Walk in the Park

A Day in Knole Park

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Walk 3.5 hrs (14km)

Total Ascent 287 m

Highest Point 205 m

Welcome to this Signature Guide

This relatively leisurely, circular walk set in the Kent Downs AOND feels like a world away from the city.

Ready to walk?

Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.

Or email yourself the guide:

Before you start

Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:

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Save this Guide

Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).

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Download OS Map App

This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.

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Click here for Android

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Battery

Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.

The Curator Alex Thomas

Meet the Curator

Alex is an avid adventurer, long-distance hiker and lover of all things outdoors. Having grown up in Somerset, but now based in London, he takes every opportunity he can to escape the city and explore the countryside and all it has to offer.

“In my opinion, this walk has everything – stunning views, wildlife, history, and a couple of great pubs to boot! One of the best things about this route is its proximity to London – within an hour you can be out and exploring the beautiful Kent countryside and totally transported away from the hectic environs of the city.

Since discovering the area, I have done this route four times even though I’m not normally one for repeating the same routes too often; this one just seems to have something new to offer every time you do it – I also just love seeing the deer!”

Hike Summary

Sevenoaks, Kent.

With a train journey of around half an hour from London, this relatively leisurely, circular walk set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty feels like it’s a world away from the city. Take in stunning views across the Kent Weald, immerse yourself in history at two excellent National Trust properties, and enjoy the array of wildlife on offer, from the deer herd in Knole Park to bluebells and lavender fields in the Spring. Towards the end of the walk, take a load off and quench your thirst at The Bucks Head pub in Godden Green.

Hike Highlights

Knole House

Discover Knole house and exploring Deer Park.

One Tree Hill

A Site of Special Scientific Interest with stunning panoramic views to the south across the Weald.

Ightham Mote

A 14th century, Grade 1 listed manor house of such esteem, even the doghouse is a listed building!

By Train – This hike starts at Sevenoaks station which is easily accessible by train from Charing Cross, Waterloo East or London Bridge and takes roughly 30 minutes.

By Car – There is parking at Knole Car Park (TN15 0RP), advanced booking may be required. Alternatively, there is parking at Sevenoaks Town Centre Car Park (TN13 1JJ).

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.

A family run pub in Godden Green, Sevenoaks, owned by husband and wife duo, James and Hope. On Sundays they serve an award winning Sunday roast which is very popular. With James’ extensive background as a chef and butcher he works closely with the local butcher to bring you the best quality meat.

Points of interest

Places to enjoy along the route

KNOLE HOUSE

Located within Kent’s last medieval deer park, the grand estate of Knole House has stood proudly for over 600 years. Having been built by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 15th century, it later came into the possession of the Tudor dynasty under Henry VIII who hunted here and used it as a residence for his daughter, Mary I. It is now owned by the National Trust and visitors today can enjoy the magnificent building, its gardens and courtyards, and a fine collection of art and tapestries within its showrooms.

DEER PARK

The surrounding park is around 1,000 acres in size, with an array of footpaths, and is home to a herd of deer. The autumn rut is an excellent time to visit, as the bucks are at their most impressive, with fully grown antlers and making their distinctive mating call. The deer are quite used to people and appear friendly but do not approach them or attempt to feed them as they can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

ONE TREE HILL

This peaceful and beautiful site, situated on the Greensand Ridge in the Kent Downs AONB, offers stunning, panoramic views to the south across the Weald. One Tree Hill is also nationally recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, as a home to rare and unusual species of flora and fauna. In the surrounding woodlands during Spring, you will be treated to fabulous displays of bluebells. There is an excellent network of footpaths to explore, making it obvious why it’s so popular with the locals.

GREENSAND WAY

The Greensand Way is a 108-mile long-distance walking route running from Haslemere in Surrey to Hamstreet in Kent, near the coast south of Ashford. The path follows the ridge of greensand rock through Kent and Surrey offering fantastic views along the way, and takes its name from the green coloured mineral, glauconite, that is found in the layers of sandstone along its course. The route runs roughly parallel to the south of the North Downs ridge and is well waymarked with its distinctive signage.

IGHTHAM MOTE

Built nearly 700 years ago, Ightham Mote is an incredible, Grade I listed National Trust property. Parts of the 14th century manor house are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The house has changed hands between all sorts of owners, from medieval knights, to clergymen, to politicians. Luckily, all its inhabitants had something in common – the lack of desire to alter the property. Ightham Mote’s excellent condition and preservation is thanks to the fact it was hardly changed over the years.

What’s Next?

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Walk in the Park, Sevenoaks ⏱️ 3.5 hrs