What are the best parks in Kent?

The best parks in Kent include Mote Park in Maidstone, Shorne Woods Country Park near Gravesend, Brockhill Country Park in Hythe, Lullingstone Country Park in Eynsford, Bewl Water near Tunbridge Wells, and Pegwell Bay Country Park near Sandwich. Each offers walking trails, play areas and scenic landscapes.

Are Kent parks free to visit?

Most parks in Kent are free to enter, though some charge for parking or special events. Larger country parks such as Mote Park, Lullingstone and Shorne Woods offer free admission with pay-and-display parking.

Are Kent parks dog-friendly?

Yes. Most parks in Kent welcome dogs, with designated off-lead areas, walking trails and dog-friendly cafés. Visitors should keep dogs on leads around children’s play zones and wildlife areas.

Do Kent parks have cafés and facilities?

Many country parks in Kent have cafés, toilets, picnic areas and visitor centres. Popular options like Shorne Woods and Lullingstone Country Park also feature gift shops and information points.

Which Kent parks are best for families?

Mote Park, Brockhill Country Park and Shorne Woods Country Park are ideal for families, offering large play areas, lakeside walks and cafés. They also host events such as Easter trails and outdoor activity days.

Are there coastal parks in Kent?

Yes. Pegwell Bay Country Park near Sandwich and Reculver Country Park near Herne Bay both sit along the Kent coastline, offering sea views, birdwatching and coastal walking trails.

What activities can you do in Kent’s country parks?

Kent’s parks are great for walking, cycling, picnics, water sports, and wildlife watching. Sites like Bewl Water also offer fishing, sailing and bike hire.

Are Kent parks open all year?

Yes. Most parks in Kent are open throughout the year, with seasonal opening hours. Spring and summer are ideal for picnics and walks, while autumn and winter offer beautiful woodland scenery.

Parks in Kent Guide

Welcome to our guide for Parks in Kent

Kent is synonymous with its green rolling countryside and in amongst that sits some of the most beautiful parks, and country parks, in the UK.

It also had an abundance of nature reserves and landscaped gardens, as well as forest trails so it’s safe to say that there’s a park in Kent for every season and every visitor.

About Parks in Kent

Kent’s parks capture the spirit of the Garden of England — open landscapes, ancient woodland and historic estates just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after a peaceful picnic spot, a family playground or a walking trail with panoramic views, the county offers hundreds of acres of protected natural beauty.

Managed by Kent County Council, English Heritage, and local trusts, many parks include cafés, visitor centres and year-round activities. Some sit within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making them perfect bases for walking, cycling and wildlife watching.

Best Country Parks in Kent

Mote Park (near Maidstone) - One of the largest parks in the South East, featuring lakes, woodland, adventure play zones and water sports facilities.
Shorne Woods Country Park (near Gravesend) - A favourite for walking, cycling and nature trails, with a café, visitor centre and accessible routes.
Brockhill Country Park (Hythe) - Set around a tranquil lake and valley, ideal for picnics and gentle walks.
Lullingstone Country Park (Eynsford) - Famous for its wildflower meadows and oak trees; a haven for birdlife.
Bewl Water (Tunbridge Wells) - The largest stretch of open water in the South East, perfect for walking, cycling, sailing and fishing.
Knole Park - One of the most loved and frequented parks in the UK, deer roam wild here amongst the Knole estate - set against a background of the North Downs valley.

Our Guides to Kent’s Parks

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Family-Friendly Parks

Kent’s parks are made for families. Mote Park’s adventure playground and pedal boats, Lullingstone’s discovery trails, and Shorne Woods’ sensory paths make outdoor days easy and exciting. Most have picnic lawns, cafés, toilets and dog-friendly areas, so you can spend the whole day outdoors.

Nature and Wildlife

Kent’s parks are full of biodiversity. Spot herons and swans at Bewl Water, kingfishers at Brockhill, or butterflies in Lullingstone’s wildflower meadows. Pegwell Bay offers bird hides and coastal walks where you can see wading birds and even seals.