Attractions and Places To See around East Malling And Larkfield - Top 20

The area is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Kit's Coty House Megalithic Tomb, which offers insights into the region's ancient human history and great views of the Kent Downs. Another unique site is the Dode Church and Lost Village, a historic church abandoned after the Black Death and now a unique venue. Other notable sites include St Mary's Abbey and The Wealden Hall, a 14th-century farmhouse.

For nature and scenic views, explore the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. The Pilgrims Way provides exceptional views, and you can find a decent resting spot at the Pilgrims Way Stone Bench and Monk Statue. Leybourne Lakes Country Park is also a great spot for enjoying the outdoors.

You'll find a variety of outdoor activities. Leybourne Lakes Country Park is a hub for watersports like kayaking, diving, canoeing, and windsurfing. The Pilgrims Way is excellent for cycling or hiking. The area also offers numerous public footpaths through Kentish orchards and along the River Medway for walking and birdwatching. For more specific routes, check out the hiking guide or road cycling guide for the region.

Yes, there are trails for various abilities. Leybourne Lakes Country Park offers easy loops, such as the 'Leybourne Lakes Country Park loop' and 'Leybourne Lakes Country Park – Leybourne Lakes Café loop'. For more challenging routes, the Pilgrims Way offers intermediate options with exceptional views. You can find more details in the hiking guide and easy hikes guide.

Yes, the area offers family-friendly options. Leybourne Lakes Country Park is great for families with its watersports and walking trails. Historic sites like Dode Church and Lost Village and Kit's Coty House Megalithic Tomb can be engaging for older children interested in history. The Larkfield Leisure Centre also provides amenities like swimming pools for family fun.

The primary location for watersports is Leybourne Lakes Country Park. Here, you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, diving, canoeing, and windsurfing on the former gravel pits that have been transformed into a recreational hub.

The region is known for its beautiful natural features, including its location partly within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You'll also find Leybourne Lakes, formed from former gravel pits, and the scenic River Medway. The area is also characterized by its traditional Kentish orchards, which can be explored via public footpaths.

Absolutely. The Pilgrims Way is a popular route for cycling, offering exceptional views. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also features scenic cycling routes. For more detailed cycling options, consult the road cycling guide for East Malling and Larkfield.

Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities, when the weather is generally mild and the Kentish orchards are in bloom or bearing fruit. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage, particularly in the Kent Downs. Many walking and cycling routes are enjoyable year-round, but check local conditions during winter months.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views, especially from sites like Kit's Coty House Megalithic Tomb and along the Pilgrims Way. The historical significance of places like Dode Church and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside walks are also highly appreciated.

Many of the public footpaths and countryside walks in East Malling and Larkfield are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also welcomes dogs on leads. Always check specific signage at attractions for any restrictions.

Excellent viewpoints can be found at Kit's Coty House Megalithic Tomb, offering panoramic views of the Kent Downs AONB. The Pilgrims Way also provides exceptional vistas along its route. Additionally, Castle Hill offers a great view of Rochester Castle and Cathedral, a short distance away.

You can explore the local agricultural heritage by walking along public footpaths that pass through the region's famous Kentish orchards. The East Malling Research Station, known for its fruit-growing research, also has public footpaths allowing visitors to view the orchards. The 'East Malling Heritage Walk' specifically highlights classic Kentish agricultural features like oasts and timber-framed hall houses.