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Kent Downs

Discover the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by train

Explore the stunning and protected landscapes that run through the heart of Kent

It couldn’t be easier to explore the Kent Downs by train with Southeastern. Plus, rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and helps conserve the landscape too.

The Kent Downs is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in recognition of and to protect its exceptional landscape, distinctive character and natural beauty. It is the eighth largest AONB and, along with the High Weald AONB, covers 33% of Kent’s land area.

Over 30 Southeastern stations are located on or near the North Downs Way in the Kent Downs AONB, making it one of the most accessible landscapes. Stretching from the white cliffs of Dover to the picturesque Kentish town of Otford, there’s so much to discover. With high speed services out of London, the Downs is easily accessed from the capital too.

map of Kent Downs with a key of Southeastern stations and popular tourist spots

#UpTheKentDowns

Visit the Kent Downs AONB and discover natural attractions like the White Cliffs of Dover, tread in the footsteps of pilgrims, and ‘live like a local’ on accessible and immersive experiences.

Head #UpTheKentDowns

Lonely Planet Best in Travel

Kent's Heritage Coast was fourth in Lonely Planet's list of the World's Best Regions to Visit in 2022, it's the only UK destination to feature, and is in the Kent Downs AONB.

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Kent Rider's Route

The North Downs Way National Trail has undergone works to make it more accessible for both keen and amateur cyclists, so there’s never been a better time to hop on an off-peak train with your bike and go for a ride. (image credit: Max Darkins)

Discover the itinerary

Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark

Kent Downs are working to secure Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark status for the Kent Downs AONB and its neighbouring protected landscape in France; the Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale.

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Find your perfect itinerary

Discover this range of itineraries to best explore the Kent Downs AONB. From short walks to day trips, these handy guides will help you plan your day and travel by train.

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Southeastern train going over viaduct bridge in Kent Downs

Darent Valley Trails app

Explore the landscapes and heritage of the Darent Valley with the Darent Valley Trails app, free to download from the App Store and Google Play. A total of 17 new Rail Trails, with self-guided walks ranging from 2.5 to 9 miles / 4 to 14.4km have been added to the app. The routes all start and end at mainline train stations in North Kent, helping you travel sustainably by leaving the car at home! Use the app to follow your live position on the map, get insights into local history and wildlife to look out for, and read route directions.

Download the app

the rolling hills of the North Downs National Trail

North Downs Way National Trail

The North Downs Way National Trail is one of 16 National Trails across England and Wales and is the primary route passing through the Kent Downs AONB. It weaves across the southeast of England offering 153 miles (246km) of stunning scenery and is clearly marked by ‘acorn’ waymarkers – the symbol for all National Trails. From Ashford, the trail divides into two different landscapes. The northern route takes in historic Canterbury then on to Dover passing through orchards and farmland, while the southern route continues along the Downs and ends with a breath-taking coastal walk above the White Cliffs of Dover.

Find out more about this National Trail

a group of people including one person in a wheelchair walking through the countryside

Easy Access Trails

There are many flat surfaced trails across the Kent Downs AONB without gates or stiles, ideal for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

Discover Easy Access Trails

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