Lullingstone Country Park
Explore ancient woods, orchid-filled grasslands, and a charming river path at Lullingstone Country Park. A perfect escape for nature lovers and famili...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Orchids bloom, birds sing
Lullingstone Country Park
Best Time
Orchids bloom, birds sing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient woods, orchid-filled grasslands, and a charming river path at Lullingstone Country Park. A perfect escape for nature lovers and families.
"A beautiful country park with a great shaded walk along the river, perfect for a sunny day."
Bring a picnic blanket
Benches can be popular; a blanket ensures a comfy spot for your picnic. :picnic_table:
Dog-friendly exploration
Your furry friends will love the woodland walks and open spaces! :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Darent Trail
Along the River Darent
Enjoy a shaded, scenic walk along the river, perfect for cooling off on warm days. Connects to Eynsford village.
Woodland Walks
Throughout the park
Explore ancient woods and chalk grassland with marked trails of varying lengths, offering peaceful bird song.
Lullingstone Castle
Adjacent to the park
Visit the historic Lullingstone Castle, a stunning Tudor and Stuart property, offering a glimpse into the past.
Children's Play Area
Near the visitor centre
A dedicated play area and small zip wire provide fun for younger visitors, making it a family-friendly destination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Parking and Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a picnic blanket
Benches can be popular; a blanket ensures a comfy spot for your picnic. :picnic_table:
Dog-friendly exploration
Your furry friends will love the woodland walks and open spaces! :dog:
Check trail difficulty
Routes vary from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. :hiking_boot:
Family fun by the stream
Kids can safely splash and play in the shallow stream during warmer months. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a picnic blanket
Benches can be popular; a blanket ensures a comfy spot for your picnic. :picnic_table:
Dog-friendly exploration
Your furry friends will love the woodland walks and open spaces! :dog:
Check trail difficulty
Routes vary from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. :hiking_boot:
Family fun by the stream
Kids can safely splash and play in the shallow stream during warmer months. :child:
Combine with castle visit
Extend your day by exploring the historic Lullingstone Castle nearby. :castle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lullingstone Country Park for its beautiful natural scenery, including shaded river walks and ancient woodlands. It's highlighted as a great family-friendly spot with good facilities and a pleasant atmosphere. Some note that parking fees apply and benches can be in high demand on busy days.
"Very lovely location big open space for all day out surrounded by a plenty of walks and trails for all to enjoy. The car park is good plenty of spaces. Paid car park payment can by made via, app, telephone, card and coins. There’s a big picnic area right next to the car park with cafe and toilet facilities. You can also follow the lovely flowing River Darent trail to village Eynsford passing Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden."
John Gardiner
"Lovely place for a walk in all weathers, great photo prompts also scattered around. Lovely cafe to treat yourself after and small gift shop. You do have to pay for parking. Phone signal not to great around here.
If you have horses you can also pay for horse box parking and ride around there too. If you need to rebook that I don’t know."
Victoria
"A beautiful country park, with a great shaded walk along the river (much needed on a sunny day!). Even on a quiet day all of the benches were used, so it's worth planning ahead and bringing a picnic blanket if you want to sit down at any point.
Parking was great - £2.50 for the entire day, so we used it as a base to visit the nearby Lavender Farm and Lullingstone Castle.
The facilities were good, and kept clean, and although we didn't go in there was a cafe to buy food, drinks, cakes etc..."
George Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London Bridge or Charing Cross to Sevenoaks station (approx. 25-40 minutes).+1 From Sevenoaks, you might need to take a bus or taxi to reach the park. Some visitors also hike from nearby train stations like Eynsford.
While trains go to nearby Sevenoaks, direct public transport to the park itself can be limited. Planning your onward journey from the train station is essential.
Yes, some visitors enjoy longer hikes that start from train stations like Eynsford, incorporating the park into a day's trek.
Taking the train to Sevenoaks is a popular option. From there, you can arrange local transport or enjoy a longer walk into the park. +1
Information on direct bus routes can vary, so it's advisable to check local bus timetables for the Sevenoaks area closer to your travel date.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free. However, there is a charge for parking your vehicle on-site.
Parking fees are typically around £2.50 on weekdays and £3.50 on weekends for all-day access. Horsebox parking is more expensive.
No, tickets are not required for entry to the park. Parking fees are paid on arrival.
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for exploration. Specific facilities like the cafe may have set hours.
While entry is free, parking fees are standard. It's always worth checking for any local resident discounts or special event pricing if applicable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of marked trails, including a lovely shaded walk along the River Darent and more challenging routes that pass Lullingstone Castle and Roman Villa. 
Absolutely! There's a dedicated children's play area, a small zip wire, and a shallow stream perfect for paddling and splashing.
Yes, Lullingstone Country Park is very dog-friendly, with plenty of space for them to explore and enjoy woodland walks.
Yes, there are visitor facilities including toilets and a cafe where you can purchase food, drinks, and cakes.
You'll find a mix of ancient woodlands, orchid-filled chalk grassland, open fields, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
📸 📸 Photography
The River Darent trail offers beautiful light, especially in the morning. The ancient woodlands provide atmospheric shots, and Lullingstone Castle is a picturesque subject.
While not as prominent as in some other parks, you might spot various bird species. The park's natural beauty itself is a great subject.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene landscapes. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone.
The higher ground offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and countryside. Keep an eye out for open clearings within the woodlands.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the open fields or at the designated picnic tables. The park's natural setting encourages exploration, and the nearby Lullingstone Castle offers a touch of history to make the day even more engaging.Consider the Lullingstone Castle Circular walk (around 7km) as a manageable option for families, offering a mix of scenery and the chance to see the castle. The park is also very dog-friendly, so your four-legged family members can join in the fun too!
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1 Many visitors appreciate the natural beauty, from the ancient woods to the open chalk grassland, and the peaceful atmosphere enhanced by birdsong.If you're looking for a countryside escape from London without a car, Lullingstone is a great choice. Trains to Sevenoaks make it accessible, and you can even incorporate a hike from a nearby station. Don't forget to download an offline map or use an app like AllTrails to navigate the routes effectively.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your dog will likely enjoy the variety of scents and the chance to encounter other dogs. Remember to bring water for your pet, especially on warmer days, and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. The park's natural beauty makes it a delightful place for both you and your furry friend to explore together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Many trails are also suitable for horse riding and even feature a parkrun route.When planning your hike, consider the AllTrails app, which many visitors find helpful for navigating the different routes and checking elevation gains.
The park's diverse terrain includes ancient woodlands, open chalk grassland, and riverside paths, ensuring a rich and engaging walking experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially if you plan on tackling the more challenging, longer hikes. Family Fun and Activities
The open fields are also ideal for picnics and games, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.Beyond the playground, the park's natural environment encourages exploration. Children can enjoy spotting wildlife, discovering interesting plants, and simply running around in the open spaces. The proximity to Lullingstone Castle also adds an educational element, allowing families to combine outdoor fun with a visit to a historical site.
Accessibility and Getting Around
For those without a car, reaching the park requires some planning. Train travel to Sevenoaks is efficient from London, but the onward journey to the park might involve local buses or taxis.
Social
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