as amenities are scarce.
📸 Photographers
The surrounding woodlands provide beautiful scenes, especially during autumn when the leaves change color.Consider visiting during the golden hours around sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. While personal photography is generally welcomed, it's always wise to be mindful of any specific National Trust guidelines, particularly for commercial shoots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Darnley Mausoleum
The design itself is a testament to Wyatt's skill, featuring impressive stonework and a commanding presence within the woodland setting. While visitors can only view the exterior on most days, its imposing silhouette against the trees is a memorable sight. The fact that it stands as a monument without ever serving its original function is a unique aspect that often sparks curiosity among visitors.
Its location within Cobham Woods, a National Trust property, means it's preserved within a beautiful natural landscape. The surrounding ancient woodland and open fields contribute to the mausoleum's atmospheric setting, making it a popular spot for walks and photography.
Exploring Cobham Woods: Trails and Wildlife
A particular delight for many visitors is the presence of Highland cattle grazing freely within the woods. These majestic animals are a frequent sight and a highlight for both children and adults, adding a unique charm to the experience. Birdwatchers might also be rewarded with sightings of various species, including woodpeckers.
For those seeking a more active experience, the woods are also popular for trail running and cycling. The varied terrain and scenic routes make it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While the woods offer a natural escape, it's important to note the lack of facilities like toilets, so planning ahead is recommended.
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