Kent Country Parks Reopened for Weekend Picnics

Did you know there are over 200 green spaces and parks to enjoy in Kent? 

Many of us may be feeling stressed or anxious due to the impact of Coronavirus pandemic and our mental health could be taking a hit. Being outdoors and getting some well needed fresh air whilst exploring local parks, lakes and wildlife spaces is the perfect way to take a break.  

A couple of weeks ago the government revised their guidance and asked us to all stay alert by staying at home as much as possible, and from Wednesday 13th of May the restriction on amount of time we spent exercising outdoors was lifted.

Whilst it is still essential to remain cautious and keep our distance (2 metres where possible) we can now all explore the outdoors and enjoy many of Kent’s beautiful parks and lakes whilst staying alert. 

It’s time to grab your comfiest picnic blanket, fill a wicker basket with yummy food and head out of the door to one of these delightful picnic spots in Kent! 

The idea might be to take a break from working from home and embrace the great outdoors, but we guarantee that some of these spots are Instagram-worthy… 

1) Lullingstone Country Park

Lullingstone Country Park is home to hundreds of ancient trees, some of which are thought to be 800 years old! With beautiful grassland speckled with wild flowers throughout the summer months, this picture-perfect country park is the ideal spot if you’re looking for stunning Kentish countryside. 

The car park fees are £1.50 Monday-Friday and £2 weekends and bank holidays. 

2) Trosley Country Park

Covering 170 acres of woodland and chalk downland, Trosely Park is the perfect choice for stunning views of the Kent Downs. There are 3 walking trails if you fancy stretching your legs before settling down for a picnic (including the Trosley Trail which is an easy access route). 

Parking is £1.50 Monday-Friday and £2.50 weekends and bank holidays.

3) Shorne Woods Country Park

Shorne Woods Country Park is one of the most popular country parks in Kent. With 300 acres of woodland, meadows and wetlands to explore, it’s easy to see why! Take a walk around the natural haven by following one of the walking trails and bring out the sandwiches in an idyllic private spot.  

Parking costs £2 Monday-Friday and £3 weekends and bank holidays. 

4) Brockhill Country Park

The peaceful Brockhill Country Park surrounds a stunning river and lake, the perfect recipe for a picnic! There is also plenty of wildlife and flora and fauna to spot at the park, alongside woods, meadows and dedicated picnic and play areas. 

Parking is £1.50 Monday-Friday and £2.50 weekends and bank holidays. 

5) Grove Ferry Picnic Site

Looking for the perfect water-side spot? Grove Ferry Picnic site is the ideal stop off point on a walk down the River Stour, or, if you’re looking to make a day of it, why not take a boat ride along the river before enjoying your picnic? 

If you’re driving, parking costs £1.30 Monday-Friday and £2 weekends and bank holidays.

6) Knole Park

There are over 1,000 acres of land to explore at Knole Park. After roaming the grounds looking for wild deer (of which there are around 350!) and admiring the impressive country house, you can take a well-earned rest with a picnic in the outdoor seating area. 

7) Leybourne Lakes

Stunning lakes situated in the heart of Kent offers 93 hectares of parkland with a range of habitats including grassland, wildflower meadow and six lakes. 

Visitors can walk the 2.5km ocean circular walk using posts dotted around the park and feed ducks at various points of the lakes. The café is now open if you’re looking to grab an ice cream whilst soaking up the sun. 

Remember to bring some change for the car park. Parking is £1.40 for up to 4 hours. 

Enjoy your time outdoors, you may find that being out in the open makes you feel brighter and motivated to get back to work. Find out more on our blog '6 Benefits Of Getting Fresh Air'. 

Sources:

https://www.kent-life.co.uk/food-drink/pretty-picnic-spots-in-kent-1-5473621

https://www.visitkent.co.uk/visit-kent-blog/top-picnic-spots-in-kent/

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/perfect-picnic-spots-in-kent