Lullingstone Country Park — Attraction in Sevenoaks

We visited on a very hot summer's day with children aged 2 to 6. We used the play area (near the car park / toilets / cafe) which was in the shade (approx 10 - 11am).

We then took our picnic with us and explored the Discovery Trail which is the easiest of the marked routes. We had a pushchair with us and would not say that it is pushchair friendly. It was possible (with a sturdy pushchair with large wheels) but hard work as the trail goes through woodland where the paths can be steep, have tree roots and sometimes gravel; if it had rained recently the mud could have been very slippery especially on the steeper parts. However it was fun to explore the trail as it has various items of play equipment along the way including swings and a zip wire. There are also some good climbing trees. The route was clearly marked with arrows on signposts and the children enjoyed finding the red arrows for our chosen trail.

With a stop for lunch as well as stopping to play at the various points, it took us around 2½ hours to complete the trail. The middle section of the trail is in the woods and it was refreshing to be able to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day. The last section was very hot as it crosses a golf course where there is very little shade.

You can complete the trail in any direction and having one of the available maps is helpful for newcomers. In hindsight perhaps we would choose to go through the golf course earlier as it includes a hilly zig-zag section which feels difficult (especially when trying to motivate small children) when coming to the end of a journey.

We then headed to the cafe which served a good selection of ice creams and other tasty treats. There is a good amount of seating inside as well as some outdoor seating which is situated by the children's play park.

The toilets were a bit smelly which is a shame because otherwise they are in good condition.

We are glad to have found this location as it is a good place to meet friends who live a distance away, and will be returning in the future. Next time we won't take a pushchair! As the children get a bit bigger it will certainly be a very good...

The lake is private, you have to pay for entry to the house grounds (no dogs) and there is a golf course nearby which I presume you aren't allowed to be on if you're not golfing, but the surroundings are lovely and a great place to walk by yourself, with the family, etc. Wildlife is lovely too, some pretty flowers and fruits and berries growing along the paths. There are a few short routes you can take (5 - 12 km long), the map is available online. If you're taking the horse path, you need to keep your dog on a leash. Some areas are muddy but it's mainly not too bad. The walk along the river is pretty, there are some fish inside and you could probably dip your legs in if you want. Its possible to fish there but not sure if it's allowed. Not sure about picnics, we couldn't find a spot, the grass was quite long and we got a few insect bites but there are benches along the way and a small zip line if you you find it. There is a small seating area and climbing frame for the kids next to the cafe, which is on one side of the car park, and a larger seating area on the opposite side of the car park next to a field (enough space to hold a small event). Parking cost £1.70 on weekdays and £2.70 on weekends when we came, it's normally a little busy but you can still find a place or maybe park at the farm a little way away. The toilets next to the café are fairly well maintained, not the cleanest and don't always have a lot of soap or toilet paper but not bad for public toilets. The café closes earlier at 5pm but the toilets don't, gates close at dusk (8pm around the time of...

Lullinstone Country Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the standout features of this park is the section of the Darent River where dogs can have a splash without the worry of returning smelling of stagnant pond scum. The water is clean, clear, and flowing, making it a refreshing spot for both dogs and their owners.

The park offers a few walking trails, although it would be great if there was at least one well-marked trail that was wheelchair accessible. Nonetheless, the open space is perfect for a leisurely stroll and taking in the beautiful scenery.

The lack of tree cover may be a downside for some, as it can get quite hot in the summer months. However, there is a little children's play area for the little ones to enjoy, and a cafe where visitors can grab a cuppa and a bite to eat.

Overall, Lullinstone Country Park is a great destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and picturesque day out with their furry friend. The clean and flowing river is a real highlight, and the park's facilities make it a great spot for families to spend...