Autumn Walks in the Kent Downs

As the days get shorter and the leaves begin to turn, autumn is a beautiful time to explore the Kent Downs.

The woodland paths take on shades of gold, copper and russet, while the fields, valleys and chalk hills have a different character in the cooler months. It’s also a good time of year to look for fungi, migrating birds and autumn wildlife, or simply enjoy a walk through some of Kent’s most distinctive countryside.

If you’re looking for autumn walks in Kent, here are five places to explore in the Kent Downs National Landscape.

When can you see autumn colours in Kent?

The first autumn colours can appear from late September, with October often bringing some of the most striking displays. The exact timing changes each year depending on weather, temperature and the different tree species.

The Kent Downs is one of Britain’s most wooded landscapes, with around 23% woodland, almost 70% of which is ancient. These woodlands provide important habitats for wildlife, plants and fungi.

Leafpeeping in the Kent Downs

Leaf peeping is the informal term for travelling to see and photograph autumn foliage. The phrase originated in the USA, where people travel to see the spectacular autumn colours of New England.

You don’t need to cross the Atlantic to enjoy a good display. The Kent Downs has plenty of woodland, parkland and gardens where you can see the landscape changing through the season.

We’ve handpicked a selection of destinations in the Kent Downs National Landscape that showcase some of autumn’s highlights. Why not stick on your wellies and head into the woods?

Our top 5 autumn walks in the Kent Downs

1). Samuel Palmer Trail, Darent Valley

One of Britain’s most talented artists, Samuel Palmer immortalised the beautiful landscape of the Darent Valley nearly 200 years ago. Walk in his footsteps this autumn, experiencing the changing landscape through the eyes and ears of one of our best painters on this self-guided audio-visual trail.

Enjoy chalk slopes with woodland tops, the tranquil meandering River Darent, colourful ancient trees in Lullingstone Park and breathtaking autumnal views across Shoreham village and its surrounding countryside. The circular trail is 5.3 miles (8.5km) and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

2). Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks

An Edwardian garden managed by the National Trust, Emmetts Garden stands on one of the highest spots in Kent. Along with incredible views and rare and exotic plants from across the world, the garden boasts vibrant autumn colours.

Look out for fiery red winged spindle, orange-hued Japanese maples and the katsura tree, sometimes known as the burnt toffee tree.

Then explore the neighbouring woodland around Toys Hill, where autumn provides ideal conditions for fungi to flourish. You might spot earthfan, stinkhorn or the distinctive red-and-white spotted fly agaric. Remember not to touch or pick fungi, as some species are poisonous and picking is not permitted at Emmetts Garden.

3). Hucking Estate, Hollingbourne

Hucking Estate is a beautiful mix of chalk grassland, hedgerows and ancient woodland, creating a wide variety of habitats for wildlife. This 282-hectare site is owned and managed by The Woodland Trust. This 282-hectare site is owned and managed by The Woodland Trust, which has been restoring and managing the estate for wildlife and people for decades.

Stubs Wood is a pocket of ancient woodland in the estate that is perfect for leaf peeping, with plenty of oak, hornbeam and sweet chestnut trees adding colour to the woodland. Plus, during October, the hedgerows are full of ripe berries and fruit, providing an important food source for wildlife.

4). King’s Wood, Challock

King’s Wood is one of Kent’s largest woodlands. Once a historic royal hunting forest, this ancient woodland is now a great place to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Tree species include sweet chestnut, beech, Corsican pine and Douglas fir, creating a changing mix of colours through the autumn. The woodland is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including fallow deer, adders, nightjars and both lesser and greater spotted woodpeckers.

5). Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Set at the heart of a magnificent 1,000-acre deer park, Knole is one of Kent’s hidden gems and is managed by the National Trust. The park has several walking routes to explore, with ancient and veteran trees, open valleys and woodland providing plenty of autumn colour. It is also home to herds of fallow and sika deer.

Explore the park as the season changes and look out for the wild deer during the autumn rut, when the bucks emit loud calls and compete for females. The deer are wild animals, so remember to keep a safe distance and never approach or feed them. Keep dogs on leads too.

Tips for an autumn walk in the Kent Downs

Autumn weather can change quickly, and woodland paths can become muddy and slippery after rain. Wear suitable footwear and take a waterproof layer, particularly if you’re heading out for a longer walk.

Please follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs under control around livestock and wildlife, and leave plants, fungi and other wildlife where you find them.

If you’re visiting woodland, remember that autumn is also an important season for fungi. Enjoy looking for different species, but don’t pick or eat wild fungi unless you are an expert and have permission to forage.

And don’t forget your camera. You might find your favourite autumn view is much closer to home than you expected.