Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park — Attraction in Borough of Swale

We have been frequent visitors of this wonderfully diverse parkland for a while. Especially for kids there is lots to explore without it ever descending into the mundanity of prefab playgrounds. The site has an intriguing history as an elaborate industrial complex for the production of gunpowder. There are enough consolidated traces around to give one an impression of the scale and complexity, but the present waterways and lush greenery belies the unhealthy dust and filth that it will have replaced. Now it's an enticing encounter of industrial heritage and nature with plenty of species diversity and wildlife to spot. It invites exploration, offering many alternative pathways in it's relatively contained space, and feels creative. The scale also seems just right. When out with young kids it's actually easy enough to entertain them throughout the whole walk from the parking at one end to the lake (often there are swans and ducks around) at the other (there's another lake to the side separating it form the road). The paths are reasonably accessible for users of wheels, too. Stairs or steps can largely be avoided. But one is likely to make the best of the adventurous options on foot. Why not do some outdoors craft or even bush craft, or take specimen jars and magnifying glasses to inspect and engage with the variety on offer. It's great for active game playing, including limited water play in summer, too. This visit we were treated to a nice informal workshop by a local arts collective (outdoorstudiosarts.com). Parking is free, but closes late afternoon, so check when you arrive.

(Currently confusing situation going on as the car park says closing at 4pm and the sign at the entrance indicate 5pm on weekdays. We left at 4.25 without issue, with two others...

was a beautiful calm walk with lots of information and exploring to do was a little muddy but easy to deal with most paths are wooden and you have 3 yes 3 choices of where to walk guided by posts with different coloured bands round them depending on terrain and ability, so very well suited for many different abilities and ages ,so bravo 👏🏼 to them , we took a 13,14 & 17 year old out for this walk and they had fun with reading the information boards & online there is an educational pack of History,a checklist and mini beasts adventures ,(bug hotels , beehives on site) so go check that out too , for us it was a good couple of hours spent out in the fresh air parking was reasonably easy there is onsite parking and maybe a little difficult in sunnier weather and may have to find alternatives, highly recommend to all ages and has the educational experience as...

Interesting, well managed, quiet and a haven for wildlife. What's not to like? Historic buildings, helpful information boards, water, wildlife, good parking and we'll maintained paths - all added to an enjoyable visit.

The paths were quite muddy in places - but they were usable with sensible footwear. Some of the steps were slippery, but the handrails were in good order. This is all inevitable after a spell of very wet weather, so in my view the management is James at about right.

One disappointment. There were conflicting notices about parking, which meant that we had to cut our visit short - such a shame. I think that the website is correct (closes at 5pm weekdays and 4pm weekends), but there was a handwritten sign which said 4pm, so we didn't take a chance of n getting locked in! I reported this to park management who said they would record the matter...