Lullingstone Country Park Guide + 13 fabulous things to see & do nearby

I’ve always enjoyed visiting Lullingstone Country Park and the sites around it as it’s fairly close to where I live and the countryside is pretty any time of the year.

Lullingstone Country Park was originally a medieval deer park and part of the Lullingstone Castle estate, but over the years it has been transformed into a public open space and woodland park popular for walking, wildlife watching and family days out.

One of the most remarkable features of Lullingstone Country Park is its internationally significant collection of ancient trees. The park has to over 300 historic trees, including magnificent specimens of oak, beech, ash, hornbeam, and sweet chestnut. Many of these trees are centuries old, with some believed to date back to the time when the area was a royal hunting ground.

The trees create a stunning landscape and also support a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. The park’s woodlands are especially beautiful in spring and summer, when wildflowers, such as orchids are in a full bloom and attract pretty butterflies.

What to see & do at Lullinstone Country Park

1. Lullingstone Castle and World Garden:
Located right next to the park, Lullingstone Castle is a historic manor house with very unique World Garden planted in 2000 with plants from all over the globe.

2. Eagle Heights Wildlife:
Eagle Heights is one of the UK’s largest bird of prey centres, which you can find just a short walk from the country park walking towards Eynsford. The centre has eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, as well as meerkats, reptiles, farm animals, and even huskies. Eagle Heights is especially popular for its daily flying demonstrations, where you can watch these magnificent birds in action.

3. Lullingstone Roman Villa:
Just a short walk from the park, this English Heritage site features well-preserved Roman mosaics and fascinating exhibits about Roman Britain.

4. Eynsford Railway Viaduct:
The Eynsford Viaduct is an impressive and iconic structure that carries the railway line over the Darent Valley near Eynsford. Built in the 1860s, the viaduct has nine elegant brick arches and you can’t miss it as you walk from the country park towards Eynsford.

5. Eynsford Village:
About 1.5 miles from the park, Eynsford is a charming Kentish village with a traditional riverside ford, pubs, tea rooms, and pretty bridge over river Darent.

6. Eynsford Castle:
Right in the middle of Eynsford village, you can also find Eynsford Castle. This English Heritage site is a rare example of an early Norman stone castle. The ruins are atmospheric and free to explore.

7. Castle Farm, Lavender Fields & Hop Farm Shop:
On the way between Lullingstone and Shoreham, the Castle Farm is famous for its sweeping lavender fields (blooming late June–July), which are the largest ones in the UK. You can visit the farm shop for local produce, lavender products, and in autumn, enjoy pick-your-own apples.

8. Shoreham Village:
Just under 2 miles along the Darent Valley Path, Shoreham is a picturesque village with historic church, charming cottages, and riverside setting.

9. Mount Vineyard:
Located in Shoreham village, The Mount Vineyard is one of the newest Kent vineyards, which offers wine tastings, a shop with local and global wines, and a lovely courtyard for refreshments.

10. Shoreham Aircraft Museum:
Also in Shoreham, this small but fascinating museum tells the story of the Battle of Britain and local aviation history, with memorabilia and displays.

11. Riverside Walks and Ancient Woodland:
Enjoy scenic walks along the River Darent following the long distance Darent Valley Path and through the park’s ancient woods, home to veteran oaks, beeches, and hornbeams, as well as wildflowers and birdlife.

12. Samuel Palmer Trail:

This is a scenic walking route that starts from the Lullingstone Country Park visitors centre and celebrates the life and work of the renowned 19th-century British artist Samuel Palmer. The trail guides you through some of the most picturesque parts of the Darent Valley, including ancient woodlands, rolling meadows, and riverbanks—landscapes that inspired Palmer’s visionary art. Along the route, you’ll find information boards and audio guides (available via smartphone) that share insights into Palmer’s life, his artistic techniques, and the significance of the locations you pass.

Samuel Palmer (1805–1881) was a Romantic painter, printmaker, and writer. He is best known for his mystical and pastoral landscapes, many of which were inspired by the Darent Valley around Shoreham and Lullingstone. Palmer was a member of the group known as the “Ancients,” and was heavily influenced by William Blake, whom he befriended early in his career. Palmer lived in Shoreham from 1826 to 1835, a period he described as the happiest and most creatively fruitful of his life. His work from this time, often referred to as his “Shoreham Period,” is characterized by glowing, dreamlike depictions of the Kent countryside, capturing its spiritual and poetic essence.

13. Shoreham Cross Memorial:

This is a striking and unique war memorial carved into the chalk hillside above the village of Shoreham (the Samuel Palmer Trail goes directly next to it). Created in 1920–1921, the cross was designed as a lasting tribute to the local men who lost their lives in the First World War. It was the idea of Samuel Cheeseman, a Shoreham resident who lost two sons in the conflict. The cross was cut by hand into the east-facing slope of the North Downs, making it visible for miles around and serving as a powerful symbol of remembrance for the community.

The memorial cross itself is approximately 30 meters (100 feet) high and is best viewed from the valley below or from various walking trails around Shoreham and Lullingstone Country Park.

Facilities

• Visitor Centre: Provides information about the park, maps, and guidance.
• Café: Serves refreshments, snacks, and light meals.
• Toilets: Including accessible toilets for disabled visitors.
• Shop: Sells gifts, souvenirs, and some local produce.
• Parking: Pay and display car park, with disabled parking spaces available.
• Picnic Areas: Designated spots for outdoor eating.
• Children’s Playground: Play equipment suitable for young children.
• Easy Access Trails: Paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Bookable Venue & Outdoor Classroom: Spaces for events, parties, and educational activities

Parking at Lullinstone Country Park

• Monday to Friday: £2.50 per day
• Weekends and Bank Holidays: £3.50 per day
• Horseboxes, coaches, and minibuses: £9.00 per day

There is no ‘free’ parking at the park and the access lane is very narrow, so there is no street parking available in close proximity. But, if you are visiting the Lullingstone Roman Villa, there is payable English Heritage Car park (free to EH members) and free car park in front of the Lullingstone Castle for the castle and garden visitors only.

During school holidays and bank holidays this area can get very busy, so arrive early (or late in the afternoon) to avoid congestion. Once I arrived for the Castle Farm lavender field day and the only space I could find was at Shoreham village car park (free). I didn’t really mind as the walk to the farm is very pretty, but it can add extra time to your schedule, so just bear that in mind.

How to get to Lullingstone Country Park

By Car:
From London, take the M25 and exit at Junction 3 (Swanley). Follow signs for the A225 towards Eynsford. From Eynsford village, follow brown tourist signs for Lullingstone Country Park and Lullingstone Castle. The park entrance is via Lullingstone Lane, and there is a pay-and-display car park at the Visitor Centre.

By Public Transport:

• Train: Take a Southeastern train from London Victoria or London Blackfriars to Eynsford Station or Swanley Station.
• From Eynsford Station: The park is about a 1.5-mile walk (roughly 30 minutes) along Station Road and Lullingstone Lane, passing Eynsford Castle and the Roman Villa along the way .
• From Shoreham Station: the park is about 30 minutes walk through a pretty valley following the Darent Valley Path.
• From Swanley Station: You can take a taxi or a local bus to Eynsford, then walk to the park.
• Bus: The nearest bus stop is at The Hop Shop in Eynsford, an 11-minute walk from the park.

This blog post was originally published on 28 April 2025 and last updated on 28 April 2025