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Discover the Kent Downs National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretching from the white cliffs of  Dover to the Surrey and London border. With ancient bluebell woodlands, rugged chalk coastline, internationally rare chalk grassland, and ragstone villages there is beauty to explore all year round.

If you look after land in the Kent Downs National Landscape or you help people to access the Kent Downs, we have a range of grants, funding, and support available for nature recovery, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and sustainable visiting initiatives.

The Kent Downs Blog & News

10 Top Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors: Making Memories While Staying Safe28th October 2024Here are 10 tips on staying safe outdoors whilst exploring the Kent Downs National Landscape this autumn and winter.Save 10 Top Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors: Making Memories While Staying Safe to favourites
For illustrative purposes onlyOfficial launch of the Cross-Channel Geopark celebrated at inaugural festival with special guests Stephen Clarke and Nick Crane14th October 2024Discover the Cross-Channel Geopark, officially launched during the inaugural Cross-Channel Geopark Festival at Château d’Hardelot in October 2024. This exciting event celebrated the shared geological,…Save Official launch of the Cross-Channel Geopark celebrated at inaugural festival with special guests Stephen Clarke and Nick Crane to favourites
LiDAR map of Bore Place heritage pondsUnearthing Kent’s Hidden Ponds…27th August 2024Exciting progress in the Kent Downs Heritage Ponds Project with over 350 historic ponds mapped so far. Discover how we're reviving Kent’s hidden aquatic treasures.Save Unearthing Kent’s Hidden Ponds… to favourites
A grid of images showcasing the artists and events taking place at this year's festival.SALT + EARTH: Festival returns to Folkestone this October!15th August 2024Celebrate nature, culture, geology and community at the SALT + EARTH: Festival of Landscape, Seascape & The Environment, returning to Folkestone from 4 to 6…Save SALT + EARTH: Festival returns to Folkestone this October! to favourites
Late summer orchids in the Kent Downs30th July 2024Discover the orchids to look out for in August and where to spot them in the Kent Downs.Save Late summer orchids in the Kent Downs to favourites
Sunset view from Holly Hill. Two people at bench.The Best Viewpoints in the Kent Downs20th February 2023Searching for incredible views? Look no further! We've rounded up the best viewpoints in the Kent Downs.Save The Best Viewpoints in the Kent Downs to favourites
Image for decorative purposesGeoAdventures Festival – discover the wonders of the Cross-Channel Global Geopark!29th April 2024GeoAdventures is a vibrant nine-month festival celebrating the aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark, taking place across the stunning landscapes of the Kent Downs and Caps…Save GeoAdventures Festival – discover the wonders of the Cross-Channel Global Geopark! to favourites
Vineyards of the Kent Downs17th June 2024With many fantastic vineyards set against the Kent Downs to explore, discover the top winery experiences on offer. Cheers!Save Vineyards of the Kent Downs to favourites
A couple sitting on the Downs watching the sunset over the countrysideTop spots to watch the sunset in the Kent Downs22nd October 2023Discover our favourite places to watch the sunset in the Kent Downs National Landscape.Save Top spots to watch the sunset in the Kent Downs to favourites
Aerial view of Wye Crown chalk hill figure on a hazy dayChalk Hill Figures in the Kent Downs25th July 2022There are four distinctive hill figures carved into the iconic chalk of the Kent Downs - have you seen them all?Save Chalk Hill Figures in the Kent Downs to favourites
A young man in a wheelchair is in the foreground of the image. The background is trees, fields and foliage. This is part of the North Downs Way National Trail.North Downs Way National Trail Event at Perry Court Farm6th June 2024Find out more about the Putting Down Routes event at Perry Court Farm. Located on the North Downs Way National Trail in the Kent Downs…Save North Downs Way National Trail Event at Perry Court Farm to favourites
A Year in the Kent Downs5th January 2024Discover our ‘must do’ experience for each month in the Kent Downs. How many have you ticked off?Save A Year in the Kent Downs to favourites

Join our journey to UNESCO status!

In celebration of the chalk and the channel, we are working to secure Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark status for the Kent Downs National Landscape together with our neighbouring protected landscape in France; the Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale. There will be lots of ways for everyone to get involved!

