Lullingstone, Lakes and Lavender

Hannah
Mar 16, 2021
5 min read

Updated: Mar 28, 2021

A simple walk predominantly around Lullingstone Country Park. Pass by Lullingstone Roman Villa, Lullingstone Castle's beautiful lakes and Castle Farm's famous lavender fields. A perfect trio year round but even more special during the summer months.

Starting Point: Lullingstone Roman Villa, DA4 0HY

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Length: 3.8miles / 6.2km

Highlights: Lullingstone Roman Villa, views of the Darent Valley, woodland trails, Lullingstone Country Park, Castle Farm’s Lavender fields (seasonal), Lullingstone Castle and lakes.

Route: An easy to medium level walk predominantly around Lullingstone Country Park. There are some hilly parts but nothing too steep or difficult. The route is mostly off road following footpaths through fields and wooded areas which can get a bit muddy. It’s not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.

Parking: There’s limited paid parking at the Roman Villa car park or it’s possible to park in Eynsford and walk to the start. Please be aware that Eynsford can get extremely busy with visitors, especially during the summer months so it’s best to use public transport if possible. If parking in the village, please take care to do so responsibly.

Refreshments/facilities: There are toilets and a cafe at the starting point of the Roman Villa, and then later on in the walk at Lullingstone Country Park visitor centre. Lullingstone Country Park is a lovely place for a picnic if you fancy making a day of it - there are picnic benches by the visitor centre about two thirds of the way into the walk. Those who like to end their walk with a pint and pub lunch can find some lovely pubs just a short walk away in the village.

Step 1

Start at Lullingstone Roman Villa and continue towards Lullingstone Castle passing the villa on your right. The villa was built during the Roman occupation of Britain around A. D. 80-90, the house was repeatedly expanded and occupied until it was destroyed by fire in the 5th century. It was rediscovered in 1750, when workers fencing a deer park dug post holes through a mosaic floor, however, proper excavations didn’t take place until 1949. In the 1960s, the villa was taken over by English Heritage, who opened the ruins to the public. Shortly after you pass the Roman Villa building, you’ll see a stepped woodland footpath marked with a yellow footpath marker on your right. Follow this path.

Step 2

Continue up the steps and through a short wooded area until you reach a field. Follow the path uphill along the left hand edge of the field. You’ll pass a hedgerow/line of trees on your right, and shortly after this you’ll notice another yellow footpath marker. Follow the footpath to the left and through a gap in the trees into another field. In front of you you should see a huge lone oak tree - a popular photo spot for many Eynsford residents! From this tree you’ll get great views over the golf course and into the surrounding area on a clear day. Continue past the oak tree and towards Lullingstone Golf Course.

Step 3

Once you reach the golf course you’ll see a footpath joining on your left but continue straight ahead. From here, we’re going to be following the Lullingstone Loop so keep an eye out for the white footpath marker arrows. The footpath will wind in-between trees with the golf course on your left, before heading through a gate and up a steep hill into woodland. You’ll continue across an opening and the path will split, follow the white arrows by keeping left.

Step 4

You’ll see several left and right turns off the footpath but continue along the main path until you reach a tarmac road. Turn right and continue up the road for around 50m until you can see a field and Lullingstone Golf Clubhouse in front of you. Before you reach the clubhouse, you’ll come to a footpath to your left which is signposted. Turn left and follow the footpath back into a wooded area and down a hill. At the bottom, you’ll need to cross the fairway so make sure you keep an eye out for golfers before proceeding. Continue back into the woods and back up an incline until you reach a crossroads in the path.

Step 5

At the crossroads you’ll see a farm and gate directly in front of you, a path to the right and one to the left. As before, follow the white Lullingstone footpath arrows and take the path left. Shortly after this turn, the path will split - keep right. If you’re lucky and it’s lavender season you may smell Castle Farm’s fields before you see them! The footpath will take you to the edge of Lullingstone Country Park and then walk you down alongside the purple fields.

Step 6

At the bottom of the footpath you’ll come out in the Lullingstone Country Park’s car park - a great spot for a picnic break/refreshments/to use the facilities. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you might want to turn right out of the car park and go on a short detour to take in the famous lavender fields. Castle Farm is the UK's largest lavender farm but they also produce beef, apples, hop garlands, dried flowers and much more and their popular ‘Hop Shop’ just 50m along the road is a great place to pop by.

Step 7

Once you’re all shopped and picnicked out, head back towards Lullingstone Country Park visitor centre and follow the Darent Valley footpath alongside the river back towards the roman villa. On your right you may be able to spy Lullingstone Castle’s beautiful lakes through the foliage. As you reach the end of the path, you’ll go through a gate and will then see Lullingstone Castle on your right. The present Manor House and Gatehouse, which overlook a stunning 15-acre lake, were built in 1497 and have been home to the same family ever since. Both Henry VIII and Queen Anne are known to have been regular visitors. If you’re not in a rush, consider buying a ticket to go inside to visit the manor house, beautiful fishing lakes and incredible World Garden.

Step 8

Continue along the road past Lullingstone Castle and follow it for approx 700m before arriving back at the starting point. It’s a private road but can be busy during the summer months so keep an eye out for cars. If you’ve walked up an appetite, consider stopping by one of Eynsford’s lovely pubs or the amazing Riverside Tearooms before heading home. If you enjoyed the walk, don’t forget to leave comments and tag us in your pics on social media!