Parks and green spaces

48. ISLE OF GRAIN COASTAL PARK, GRAIN
Volunteers working in partnership with the local council have turned several miles of the Hoo Peninsula into a great little retreat for families and dog walkers. The park, that’s packed with woodland, wild flowers, winding paths, leafy glades and wildlife, borders the River Thames on one side and the River Medway on the other. A two-mile walk along the shoreline takes in cockleshell and sandy beaches and a Napoleonic fort in the estuary. Climb to the top of the park to discover a buried but still complete Victorian Fort.
Postcode: ME3 0BS
Contact: www.friendsofgraincoastalpark.co.uk

49. CAPSTONE FARM COUNTRY PARK, CHATHAM
Capstone Farm Country Park can offer something for everyone. From sitting next to the lake to running around in the adventure park. Feeding the ducks and looking for froglets is a favourite activity while the visitor centre guides you through the rest of the wildlife to look out for. Not far from the lake and play park is the rest of the beautiful Capstone Valley offering spectacular countryside views. Cool off with walks in the ancient woodland including Orchid Wood.
Postcode: ME7 3JG
Contact: www.visitmedway.org

50. TROSLEY COUNTRY PARK, VIGO
The North Downs offer a ribbon of wilderness in a county not noted for its ruggedness – and Trosley Country Park is the perfect base to explore them from. Enjoy a cool woodland walk or stretch out on the sunny south facing slopes and look down on the rest of Kent from above. For nature lovers there’s a rich habitat of mixed woodland . Fitness enthusiasts can make use of the outdoor gym equipment and running trails.
Postcode: DA13 0SG
Contact: www.kent.gov.uk

51. MOTE PARK, MAIDSTONE
Mote Park is a stunning green space an easy stroll from Maidstone’s busy town centre. With lots of kiddy-friendly paths through the woods and well-equipped playgrounds for all ages, it is a great place for a family outing. You may catch the local model boat club using the large lake and, on Sundays and bank holidays during the summer, there is a miniature railway. A great place for a summer picnic, there’s also a café. Maidstone Leisure Centre backs on to the park.
Postcode: ME15 7SU
Contact: www.visitmaidstone.com

52. WOODLANDS PARK, GRAVESEND
This is easily the best park in Gravesend. Away from the crowds of the town centre, Woodlands Park has basketball courts and an adventure playground to keep the kids busy while mum and dad sit with a picnic. If the weather is too hot, stroll around to the ice cream man who pitches up for the day when the sun is out. If you can be bothered to bring your own putter and balls, there is a neat little crazy golf course. Best of all, it’s a wide open space which isn’t overcrowded – and, of course, it’s all free to enjoy.
Postcode: DA11 7LY
Contact: explorekent.org/activities/woodlands-park

53. SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK, SHORNE
Once part of the Cobham Hall estate, Shorne Woods Country Park now has large areas of ancient woodland and heathland meadows. The former claypit spans 288 acres of countryside around Gravesend, with dragonflies living in the wetland ponds. The park is now largely a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with many colour-coded walks and an eco-friendly visitor centre. Most importantly, it is a great for families and dog walkers. There is also a horse riding and cycle path route around the park, and even a sensory garden. Open dawn to dusk, it is a jewel in Gravesham’s crown.
Postcode: DA12 3HX
Contact: www.kent.gov.uk

54. MANOR PARK, WEST MALLING
With a shaded lakeside walk and plenty of tucked away spots for a picnic – Manor Park is the foolproof location to chill out this summer. Kids will love the playground and exploring the 52-acres of parkland, and once they reach boiling point, head to the eco-friendly Green Cafe for a lolly or two. Just don’t forget to make time to saunter around the lake that’s home to ducks, coots, swans and the unmistakable little grebes with their pointed bills. For a cheap day out, Manor Park ticks all the boxes - you only have to pay for parking which is just £1.50 in the week. The park is just a short hop from the centre of West Malling or the train station.
Postcode: ME19 6PE
Contact: www.kent.gov.uk

55. RIVERSIDE COUNTRY PARK, GILLINGHAM
If you’re looking for a family day out that doesn’t cost the earth then this is the place. There’s a play area for the kids and if you go at high tide armed with some bacon at the end of a fishing line they can even have a go at crabbing. Covering 100 hectares alongside the Medway Estuary it’s ideal for a walk, run or cycle. You can even take a picnic to enjoy on the grassy banks or visit the cafe.
Postcode: ME7 2XH
Contact: www.visitmedway.org

56. RECULVER COUNTRY PARK, HERNE BAY
There’s always a certain mysterious eerie beauty around ruins. Reculver Towers are one of the most striking and unique places to visit in Kent. And in any weather they have a stunning picturesque quality. Wander at length along the miles of gorgeous beach towards Herne Bay which is particularly beautiful if you get there when the tide is out. Or if you really fancy stretching your legs head east all the way to Westgate and onwards to Margate. It’s dog friendly and there’s a cafe at the top or the King Ethelbert Inn if you feel like a pint after.
Postcode: CT6 6SS
Contact: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Check out the rest of the 68 summer days out

Attractions across Kent

Free, fab and fun

Sporting days out Along the coast

Doing it for the kids

Where the wild things are

Perfect places for a pint

Off the beaten track