Cross-Channel Geopark FestivalJoin us at Chateau d'Hardelot for a celebration of geology, culture, and community at the first-ever Cross-Channel Geopark Festival!Save Cross-Channel Geopark Festival to favourites
White cliffs and sand ripples at St Margaret's Bay. Cliffs on the right and blue skies.Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global GeoparkFind out more about our aspiration for a Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark and how you can get involvedSave Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark to favourites
SALT + EARTH Festival bannerSALT + EARTH FestivalSALT + EARTH: Festival of Landscape, Seascape & The Environment returns this October! Join us for a weekend of artworks, walks, workshops, community gatherings and…Save SALT + EARTH Festival to favourites
Child holding fossilGeoAdventuresJoin us for this ongoing festival celebrating the rich geodiversity of our Cross-Channel Global Geopark!Save GeoAdventures to favourites
Chalk paths in the warrenGeositesGeosites are places of geological interest across our UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark, where you can visit and interact with our unique geological heritage.Save Geosites to favourites
Sunset sea view across high chalk cliffs, with the sound mirror on the grass.GeoDiversityOur new National Lottery Heritage Fund project to help more people discover their local incredible geodiversity and explore personal stories and connections with the landscape.Save GeoDiversity to favourites
White Cliffs of Dover, with the sea on the right, on a sunny day. With wild flowers in the foreground.Geopark AmbassadorsMeet our Geopark Ambassadors, your guides to the Cross-Channel Geopark.Save Geopark Ambassadors to favourites
Children geocaching in the woods.Geopark Education ResourcesEducational resources that have been designed to help individuals, teachers, home schoolers and lifelong learners understand and value the geodiversity, biodiversity and cultural stories of…Save Geopark Education Resources to favourites

#UpTheKentDowns

The Kent Downs National Landscape has exactly what visitors desire for all year round, unmissable, sensory, and immersive experiences, where you can ‘live like a local’ and enjoy your short breaks sustainably.

Group of people, walking away from camera, on green fields, with vineyard on the left. Sunny day.#UpTheKentDowns#UpTheKentDowns showcases the Kent Downs National Landscape as an exciting all-year-round destination offering wonderfully diverse experiences.Read more
Couple celebrating sunset in the countrysideTop DownsWe're celebrating 55 years of the Kent Downs National Landscape with our 55 top places to visit.Read more
Close-up action image of person using rolling pin to roll pastry.Chow DownsFind the favourite places to go for a real taste of Kent and try the finest local produce in enchanted locations.Experience now
Person standing looking out over beach, mobility scooter nearby. Clear day with white cliffs in background.Adventure DownsWith the wind in your face & fresh air in your lungs you’ll find time-short thrills and epic week-long escapades right here.Experience now
Lavender fields with trees in background, blue skies.Natural DownsCultivate the mind with experiences that celebrate and nurture the land and local way of life.Experience now
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre with wooden footpath.Show DownsFrom the ancient to the impressive, we’ve plenty of iconic and natural attractions to leave you awestruck.Experience now
Artists paints, pencils and sketch pad on grass.Draw downsWitness an inspiring coast & countryside that will ignite your creative fire.Experience now
Two children sitting in the ground at the entrance to a wood built camp. Smiling and looking at camera.Play downsLet mother nature play host and let your wildlings roam free with our family focused activities.Experience now
Group of people walking into church grounds on a sunny day.Track downsTread in the footsteps of saints, crusaders and inspirational artists on a journey of self-discovery.Experience now
Two people sitting on beach, looking out to sea.Power downsFree the mind and body in your own 878 km2/sq.km wellness retreat.Experience now
Horses grazing on grass, with wetlands and trees surrounding.Wild downsHead into the wilderness and meet our own wild residents on a homegrown expedition.Experience now

Experiences

Discover unique experiences in the Kent Downs with local experts. Each experience offers an authentic and immersive insight into the Kent Downs, it's nature and heritage

Mosaic examplesArts & CraftsMosaic Makers in NatureLearn the ancient art of mosaic on this nature experience in the Kent Downs National Landscape, with afternoon tea included. 4 hours £100 per personSave Mosaic Makers in Nature to favourites
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The North Downs Way National Trail

The North Downs Way National Trail offers walkers and cyclists 153 miles (246 km) of spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious rolling countryside, passing through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs National Landscapes.

