Brockhill Country Park and Saltwood Castle Walk
Kent
Brockhill Country Park sits in a steep little valley just above Hythe, on land that was once part of a Norman manor estate. It is run by Kent County Council and divided into three parts: the Deer Paddock, the Lake, a shady pool fringed with overhanging trees where dogs should stay on a lead near the resident ducks, and the Valley, which is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest for its grassland, wetland and woodland. The Saltwood Saunter, published by Explore Kent, is a 3.4km circuit from the visitor centre that leaves the park on a grass path and runs through Willow Wood, whose trees were once burned to boil sea water in salt pans. It passes Saltwood's 12th century church of St Peter and St Paul and Saltwood Castle, held by the Archbishops of Canterbury since Domesday, where four knights stayed in December 1170 before riding to Canterbury to murder Thomas Becket. There are two stiles, two gates and a mix of woodland paths and quiet lanes.
This is a dog friendly walk that works well as a short outing, with the best off-lead time in the park itself, away from the play area and the ducks on the lake. Outside the park the route uses country lanes, so a lead is needed there, and the two stiles may need a lift for bigger dogs. Woodland gives shade in summer. Dog bins, toilets and the Brockhill Cafe are by the pay car park at the visitor centre.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.4 km (2.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Brockhill Cafe, toilets and dog bins at the visitor centre.
- Parking
- Brockhill Country Park car park off Sandling Road, Kent County Council, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Brockhill Country Park and Saltwood Castle Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in KentFrequently Asked Questions
Is Brockhill Country Park and Saltwood Castle Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a dog friendly walk and rates 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly scale. The park itself is the highlight for dogs, with woodland paths, grassland and plenty to sniff, while the Saltwood Saunter extension takes you through Willow Wood and past a 12th century castle. Facilities at the visitor centre include dog bins, toilets and the Brockhill Cafe, making it a comfortable stop for owners too.
Can dogs be off lead at Brockhill Country Park and Saltwood Castle Walk?
The best off-lead time is within the park itself, away from the play area and the lake, where dogs should be kept on a lead near the resident ducks. Once the route leaves the park and joins the country lanes of the Saltwood Saunter, leads are needed for road safety.
What should I know before visiting Brockhill Country Park and Saltwood Castle Walk with my dog?
The full 3.4km Saltwood Saunter circuit includes two stiles, which may require a lift for larger dogs, so it's worth bearing that in mind if you have a big breed. The woodland sections offer good shade in summer, and the park's Valley area is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, so staying on paths helps protect the habitat. Parking is pay and display at the Brockhill Country Park car park off Sandling Road.
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Brockhill Country Park Car Park, Sandling Road, Saltwood, Hythe CT21 4HL
51.0831, 1.0666
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