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

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 11 miles (18km)
• Grading: Intermediate
• Ascent: 420m
• Hiking time: 4.5 to 5 hours
• Cost: £30 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.
• Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
• Toilet breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Charing Cross station. Meet in front of the ticket office - MAP
• Time: Meet 8:40am, leave 9am for the 9:15am train
• Return: 5:21pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Walk a stunning stretch of the Greensand Way (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
• Explore the 1,000-acre Knole Deer Park — home to over 350 deer since Tudor times
• See Knole House, one of England’s largest houses with 365 rooms, 52 staircases and 7 courtyards
• Pass by Ightham Mote, a Grade I listed moated medieval manor dating from c.1320

🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins on the Greensand Way, one of the South East’s finest long-distance trails, before we enter the sweeping 1,000-acre Knole Deer Park. Dating from the reign of Henry VIII, it remains one of the last surviving Tudor deer parks in the UK. With herds of fallow and sika deer roaming freely, it offers a magical glimpse into a medieval landscape. It was here that the Beatles filmed promotional videos for Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever — later recognised by MoMA in New York as two of the most influential music videos of the 1960s.

At the heart of the park stands Knole House, an immense stately home built in 1486, remarkably preserved with its 365 rooms and 52 staircases. Once owned by Henry VIII, it has remained one of England’s grandest houses and provides a striking backdrop to the surrounding deer park.

Our route continues through rolling Kent countryside to Ightham Mote, a moated medieval manor house dating back to the early 14th century. Described by historian David Starkey as “one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses,” its story spans medieval knights, Tudor courtiers and royal connections.

We finish after a day immersed in timeless Kentish landscapes, history and heritage.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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• FAQs (covers common queries)

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