Walking tagsNorth Downs Way National TrailThe 153 mile (245 km) North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover offers spectacular views and a fascinating heritage, passing through the Surrey… FarnhamSave North Downs Way National Trail to favourites
Putting Down RoutesPutting Down Routes seeks to make the North Downs Way National Trail a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.Save Putting Down Routes to favourites
North Downs Way Art TrailTrack down the 9 sculptures along the North Downs Way and soak up art in the great outdoors, or as we like to call in…Save North Downs Way Art Trail to favourites
North Downs Way wooden sign, with person walking in distance across grass field. Sunny day.Find a North Downs Way AmbassadorOur trained North Downs Way ambassadors are passionate and knowledgable. Find an ambassador near you and enjoy exploring the trail.Save Find a North Downs Way Ambassador to favourites

Discover Kent's Heritage Coast

Explore the magnificent chalk cliffs between Folkestone and Kingsdown form Kent’s Heritage Coast, one of Britain’s most evocative and best-known landmarks and the only UK destination to feature in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022.

Beaches tagsShakespeare CliffShakespeare Cliff, thought to have inspired a passage from Shakespeare's King Lear, is a dramatic cliff-top site with stunning views over Samphire Hoe and Dover… DoverSave Shakespeare Cliff to favourites
Three walkers with dog walking in front of white lighthouseWalking tagsSouth Foreland Lighthouse walkDiscover the White Cliffs of Dover, the most iconic symbol of our county, along this refreshing walk overlooking the English Channel - one of the… St Margaret-at-CliffeSave South Foreland Lighthouse walk to favourites

Easy Access Trails

Ideal for people who are wheelchair users, those with pushchairs or just those who like flat surfaced routes with no gates or stiles.

Shorne Woods Country Park easy access trailWalking tagsShorne Woods Country Park Stile Free TrailShorne Woods Country Park has it all: woodland, waymarked trails, a pond, a sensory garden, a picnic area, a trim trail, a café and so… ShorneSave Shorne Woods Country Park Stile Free Trail to favourites
Jeskyns easy access trailWalking tagsJeskyns easy access trailThis all-ability route follows hard fine surfaced paths over gently rolling hills taking in Henhurst Lake. GravesendSave Jeskyns easy access trail to favourites

Sustainable Visiting & Accessibility Initiatives

Find out about our work to help support sustainable tourism in the Kent Downs and help everyone enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of this beautiful landscape

Samphire-Hoe-cliffsOur UNESCO Global Geopark AmbitionCelebrating and protect our natural and cultural assets whilst contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy.Read more
Person standing looking out over beach, mobility scooter nearby. Clear day with white cliffs in background.Enhancing Access OpportunitesHow can we help to increase public access in the Kent Downs for health and wellbeing where it is most needed?Read more
Three friends laugh as they walk across open grassland. Two are walking and one in an electric wheelchair.Changing Places ToiletsOur commitment to installing two Changing Places toilets in the Kent Downs National Landscape, working with our colleagues in Kent Country Parks.Read more
Two people standing looking at the night sky, through a telescope, in a field with campfire behind them.Sustainable TourismSupporting sustainable, low-impact tourism activities to secure the future resilience of our natural and cultural assets.Read more
Green Pilgrimage ProjectHow the economic benefits of PiIgrimage tourism can protect natural and cultural heritage.Read more

Grants & Funding for Rural Businesses

Find out about grants and funding for rural businesses in the Kent Downs to support nature recovery, biodiversity, sustainable tourism

View of grass and farm land across the Wye Crown.Farming in Protected LandscapesA grant programme for landowners and landmanagers for projects to support People, Place, Climate & Nature in the Kent Downs.Read more
Two people standing looking at the night sky, through a telescope, in a field with campfire behind them.Sustainable TourismSupporting sustainable, low-impact tourism activities to secure the future resilience of our natural and cultural assets.Read more
Trees in Denge wood, with sunlight shining through. Green and yellow leaves.Tree Planting & EstablishmentFree and subsidised trees to help protect our irreplaceable trees and woodlands ensuring 'Right Tree, Right Place'.Read more

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Find out more about our work on the ground to help conserve and enhance this landscape, mitigate and adapt to climate change and our aspirations for UNESCO status as a Cross-Border Global Geopark.

Lavender fields, with trees in distance and crop fields. Blue sunny sky.Darent Valley Landscapes Partnership SchemeAn exciting large-scale partnership, working to conserve and enhance the distinctive heritage landscapes of the Darent Valley and to connect people to the Valley to…Read more
Close-up of cornflowers in meadow. Purple flower, with some yellow and red, and white flowers.Farming in Protected LandscapesGrants to support nature recovery and mitigate the impacts of climate change.Farming in Protected Landscapes
Elham-Valley-close-up-grapesViticultureHow can the growing number of vineyards in the Kent Downs increase in biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation?Read more
A man looks at a river with trees across it for natural flood management.Natural Flood ManagementWhat is the best practice in water management on farmland addressing both flood and drought risk?Read more