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North Downs Way Art Trail

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!

Person standing at information plaque with After the Black Gold sculpture. Sunny day.

'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

Sunset view across Titsey Estate person standing near Coccolith dry-stone sculpture.

'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

Trees, hedges and grass surrounding Radius, seated sculpture.

‘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

View of the bench close up from the side with trees and subtle views over the fields

'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

View from inside the wooden coppiced shelter gazing up to the sky

‘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

People sitting on the 'We Are All Winners' sculpture

‘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

Close up of the surface of the 'Sedile Francigena' sculpture bench

‘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.

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… Farnham Save North Downs Way National Trail to favourites

Cycling tagsHorse riding tagsItinerary tagsNorth Downs Way Riders’ RouteGet on your bike to experience 1000s of years of history on the magnificent North Downs Way National Trail Riders' Route through the Kent Downs… Dover Save North Downs Way Riders’ Route 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

Person cycling on path towards camera, with orchard on both sides. Sunny day.

Ride 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.

Arts & CraftsOut to the Woods – Woodland Wreaths and Flower CrownsLearn how to make traditional rustic wreaths and spectacular floral crowns using woodland materials, immersed in the serene and historic surroundings of Kent's Admiral Woods,…Save Out to the Woods – Woodland Wreaths and Flower Crowns to favourites

Arts & CraftsCapture Kent (Canterbury)Join Capture Kent on a relaxed 2-hour photography walking experience, taking in Canterbury’s medieval ramparts, its Norman Castle, and its meadows and rivers. 2.5 hours £80 Save Capture Kent (Canterbury) to favourites

Arts & CraftsThis Art of MineExperience the joy of working with clay in the calm and inspiring surroundings of the Kent countryside. Create your own platter to take home, before…Save This Art of Mine to favourites

Arts & CraftsOutdoor StudiosThe Outdoor Studios team will teach you all about the local area during a guided walk, sharing their ecological expertise, revealing how they use nature… 3-5 Hours £100 pp Save Outdoor Studios to favourites

Arts & CraftsCapture Kent (Dover Cliffs)Join Capture Kent on a relaxed 2-hour photography walking experience, taking in the iconic coastline and natural beauty of Dover Cliffs. 2.5 hours £80 Save Capture Kent (Dover Cliffs) to favourites

Mosaic examples

Arts & 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 person Save Mosaic Makers in Nature to favourites

Arts & CraftsCreative Glass ClassesJoin Creative Retreats and Holidays for a range of creative glass classes in the Kent Downs National Landscape and be inspired by the beautiful surroundings. 3 hours to 2 days From £30 Save Creative Glass Classes to favourites

Arts & CraftsSpoon Carving/Green WoodworkingLearn to carve a spoon from green wood, using axe and knives in a beautiful woodland setting in the Kent Downs National Landscape. 1 day £90 Save Spoon Carving/Green Woodworking to favourites

Arts & CraftsCreative PilgrimsGrab a sketchbook and explore ancient churches, take in spectacular views and capture memories — by drawing them! Half a day/Whole Day £50 half day, £90 whole day including food Save Creative Pilgrims to favourites

Women meditating on the forest floor

WellbeingA 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 £25 Save A Sensory Journey in Nature to favourites

Medway Valley Countryside Partnership

Arts & CraftsMedway Valley Countryside PartnershipSpend the day unwinding with traditional craftwork in the serene surroundings 3-5 Hours £85 per person Save Medway Valley Countryside Partnership to favourites

Outdoor ActivitiesMindful CoachingIf you value self-development, want help realising your personal goals, or even just take a moment to reset in nature, Martin will help you get… Half a day/Whole day Save Mindful Coaching to favourites

Close-up bouquet of wild flowers. Pinks, greens and yellows.

Arts & 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 £60 Save The East Kent Flower School to favourites

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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.

Arts & 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 day Save Wonders of the North Downs Way to favourites

View across Godmersham, between trees. Yellow and green fields of crops.

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 day Save Literary Greats! to favourites

Adult and young adult kneeling on woodland floor, making a fire.

Family FunFamily, Foraging and Folklore FablesLet mother nature play host and spend quality time in the great outdoors with your children. 1 day Save Family, Foraging and Folklore Fables to favourites

Adult and child walking on path, through woodland with tall trees.

Family 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 days Save A 3 Day Family Adventure of Connection, Creativity and Country Parks to favourites

Close-up person with small axe cutting on wooden block to make a spoon.

Culture & 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 days Save 4 Day Cultural Countryside Escapes to Capture Your Creativity to favourites

Couple walking towards Shelly's tea room, on a sunny day.

Arts & CraftsCultural ChilhamExperience the medieval village of Chilham and immerse yourself in historical Kent. 1 day Save Cultural Chilham to favourites

Family FunCultural Exploits for all the FamilyFrom muddy wellies in woodland puddles to discovering what it was like to live as Kentish Gentry! 1 day Save Cultural Exploits for all the Family to favourites

Culture & HeritageThe Darent Valley – through the eyes of Samuel PalmerSee the Darent Valley through the eyes of one of Britain’s most talented artists, on the Samuel Palmer Trail. 1 day Save The Darent Valley – through the eyes of Samuel Palmer to favourites

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Plan your visit

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

A Southeastern train travelling over Eynsford viaduct

How 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

Shepherds hut and two people outside, with surrounding fields and trees.

Settle 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

Group of people in woodland clearing, sitting on logs, on standing and talking. With text Respect, protect and enjoy Kent Downs overlayered on image.

Respect, Protect, EnjoyOur latest guidance on safely visiting green spaces while protecting yourself and others.Save Respect, Protect, Enjoy to favourites