Type of record

Select type of thing you are looking for

Wheelchair accessible

Location

Location

or

Walk, cycle and exercise in Kent

ActivitiesChoose an activity...

Activity options
Place options
Experience options
Event options
Activity additional options
Places additional options
Experience accessible
Experience options
Events accessible

or

Take a walk among stunning sculptures in beautiful surroundings along the North Downs Way Art Trail. The trail starts in Surrey and stretches for 153 miles to Dover in Kent. Track down the nine sculptures and soak up art in the great outdoors, or as we like to call it, the GREAT ARTdoors!

We’ve created a substantial open-air gallery for everyone to enjoy for free. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on an inspired journey through landscapes, nature and heritage, that spans woodlands and open hilltops down to the coast. Highlights include otherworldly works of art, including domes with 360-degree views and sculptural seats that reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Discover your nearby art pieces...

Not sure where to start? We’ve created nine self-guided art walks, complete with insights from the artists and their sculptures. It's time to discover The Great ARTdoors!

North Downs Way Art Trail'After The Black Gold' By ChannelTaking inspiration from local mining heritage, this purposely simple piece takes the form of a timber structure supporting two lean-to roof pitches which together provide…Explore Now
View over Surrey Hills, grass fields and woodland. With Optohedron sculpture in foreground.'Optohedron' By Will NashConstructed from weathered steel and locally sourced hazel, the spaces between the logs create homes for wildlife while the embedded kaleidoscopes allow visitors to view…Explore Now
North Downs Way Art Trail'Coccolith' By INSTARTake a seat and immerse in this rolling and quintessential landscape. The perfect spot to take the weight off and absorb the valley and ‘Inspiring…Explore Now
Two people with raincoats sitting on Monumenta Romana sculpture bench.'Monumenta Romana' By Charles Holland ArchitectsFabricated from recycled salvaged timber, experience 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape of the North Downs Way National Trail.Explore Now
North Downs Way Art Trail‘Radius’ By James TunnardEngraved with poems and inscriptions, the undulating curves of this sculptural seat reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys, this seating area orientates…Explore Now
North Downs Way Art Trail'Feel Our Voice' By Kezia ColeThe parametric design enables light to filter through the piece, creating a visual ripple as the contours of the bench mirror words spoken by local…Explore Now
North Downs Way Art Trail‘Coppice Oratory’ By Tchonova + La RoiMade from coppiced chestnut directly from the forest woodland, this four-metre-high wooden sculpture is a key lookout point on the North Downs Way, a space…Explore Now
North Downs Way Art Trail‘We are all Winners’ By Alma TischlerwoodA winner’s podium in the shape of a bench, playfully depicting both the present and the ancient world. A place to relax and reflect, signifying…Explore Now
North Downs Way Art Trail‘Sedile Francigena’ By PolysemicAn incredible piece of engineering and a beautiful work of art, which in Latin translates to seat or bench, the base is created from local…Explore Now

Explore the North Downs Way National Trail

Cutting across the South East of England, the North Downs Way National Trail offers walkers 153 miles (246 km) of spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious countryside, easily accessible from London.

A wooden signpost for the North Downs Way shows a direction marker for Patrixbourne 4 1/2 miles away, with icons for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. In the background, a narrow road is lined with hedges and bordered by a thatched-roof cottage partially covered in greenery, along with trees. A small sticker on the sign features a person in yellow clothing holding a blue flag.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
Find a North Downs Way AmbassadorFind 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
Ride the North Downs Way National TrailRide the North Downs Way National Trail17th November 2022The North Downs Way is now explorable on two wheels or four legs, thanks to the creation of a new Riders’ Route itinerary.Save Ride the North Downs Way National Trail to favourites

Immerse yourself in creatives experiences

The Kent Downs and North Downs Way National Trail have always nurtured painters, writers, poets and dreamers. Take a look at our collection of Draw Downs and nurture your own creative spirit.

Mosaic Makers in NatureArts & 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
A Sensory Journey in NatureWellbeingA Sensory Journey in NatureEscape on a sensory journey with Hinoki Forest Bathing. Led by a qualified Forest Bathing guide, you are invited to take in the relaxing atmosphere… Less than 3 hours £25Save A Sensory Journey in Nature to favourites
The East Kent Flower SchoolArts & CraftsThe East Kent Flower SchoolJoin The East Kent Flower Company and to learn basic floristry skills to create living wreaths, dried flower crowns, or foam-free flower arrangements. 3 hours £60Save The East Kent Flower School to favourites
Show all experiences

Inspirational itineraries

If you’re looking to turn your next trip to the Kent Downs and North Downs Way into a short break or a longer holiday, we have plenty of cultural and creative itineraries to inspire your perfect trip.

Wonders of the North Downs WayArts & CraftsWonders of the North Downs WayWalk the iconic North Downs way from Dover to Canterbury and wonder at the art you will see along the route. 1 daySave Wonders of the North Downs Way to favourites
Literary Greats!Culture & HeritageLiterary Greats!Discover Kent’s story of literature with an insight into how the county inspired the writings of Ian Fleming and Jane Austen. 1 daySave Literary Greats! to favourites
Family, Foraging and Folklore FablesFamily FunFamily, Foraging and Folklore FablesLet mother nature play host and spend quality time in the great outdoors with your children. 1 daySave Family, Foraging and Folklore Fables to favourites
Family and Nature - 3 DaysFamily FunA 3 Day Family Adventure of Connection, Creativity and Country ParksLet mother nature play host and spend quality time in the great outdoors with your children. 3 daysSave A 3 Day Family Adventure of Connection, Creativity and Country Parks to favourites
Green Spacers - 4 DaysCulture & Heritage4 Day Cultural Countryside Escapes to Capture Your CreativityWhether you’re just exploring for the day or making a stay of it, our Green Spacers itineraries celebrate and nurture the land and capture the… 4 daysSave 4 Day Cultural Countryside Escapes to Capture Your Creativity to favourites
Cultural ChilhamArts & CraftsCultural ChilhamExperience the medieval village of Chilham and immerse yourself in historical Kent. 1 daySave Cultural Chilham to favourites
Show all itineraries

Plan your visit

Tips for sustainable visiting and how to make the most of your time here while helping to protect our landscape

How to get hereHow to get hereWith around 40 stations in and bordering the National Landscape, the Kent Downs can be readily accessed by train.Save How to get here to favourites
Settle DownsSettle DownsNo matter your taste or budget, we’ve got places to stay suitable for all visitors – including your furry friends! From historic cities to quirky…Save Settle Downs to favourites
Respect, Protect, EnjoyRespect, Protect, EnjoyOur latest guidance on safely visiting green spaces while protecting yourself and others.Save Respect, Protect, Enjoy to favourites
Back to top