Top ten Twixmas walks in the Kent Downs

Twixmas, that peaceful window between Christmas and New Year, is a perfect time to explore the crisp, beautiful landscapes of the Kent Downs – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Winter in the Kent Downs is a magical time, with the landscape transformed by frost and the atmospheric glow of low sunlight. Wildlife is often easier to spot in the winter months with less leaf cover for camouflage. Plus, the shorter days mean you don’t have to get up as early to watch the sunrise or stay out as late to see the sunset. The Kent Downs National Landscape is well connected by public transport including Southeastern trains, buses and the ferry.

So, whether you’re looking to escape with (or without!) the family, or want to explore with your four-legged friend, head out to enjoy one of these ten incredible walks.

Handpicked Twixmas walks in the Kent Downs National Landscape:

1. Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover

• Highlights: Stunning sea views, historic landmarks, and iconic chalk cliffs.
• Good for: Families, photographers, and moderately experienced walkers. Some paths are steep, so they may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Begin your winter adventure at the impressive Dover Castle, a fortress steeped in over a thousand years of history. Take the time to explore the castle grounds, where you can learn about its role in various historical events. Afterward, venture onto the surrounding paths that meander along the dramatic clifftops.

As you walk, enjoy sweeping views of the English Channel and, on particularly clear days, catch a glimpse of the French coastline. The iconic chalk cliffs, often glistening with frost, provide a stunning backdrop for your stroll, enhancing the winter scenery.

Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife; the cliffs are home to a variety of birds, including seabirds, kestrels, and the occasional peregrine falcon soaring overhead, making this walk a delightful mix of history and nature.

2. Wye Downs Nature Reserve

• Highlights: Sweeping views, chalk grassland, and dramatic escarpments.
• Good for: Families, photographers, and moderately experienced walkers. Some paths are steep, so they may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Kick off your Twixmas adventure with a climb up the iconic Devil’s Kneading Trough. This breathtaking ascent rewards you with panoramic views over the Stour Valley, where you might spot kestrels soaring gracefully above or red foxes moving quietly through the frost-kissed grassland below.

The scenery is particularly enchanting on winter mornings when a layer of mist blankets the valley. On clear days, your gaze can extend all the way to Rye, Romney Marsh, the coastline around Hastings, and Dungeness.

As you explore Wye National Nature Reserve, immerse yourself in the abundance of wildlife, including an array of moths, insects, and rare orchids vital for national and international conservation efforts. The diverse habitats here make this walk a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

3. The Pilgrims’ Way at Hollingbourne

• Highlights: Historic trail, charming villages, and ancient woodlands.
• Good for: Dog walkers, history enthusiasts, and groups of all ages. Some uneven ground makes it less accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

Embark on a captivating journey along the storied Pilgrims’ Way, tracing the path of historic pilgrims between Hollingbourne and Harrietsham. This picturesque route weaves through tranquil hedgerows and ancient woodlands, offering a peaceful escape during the winter months.

As you walk, keep an ear out for the sounds of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and buzzards, and take in the gentle countryside vistas that surround you. The cosy pubs in Hollingbourne invite you to warm up with a hot drink and local fare after your walk.

Along the way, you’ll encounter sites tied to intriguing folk tales of figures like Catherine Howard, Francis Drake, and John Cade, adding a rich layer of history to your adventure. This journey not only brings the past to life but also provides a scenic backdrop perfect for family outings and leisurely strolls.

4. White Horse Wood Country Park

• Highlights: Panoramic views, castle ruins, and rolling woodlands.
• Good for: Families with kids, dogs, and anyone looking for an easy-to-moderate walk. The main paths are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

This family-friendly country park near Maidstone is an excellent winter destination, offering both stunning panoramic views and remnants of Thurnham’s medieval castle.

As you explore the park, you’ll find traces of an Iron Age settlement, providing fascinating historical context to your surroundings. The park is also a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, where you may catch glimpses of roe deer gracefully navigating the woodlands or watch sparrowhawks hunting in the skies above.

The trails are well-marked, making it easy to navigate through the diverse landscapes, and the park’s facilities, including picnic areas, cater to families looking for a fun day out in nature. The combination of history, wildlife, and accessible paths makes this an ideal spot for a winter outing with loved ones.

5. Trosley Country Park

• Highlights: Ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, and winter wildlife.
• Good for: Families, dog walkers, and bird watchers. Trails include accessible options for wheelchairs and strollers.

Wander along the tranquil trails of Trosley Country Park, where ancient woodlands beckon with their serene beauty. Here, you may catch glimpses of robins, wrens, and even fallow deer quietly foraging among the underbrush.

The crisp winter air and frost-kissed leaves add a magical sparkle to your stroll, creating a perfect atmosphere for reflection and relaxation. Be sure to stop by the accessible café at the visitor centre for a warm winter treat after your walk!

