The best picnic spots in the Kent Downs

When the sun comes out and the days start getting longer, there’s nothing better than heading outside with some good food and finding a quiet place to enjoy it. The Kent Downs, with its rolling hills, peaceful woodlands and wide-open views, is full of beautiful spots perfect for a quiet picnic or a relaxed afternoon with family and friends. 

This part of the country is known for its stunning coast and countryside — from the White Cliffs of Dover to the calm woodlands of Kings Wood and the rolling hills around Shoreham. And the best part? You don’t need to hike for hours to find a great spot. Whether you’re out for a short walk, a family trip, or just looking for somewhere peaceful to sit and take it all in, the Kent Downs has it covered. Some are tucked away and quiet, others have benches or views that look out for miles, but every one of them has its own special feel.  

So, if you’re thinking about making the most of the sunshine, here are some of the best picnic spots across the Kent Downs – ideal for spring, summer, or whenever the weather gives you a reason to be outside. 

Fackenden Down 

Tucked away in the Darent Valley and just a short walk from Shoreham station, Fackenden Down feels like a proper hidden gem. It’s quiet, full of character, and a lovely spot if you’re after something a bit more off the beaten path. 

The reserve is known for its wild orchids, fluttering butterflies, and serene ancient woodland. There are benches scattered across the site, and if you’re stopping for a bite to eat, it’s best to perch there rather than putting down a blanket – some of the most scenic spots are also where the rarest wildflowers grow.  

It’s often quiet here – you might even have the place to yourself – which makes it perfect for a picnic in peace. The beauty of Fackenden Down has inspired artists, including Samuel Palmer, whose paintings of the area capture its peaceful atmosphere. 

Blue Bell Hill Picnic Site 

Blue Bell Hill is a local favourite, and for good reason. With panoramic views over the Medway Valley, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a picnic. There are picnic benches available, but if you want something a bit quieter, take a stroll along the trail and find a peaceful spot among the trees. 

The site is also a wonderful place for nature lovers. In summer, the meadows are rich with rare plant species such as bulbous buttercup, salad burnet, hairy violet, and wild strawberry. These plants attract a variety of butterflies, including the dingy skipper and chalk hill blue, adding a vibrant splash of colour to the meadows. 

After your picnic, stretch your legs along the North Downs Way National Trail, which passes just to the north of the site, offering even more stunning views and quiet spots to explore. And if you’re there in the evening, be sure to catch the sunset over the valley — it’s the perfect way to end your relaxing day in nature. 

Blue Bell Hill offers easy access for families with small children and is wheelchair friendly, making it a great spot for everyone to enjoy. 

Kemsing Downs 

Rising above the village of Kemsing, Kemsing Down offers two distinct areas that make it a special picnic spot. On one side, you’ll find secondary woodland and scrub, providing a shaded and quiet retreat. On the other, the chalk grassland opens to beautiful views south towards Sevenoaks, making it a great place to pause and take it all in. 

The paths here can be steep and uneven in places, but the panoramic views from the higher points are well worth the climb. On a clear day, you can see all the way from Detling in the east to Leith Hill in Surrey to the west. 

In early summer, the slopes burst into colour with wildflowers like common rockrose, fairy flax, cowslip, and several species of orchids. These, combined with the peaceful atmosphere, make for a truly picturesque setting. Keep an eye out for kestrels and green woodpeckers too – they’re often spotted here and add to the charm. 

There are benches tucked into some lovely spots around the site. If you’re planning a picnic, we’d really recommend using those rather than laying out a blanket, as some of the most tempting clearings are home to rare and delicate plants. 

King’s Wood 

If you’re looking for somewhere to completely disconnect, Kings Wood is the place to be. This ancient woodland, one of the largest in the Kent Downs, has stood for centuries and is home to trees more than 400 years old. 

In spring, the forest floor is covered in bluebells, turning it into a magical sea of blue, and in summer, the light filters through the trees, creating a lovely spot for your picnic. You’ll find plenty of quiet spots beneath the canopy where you can spread out a blanket and truly unwind. 

Kings Wood isn’t just beautiful — it’s full of life. You might even spot a roe deer grazing nearby or glimpse butterflies like the holly blue butterfly. It’s a peaceful retreat, where nature truly takes centre stage. Plus, dogs are welcome, so your four-legged friend can join you for some fresh air too! 

Feel Our Voice Bench, Old Wives Lees 

Looking for a picnic spot with a twist? The Feel Our Voice Bench at Old Wives Lees offers more than just stunning views—it’s a sensory experience. Crafted from recycled apple crates, this unique sculpture is part of the North Downs Way Art Trail and invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the landscape. 

From the bench, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of rolling farmland, orchards, and hop gardens, with the iconic oast houses dotting the horizon. These traditional structures, once used for drying hops, are now a classic part of Kent’s countryside charm. 

It’s not the easiest place to stumble upon by chance, but if you make the effort to find it, you’re rewarded with a quiet, reflective spot to sit and take in the surroundings. Bring something warm to drink, sit back and enjoy the stillness – it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer. 

No Man’s Orchard, Chartham Hatch 

No Man’s Orchard isn’t just a pretty spot with a curious name — it’s a community-run sanctuary, where everyone can enjoy the quiet charm of nature. Tucked behind the recreation ground in Chartham Hatch, this ten-acre orchard has been part of the local landscape since 1947, and it still feels properly cared for by volunteers. 

In spring, the blossoms are beautiful, and by late summer, the fruit is heavy on the boughs. Some of the trees have been replaced with traditional Kentish varieties like Flower of Kent and Kentish Fillbasket — all carefully looked after by local volunteers. 

It’s a great spot for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. With plenty of open space, you can easily settle in with your picnic, find a shady spot beneath an old tree, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Listen to the birds, watch bees buzzing through the wildflowers, and just unwind in the natural beauty. 

