Lullingstone Country Park and Shoreham Circular
Kent
Lullingstone Country Park fills a stretch of the Darent valley in the Kent Downs, a former royal hunting ground with more than 300 veteran oaks, beeches, hornbeams and sweet chestnuts. This 10.4km circuit from the visitor centre follows the Darent Valley Path south to Shoreham, then climbs out past the Shoreham Cross, a chalk war memorial cut into the hillside, and through Meenfield and Beechin woods before crossing the golf course, where dogs stay on a lead, and dropping back down the valley. On the way you pass Lullingstone Castle, a Tudor gatehouse and manor, the Roman villa with its mosaics, and the brick arches of Eynsford Viaduct, built in 1862 for the Swanley to Sevenoaks railway. Expect about three hours, a couple of steep climbs with around 180 metres of ascent, ten stiles, eight gates, and field and woodland paths that are muddy after rain.
This is a dog friendly walk with a lot of variety, but it needs a lead for long stretches. Livestock graze fields on the route, and dogs should be on leads near stock and across the golf course. The River Darent runs beside the path on the valley sections for a drink, and the woods give shade on the higher ground. The stiles are hard going for bigger dogs. In Shoreham, the Samuel Palmer welcomes dogs in the main bar and on one of its terraces, and the visitor centre at the start has a cafe and toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Visitor centre cafe and toilets at the start; the Samuel Palmer in Shoreham welcomes dogs in the main bar and on a terrace.
- Parking
- Lullingstone Country Park visitor centre car park, 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 Lullingstone Country Park and Shoreham Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in KentFrequently Asked Questions
Is Lullingstone Country Park and Shoreham Circular dog friendly?
This is a dog-friendly walk, rated 7 out of 10, with plenty to keep dogs happy along the way — woodland tracks, valley paths beside the River Darent for a drink, and shade on the higher ground. In Shoreham village, the Samuel Palmer pub welcomes dogs in the main bar and on one of its terraces, and the visitor centre at the start has a cafe and toilets.
Can dogs be off lead at Lullingstone Country Park and Shoreham Circular?
Dogs will need to be on a lead for long stretches of this route. Livestock graze fields along the way, and leads are also required across the golf course section; the woodland and valley paths offer more relaxed walking, but it's worth being prepared to keep your dog close throughout.
What should I know before visiting Lullingstone Country Park and Shoreham Circular with my dog?
This is a 10.4km circuit with around 180 metres of ascent, a couple of steep climbs, and ten stiles — the stiles in particular can be tricky for larger dogs, so bear that in mind. The paths can get muddy after rain, and you should expect the walk to take roughly three hours, so it's worth bringing water, especially if the River Darent is running low on the valley sections.
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Lullingstone Country Park Visitor Centre Car Park, Castle Road, Eynsford DA4 0JF
51.3530, 0.1903
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