Heritage walks

Knole Park

Hop on the train to Sevenoaks and explore the beautiful woodland surrounding Knole medieval country house, a former Archbishop’s Palace, and home to the Sackville family since the early 17th century. In just a 30-minute walk through the town, you’ll reach Knole which is Kent’s only remaining deer park so you can spot over 350 wild sika and fallow deer roaming the grounds. Tuck into a picnic in the designated outdoor area right by Knole House or pick up a freshly-baked scone from The Brewhouse Café or enjoy a meal at one of the many independent restaurants in Sevenoaks town.

Hall Place

Explore the beautiful gardens in the grounds of Hall Place, a Grade 1 listed country house. A short 15-minute walk from Bexley station, the award-winning gardens are free of charge year-round and provide tranquil green space to spot plenty of wildlife and even animal topiary! Enjoy a refreshing drink or snack from the Riverside Café nestled next to the River Cray, or try one of the restaurants in Bexley Village before jumping on the train home. (Image credit: Londonist)

Visit Hall Place

Eltham Palace

Mottingham station is a short 10-minute walk from Eltham Palace, a stunning Art Deco mansion surrounded by 19 acres of award-winning gardens. Herbaceous borders, a Rock Garden with a series of pools and cascades running down to the moat and lots of wide-open spaces to stroll around. You can explore the medieval Great Hall and most parts of the mansion. Grab a takeaway light refreshment from the café and soak up your surroundings. Follow the link below to find out opening times and entry prices.

Explore Eltham Palace

Greenwich

Arrive into Greenwich station and you’ll be a stone’s throw from the many sights. Explore the historic town, taking in the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving extreme clipper, and beautiful Greenwich Park - make sure you climb the hill to the Royal Observatory for an incredible view of the city of London. You can also visit the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House. It’s the perfect picnic spot or grab a bite to eat at Greenwich Park Pavilion Cafe! Greenwich is the centre of world time and was named the Prime Meridian in the 1850-60s when the railway and communications networks required an international time standard. Greenwich also offers plenty of riverside views along the Thames Path.

Discover Greenwich

Battle

Meander through the historic market town and beautiful woodland on this circular walk that starts and ends at Battle railway station. There are a few hills along the way, and it can be very muddy! Explore Battle Great Wood, admire the ruins of Battle Abbey and the famous Battlefield. Afterwards, treat yourself to a coffee and cake from Bluebells Café Tearoom before having a well earned rest on your train journey home.

Stroll into Battle

Rochester

Hop on the highspeed line to Rochester and you’ll arrive into the centre of a town packed with history. Take a stroll around and you’ll see the Castle and the second oldest cathedral in England. There’s plenty to look out for on your walk around the town that captured the imagination of Charles Dickens including Eastgate house. See Restoration House where Charles II stayed and check out the roman and medieval remains of the city wall at Blue Boar Lane. Remember to visit Rochester Bridge for sensational views over the River Medway and round off your trip with a delicious treat or two from the Rochester Coffee Co. next to Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle.

Enjoy walks in Rochester