Bigbury Camp 

Bigbury Camp is a spot that’s as full of history as it is natural beauty. This ancient Iron Age hillfort, tucked away in Howfield Wood just outside Canterbury, offers stunning views across the Kent Downs and towards the coast. The earthworks here have stood for more than 2,000 years, making it a perfect place to relax while soaking in some history. 

It’s a peaceful place to spread out a blanket and enjoy your lunch, with the sounds of nature all around. As you sit there, you can imagine what it must have been like all those years ago when people defended this hillfort.  

While you enjoy your picnic, keep an eye out for birds of prey like kestrels, sparrowhawks, and buzzards soaring above. The meadows around the hillfort are also home to butterflies such as meadow browns and speckled woods—it’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. 

The site is managed year-round by a small herd of goats, which help to keep the grassland in good condition. Because of this, dogs must be strictly kept on leads at all times while on site. 

Farthing Common 

Farthing Common is one of those spots that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. At 185 metres above sea level, it’s one of the highest points in the Kent Downs, just north of Folkestone. On a clear day, you can see right across Kent to the cliffs at Fairlight in Sussex, and even the South Downs beyond.

There’s a small car park just off Stone Street (B2068), so it’s easy to reach. Once you’re there, it’s all open space and big skies—ideal for a picnic or a quiet wander. You might see a few walkers or cyclists pass by, but it’s mostly peaceful and uncrowded. This spot sits at the meeting point of two historic routes: the Roman road to Canterbury and an ancient trackway into the Elham Valley. These paths were once used by early travellers and herders, and you can still follow parts of them today.

Farthing Common is perfect if you’re after fresh air, big views, and a slice of Kentish history with your sandwich.

Tolsford Hill Bench 

This is one of those places where you sit down for a quick rest and end up staying for ages. The bench sits high above Etchinghill, and from it, you can see right across the rolling hills, through the dips and folds of the chalk grassland, and out to the English Channel on a clear day. 

The bench itself is a beauty — solid oak, carved with a line from Shakespeare: “This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.” It’s simple, thoughtful, and fits right in with the view. 

Bring something easy to eat, sit back, and let your mind wander with the view. You’ll likely have the place to yourself, apart from the odd bird overhead or the hum of the wind through the grass. 

Monumenta Romana 

This is one of those picnic spots that feels like you’ve stumbled across something secret. Set in the peaceful grounds of Waldershare Park, Monumenta Romana is a sculptural piece inspired by Roman architecture and the landscape around it. It’s part of the North Downs Way Art Trail — a gentle reminder that you’re walking through a place shaped by history and imagination. 

The park itself is full of quiet charm. You’ll find open grassy areas, old beech and chestnut trees, and long views across the Downs. The sculpture sits quietly among it all, made from salvaged timber and shaped like a roof that was once planned for a nearby 17th-century Belvedere. 

It’s a wonderful spot to simply relax. Unroll your blanket, enjoy a simple meal, and let the peaceful atmosphere of the park wash over you. The stillness here invites you to pause and take a moment for yourself, surrounded by the history and beauty of the landscape. 

Capel-le-Ferne Sound Mirror 

Capel-le-Ferne offers one of the best sea-view picnic spots in Kent Downs. Nestled above the cliffs, this site is home to one of the UK’s last remaining sound mirrors, built before radar to detect incoming aircraft. These fascinating structures were once an early warning system, but today, they’re a fascinating glimpse into the past. 

With stunning views of the English Channel and, on clear days, the French coast in the distance, it’s the perfect place to relax. The sea breeze adds to the experience, making it a memorable spot to sit back, unwind, and take in the surrounding beauty. 

Dover beach 

If you’re after a classic seaside picnic, Dover Beach has all the ingredients for a perfect day. With the towering White Cliffs behind you and the sound of waves gently rolling in, it’s a stunning spot to settle down for lunch. The beach has a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, with plenty of people enjoying the sand, water, and stunning surroundings.  

Spread out your blanket on the long shingle beach and watch the boats drift by or take in the bustling activity of the harbour in the distance. The promenade nearby offers plenty of options for a post-picnic stroll, where you can grab a traditional seaside snack or even hire a deckchair to relax in.

Dover Beach is accessible for families with small children and offers wheelchair-friendly paths, making it a convenient and inclusive spot for all. 

Tips for a great picnic in the Kent Downs 

To make your picnic in the Kent Downs as enjoyable and environmentally conscious as possible, keep these tips in mind: 

• Check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress in layers so you’re prepared for any changes in temperature or conditions. 

• Stop by a local farm shop or market to pick up fresh, seasonal produce — it’s a great way to support the community and get the best of what Kent Downs has to offer. 

• Pack your picnic in reusable containers and bring your own utensils, cups, and napkins to reduce waste. 

• Always take your litter home with you, and if you spot any, take a moment to pick it up as leaving the area cleaner than you found it makes a big difference. 

Respect, Protect, Enjoy  

The Kent Downs is a living landscape. It’s home to rare wildlife, ancient woodlands, working farms and peaceful communities. When visiting these places, it’s important to treat them with care to ensure they remain beautiful and accessible for everyone. 

 Here’s how to do your bit: 

• Keep your distance from wildlife. Avoid disturbing animals, especially during breeding seasons, as young wildlife is particularly vulnerable. 
• Keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock. This helps protect both the animals and your dog while maintaining a safe and peaceful environment.
• Stick to picnic areas and paths. This helps protect delicate wildflowers and plants from being trampled. 

• Keep noise to a minimum. Respect the peaceful atmosphere of the Downs, allowing everyone to enjoy the quiet beauty of the landscape. 
• No fires or barbecues. Help keep the landscape safe and undisturbed by leaving fire hazards behind.