HIKE 18km The Medieval Country Houses, Deer Parks and Ancient Trails of Kent

Join us to explore the ancient woodlands, medieval deer park and picturesque fields of Kent. This diverse and stunning hike takes us on a journey via Knole House, Knole Deer Park and Ightham Mote. We usually see deer too in one of the last Tudor Deer Parks in the UK dating from the time of King Henry VIII.

Come and see for yourself why the beauty of this area attracted the Beatles to film promotional videos for "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" here.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike along a stunning stretch of the Greensands Way - much of which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Explore the ancient 1000 acre Knole Deer Park
• See the stunning Knole House - one of England's largest houses boasting 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and 7 courtyards
• Pass through Ightham Mote - Grade I listed medieval moated manor house dating from circa 1340AD

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our hike takes us through the 1000 acre Knole Deer Park which is home to over 350 deer and whose picturesque landscape attracted the Beatles to film promotional videos for "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever". The videos went on to be selected by New York's MoMA as two of the most influential music videos of the late 1960s.

Knole House is one of England's largest houses boasting 365 rooms and 52 staircases and has remained surprisingly unchanged during its history going back to 1486. Being surrounded by the glorious 1000 acre Knole Deer Park completes its picturesque setting.

We also pass Ightham Mote, a largely original moated medieval manor house dating back to 1320 and described by David Starkey as "one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses". It has an extensive history encompassing ownership from medieval knights to courtiers to Henry VIII.

MEETING POINT

Cannon Street station 8:40am, leave at 9am for the 9:15am train. Meet in front of the information desk and the ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 5:21pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - CORINA 07591 945281 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 420m
Hiking time: 4.5 to 5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£28 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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