The park’s rich history includes its original farming by Neolithic peoples over 5,000 years ago, alongside the impressive megalithic sites of Kit’s Coty and Coldrum Long Barrow, which are just a short walk away. These historical features enhance the experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s deep past while they enjoy its natural beauty.

6. Lullingstone Country Park

• Highlights: Riverside walks, historic trees, and serene parkland.
• Good for: Families, those with limited mobility, and anyone seeking a gentle riverside walk. Most paths are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

With the River Darent winding gracefully through, Lullingstone Country Park is perfect for a leisurely winter stroll. The park’s ancient trees host a lively community of birds, including mistle thrushes, fieldfares, and redwings, all attracted to the winter berries adorning the branches.

The visitor centre provides amenities and warm refreshments, making it a comfortable starting point for your adventure. Lullingstone is internationally important for its collection of veteran trees, featuring over 300 ancient oaks, beeches, ashes, hornbeams, and sweet chestnuts, some thought to be around 800 years old.

For those wishing to explore further, an excellent guide is available for a 6.5 mile circular walk that takes you through the nearby village of Shoreham, allowing you to immerse yourself in both nature and local history.

7. Knole Park

• • Highlights: Deer herds, ancient trees, and the stately Knole House.
  • Good for: Families, photographers, dog walkers, and history lovers. There are accessible paths, though some areas may be rough for wheelchairs.

Set in a magnificent 1,000-acre deer park, Knole is one of Kent’s hidden gems managed by the National Trust. As the only remaining medieval deer park in Kent, it feels like a scene from a winter storybook, with fallow and sika deer grazing among frosty bracken and majestic ancient trees.

The 15th-century Knole House adds a touch of historic grandeur to your winter stroll. This 4-mile trek through the park offers spectacular views across the expansive deer park and leads you through the gates into 24 acres of beautifully manicured gardens. With various trails to choose from, this location is ideal for families and those looking to combine the enjoyment of nature with a bit of history.

8. The North Downs Way (Detling to Boxley)

• • Highlights: Sweeping countryside views, peaceful farmland, and diverse wildlife.
  • Good for: Experienced walkers, dog walkers, and those up for a longer route. Some uneven sections make it less suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Boxley tells a tale of hope and regeneration, transforming slopes once scarred by off-road bikes into flourishing chalk grassland. Stroll through the area, taking a moment to appreciate the historic Boxley Abbey before embarking on a climb to the summit of the North Downs, where scenic trails stretch before you.

The journey back to the village is equally rewarding, offering an abundance of wildlife to observe, including an enchanting woodland of ancient yews. This section of the North Downs Way National Trail weaves through expansive fields and woodlands, perfect for spotting woodpeckers, kestrels, and buzzards soaring overhead.

Don’t forget your camera, as the stunning vistas provide countless opportunities for beautiful photographs to capture your winter adventure.

9. Folkestone Downs and the Channel Tunnel Memorial

• Highlights: Coastal views, historic landmarks, and chalk downland.
• Good for: Families, history buffs, and moderately experienced walkers. Paths are not easily accessible for those with limited mobility.

Discover the breathtaking coastal views and dramatic chalk cliffs of Folkestone Downs, an ideal destination for a winter walk that beautifully blends natural beauty with a touch of history.

Starting your journey at the Channel Tunnel Memorial, you may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the French coast on a clear day, creating a stunning visual connection across the Channel.

As you explore the Folkestone Downs, the landscape unfolds where land meets sea, inviting you to breathe in the fresh coastal air. The nearby Samphire Hoe, a unique nature reserve created from chalk excavated for the Channel Tunnel, provides an ideal setting for reflection, allowing visitors to appreciate the significance of this location in both history and nature.

Expect to see an array of wildlife along the cliffs, including peregrine falcons gracefully soaring overhead, as well as stonechats and meadow pipits perched along the rocky outcrops. This winter walk offers a delightful opportunity for birdwatching while you immerse yourself in the vibrant coastal ecosystem.

10. Lenham Chalk Cliffs

• Highlights: Distinctive chalk cliffs, rolling farmland, and historic Kentish scenery.
• Good for: Families, dog walkers, and those interested in scenic, short walks. Paths may be rough for wheelchair users or strollers.

In winter, the gentle slopes of Lenham Chalk Cliffs are often dusted with frost, creating a magical ambiance that enchants every visitor. This area is rich in history, featuring the Sculptural Bench that tells the story of the Lenham Sands, which were laid down under a warm sea long before the Kent Downs were formed.

The bench’s unique holes reference geological layers found in the quarry behind, prompting reflection on the region’s geological history while inviting you to consider the beauty of nature around you.

As you traverse the cliffs, look out for rabbits and a variety of wildlife, including fieldfares, lapwings, and red-legged partridges. The charming scenery and serene environment make this an ideal spot for a winter escape, perfect for families and nature lovers seeking to connect with the Kent Downs.

Image credits: ©Explore Kent and Brian Townend