We have teamed up with the Royal Geographical Society’s Discovering Britain project to bring you the best views the Kent Downs has to offer.
Devil’s Kneading Trough
Known as the Devil’s Kneading Trough after its bowl-shaped appearance, this dramatic viewpoint sits at the heart of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is often described as Kent’s top beauty spot.
Location: Wye, near Ashford, Kent, TN25 5HX
Chevening
A small village with a church, a handful of cottages and a scattering of farms are all that make up the quiet village of Chevening in Kent. Within earshot of the M25 but tucked away down a country lane, thousands of cars and lorries rush past it every day.
Location: Chevening, near Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6HG
Lympne
One of the most iconic and famous view points on the Downs, this dramatic viewpoint sits at the edge of the Kent Downs and offers stunning views across the Romney Marsh and beyond to France on a clear day.
Location: Lympne, near Hythe, Kent CT21 4LJ
Hucking Estate
The Hucking Estate is managed by the The Woodland Trust and is one of their top ten bluebell woods
Location: Hucking Estate, near Maidstone, Kent ME17 1QT
Ide Hill
Ide Hill is one of the most iconic and famous view points on the Downs. The area boast wonderful views from the south and North and has connections with the artist Samuel Palmer.
Location: Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6JN
Farthing Common
Farthing Common is one of the highest points in the North Downs offering famous views across the area. It’s situated at an interesting junction, where several paths and roadways meet.
Location: Farthing Common, near Folkestone, Kent CT18 8DH
Queendown Warren
This is small nature reserve known as Queendown Warren. It’s an orchid lovers’ dream and at least ten native species are regularly spotted here, including the incredibly rare spider orchid. Queendown Warren is managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust.
Location: Queendown Warren, near Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7XD
Folkestone Abbots Cliff
From this sound mirror at Abbots Cliff you can enjoy views across the Kent’s heritage coast. The shores of Folkestone and Dover to the East, and Dungeness power station and wind turbines to the West.
Location: North Downs Way coastal path between Folkestone and Dover, CT18 7HZ
Kings Wood, near Challock
Kings Wood is one of Kent’s largest woodlands and is managed by the Forestry Commission for conservation, recreation and timber production. At least 10 different on-site artworks are spread through the forest, which encourages visitors to explore and discover the woods, experiencing the wildlife and contemporary art at the same time.
Location: Kings Wood near Challock, Kent. OS Grid ref: TR 027 499
Cherry Downs, near Lenham
In October we introduce Cherry Downs Orchard near Lenham. Cherry Downs is a small Morello cherry orchard which celebrates the heritage of Lenham and the surrounding area. Enjoy wide spreading views across the greensand ridge and onto to Romney Marsh and the sea.
Location: Cherry Downs, Rayners Hill, Lenham, Kent, ME17 2PE TQ 92231 52323
Coldrum Stones, near Trottiscliffe
In November we introduce the Coldrum Stones, situated on the foot slopes of the North Downs, near the small village of Trottiscliffe. Coldrum long barrow is one of the best surviving examples of the “Medway megaliths” a series of ancient monuments and is a designated scheduled ancient monument.
Location: Coldrum Stones, Trottiscliffe, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5EG OS Grid Ref: TQ 65430 60724
Medway Gap – Ranscombe Farm Reserve
Ranscombe Farm Reserve is a working farm, growing wheat, barley and oilseed rape and grazing sheep and cows. It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); a wildlife oasis, famed for its orchids, wild poppies, bluebells and populations of dormice, birds, mammals, butterflies and insects.
Location: Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Cuxton, Kent, ME2 1LA. OS Grid Ref: TQ 71727 67387