If you’re looking to start 2025 off on the right track, a winter walk in the countryside could be just the thing to start off the new year.
But if you’re bored of walking around your local parks and greenspaces and are looking to get out to the countryside, the National Trust has revealed some of its best walks to do at some of their Kent estates this winter.
The National Trust has revealed some of its best walks to do at some of their Kent estates this winter. (Image: National Trust Images / Jo Hatcher)
From walks around the former home of Winston Churchill to woodland trails at a historic deer park, these are some of the best to do this winter:
Chartwell
Where? Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
How much? £8.50 for an adult, children enter for free with a ticket
Known as the countryside home of Winston Churchill, Chartwell is a large estate with 800 acres of land to explore, ranging from formal gardens to woodland trails where you’ll find pheasants roaming freely.
Chartwell is a large estate with 800 acres of land to explore. (Image: National Trust Images / John Miller)
Currently Chartwell is hosting an outdoor photography exhibition curated by Katherine Carter, which showcases how Chartwell looked during the Christmas Blizzard of 1927, which was one of the heaviest snowfalls recorded in Britain in the 20th century.
The display presents a collection of photos showing how this heavy snowfall transformed the grounds and house of Chartwell, in never before seen images.
Emmetts Garden
Where? Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA
How much? £2 per trail which includes a prize
Located in Sevenoaks, Emmetts Garden is a small six-acre estate created by Frederic Lubbock, who purchased the property in 1893.
Up until February 9 the garden is playing host to a family garden trail, where visitors can collect a trail sheet on arrival to find everything for a chance to win a prize.
Up until February 9 the garden is playing host to a family garden trail. (Image: National Trust Images / Natalie Overthrow)
But if you fancy a longer walk you can take the mile walk around Emmets Garden estate, which offers beautiful views of from one of the highest points in Kent.
Ightham Mote circular walk to Wilmot Hill
Where? Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT
If you fancy a slightly longer walk, visit Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks where you can do a four-mile circular walk to Wilmot Hill.
Dating back almost 700 years, Ightham Mote is one of England’s oldest surviving medieval manors and has had several owners over the many years since the 1340s.
Ightham Mote is one of England’s oldest surviving medieval manors. (Image: National Trust Images / Rob Stothard)
The manor house was built from Kentish ragstone and Wealden oaks, and on entering it feels like stepping back in time with its knights armour and wood-panelled walls.
The walk takes you around the perimeter, where you’ll pass Scathes Wood, the Greensand Way, Wilmot Hill and Broadhoath Wood, making it a great long walk if you fancy seeing more of the Kent countryside.
Scotney Parkland Trail
Where? Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN
With woodland trails, the remains of a medieval castle and a Victorian mansion, Scotney Castle is a scenic place to take a walk in the winter months.
You can take a walk in the estate’s parkland spanning two miles, where you’ll see views of the famous Scotney Castle and the surrounding countryside.
With woodland trails, the remains of a medieval castle and a Victorian mansion, Scotney Castle is a scenic place to take a walk. (Image: National Trust Images / Sam Milling)
During the walk you’ll also be able to spot bomb craters and an Edwardian bridge, then afterwards you can head to the estate’s tea room for a hot drink and browse the on-site second-hand book shop for a new book to cosy up with.