Kent winter walks within an hour of south east London

If you’re looking to burn off some mince pies and take a walk in the countryside this winter, Kent - otherwise known as the ‘Garden of England’ - is home to some beautiful walks and hikes.

Here are some of our picks:

Sevenoaks to Dartford via Darent Valley

Nearest train station: Dartford

Stretching 19 miles from Dartford to Sevenoaks through the Darent Valley, this first walk is for those up for a challenge.

Stretching 19 miles from Dartford to Sevenoaks through the Darent Valley, this first walk is for those up for a challenge. (Image: Sevenoaks District Council)

The walk starts from the banks of the Thames in Dartford and stretches along the River Darent, with views of the woodlands and grasslands.

The walk also passes through Kemsing, Otford and Chevening and across the adjoining Surrey border at Tatsfield.

The walk also passes through Kemsing, Otford and Chevening and across the adjoining Surrey border at Tatsfield. (Image: Sevenoaks District Council)

If you fancy a drink, you can stop off at Shoreham, where you’ll find plenty of pubs including The King’s Arms, a cosy pub with low ceilings, and the Samuel Palmer pub which dates back to the 15th century.

Eynsford

Nearest station: Eynsford

If you fancy a shorter walk, one in the scenic village of Eynsford is just over 5 miles and allows you to see many of the local landmarks as well as the River Darent and Darent Valley.

A walk in the scenic village of Eynsford allows you to see many of the local landmarks as well as the River Darent and Darent Valley. (Image: Sevenoaks District Council) Starting at Eynsford Castle, the walk will take you on the Darent Valley Path to Lullingstone Country Park, where you’ll find a huge variety of trees dating back as far as 500 years.

The path then continues through Beechen Woods before taking you north past Lullingstone Castle, where you’ll find a 16th century castle and its outdoor World Garden.

The walk finishes back at Eynsford Village, where you’ll be spoilt for choice for local pubs to warm yourself in with a drink.

The walk finishes back at Eynsford Village, where you’ll be spoilt for choice for local pubs to warm yourself in with a drink. (Image: Sevenoaks District Council)

Stop off at the Plough Inn, offering dishes inspired by the seasons, or the Malt Shovel, a dog-friendly pub with outdoor seating for the warmer months, and the Five Bells Pub, which was used as a filming location in The Larkins.

Lullingstone

Nearest station: Eynsford

If you fancy something even shorter, the walk around Lullingstone Country Park is just over three miles long and explores some of the 460-acre parkland in Darent Valley.

The walk around Lullingstone Country Park is just over three miles long and explores some of the 460-acre parkland in Darent Valley. (Image: Alan Graham)

On the walk you’ll see Lullingstone Castle along with the World Garden and the historic site of Lullingstone Roman Villa.

If you fancy exploring further afield, you can pick up the trail at the east of the park taking you to the villages of Shoreham and Otford.

On the walk you’ll see Lullingstone Castle along with the World Garden and the historic site of Lullingstone Roman Villa. (Image: Alan Graham)

But if you just fancy a drink you can head to Eynsford within a mile's walk, where you’ll find a number of cosy pubs to stop in.