FREE HIKE 19 km | Knole Park and Ightham Mote Historic Circular Walk

This scenic circular walk begins in the vast grounds of Knole Park, just a short distance from Sevenoaks town centre in Kent. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this medieval deer park dates back to the 15th century and has remained largely unchanged. It’s still home to a freely roaming herd of fallow and sika deer, offering a timeless and tranquil escape into nature.

The route leads through a rich variety of landscapes, including rolling parkland, ancient woodland, and open meadows. In summer, you may catch the vibrant colours and fragrant scent of nearby lavender fields, which add a beautiful seasonal flourish to the walk and provide a quintessentially Kentish backdrop.

Enjoy sweeping views of the North Downs along the way, and soak up the atmosphere of the Kent countryside at its best.

A highlight of the walk is a visit to Ightham Mote, a beautifully preserved 14th-century moated manor house managed by the National Trust.

You’ll follow woodland and field paths, with some stony and uneven sections, and occasional stretches along quiet country roads without pavements. After rain, expect muddy patches. The route also includes gentle inclines, stiles, and gates.

At the heart of Knole Park lies Knole House, a grand stately home with publicly accessible grounds that are free to explore.

This walk is ideal for those seeking a peaceful countryside escape that blends natural beauty, historical charm, and classic Kentish scenery.

📝 NOTES:

• Bring your National Trust membership card if you'd like to enjoy free entry to Ightham Mote and explore the grounds during the lunch break.

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Explore Knole House’s parkland and its roaming deer
• Scenic views of the North Downs and Kent countryside
• Walk through ancient woodland, open fields, and quiet lanes
• Visit Ightham Mote, a stunning 14th-century moated manor

📍 MEETING POINT AND OUTBOUND TRAINS:

• 09:00 — Downstairs ticket office, London Bridge Railway Station
• 09:15 — Head to platform and board train
• 09:24 — Train departs London Bridge
• 09:49 — Arrives at Sevenoaks
• Buy a return ticket to Sevenoaks — £11.10 (with Network Railcard)
• Please check National Rail for up-to-date times and ticket prices.

🚶WALK STARTS:

• 10:00 – From the entrance of Sevenoaks railway station

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• Approx. 16:00 at Sevenoaks railway station

🔁 RETURN TRAINS towards London Bridge:

• XX:20 — direct, arrives London Bridge XX:09 (49 mins)
• XX:29 — direct, arrives London Bridge XX:53 (24 mins – fastest)
• XX:50 — direct, arrives London Bridge XX:39 (49 mins)

🚻 TOILETS:

• Optional pub stop (about 1 hour into the hike)
• Ightham Mote Visitor Centre (about 2 to 2.5 hours into the hike)
• Knole House Visitor Centre (about 4 hours into the hike)
• Behind a tree or in a bush – anytime nature calls! 🌿😉

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: 19 km (12 miles)
• Walking Time: ~5 hours
• Total Duration: ~6 hours (including breaks)
• Ascent: 365 m | Descent: 347 m
• Grade: Moderate, woodland and field paths, uneven cobblestones, stony gravel tracks, occasional road walking, can be muddy after rain; moderate inclines throughout.
• Pace: Steady and moderate (4.5–5 km/h) – faster than a stroll, but relaxed enough for conversation and enjoyment of the surroundings.

🥪 LUNCH:

• We will stop at Ightham Mote Restaurant, where you can buy food, coffee, cake, and ice cream.
• Please bring a packed lunch and snacks, as it may be very busy and may not be enough time for eveyone to queue, order, wait then eat.

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water (at least 2L)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproof clothing
• Sun protection
• Medication and basic first aid (Compeed for blisters)
• Optional walking poles
• Fully charged phone
• Camera for some pictures
• This hike is for happy people, bring your happy face! 😊

📞CONTACT:

• If you have any questions, please private message the event host directly via Meetup.
• A contact phone number will be provided on the day.

❗DISCLAIMER:

• By joining this event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted the Disclaimer and General Group Policy listed on our Meetup home page. You attend this walk at your own risk.