Another great park not far from home. The park was originally set out as a private estate and its design has been attributed to Capability Brown and to a Mr Richmond. An wealthy merchant, John Boyd, purchased the site and built Danson House, designed by Robert Taylor (the architect of the Bank of England) in the style of a classic Palladian villa, between 1762 and 1767. There is a large lake, fields, various gardens, a tea room and pub. Nearby to William Morris’s Red House.
With Mum, September 2012.
Here is a photo of Couscous sitting in Mum’s seat earlier today. There’s only room for one…
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This country park is not as large as Shorne but there is still a café – which serves a good panini. There is a field for picnics and then walks along the lake and through a couple of fields. The village of West Malling is next to the park and is worth a stroll in itself – nice shops, restaurants and pubs.
The shopping centre, which sits within a chalk pit, is surrounded by landscaping. If you park at ‘The Village’ you can cross underneath a bridge to walking path around a couple of lakes, including a pebbled beach area.
As there is a creek running along the edge of the Park this is great for hot days. The creek is in the shade, not deep and perfect for dogs. After a swim walk along the bank to Lullingstone Castle and back again (no dogs allowed there). We didn’t try the actual Park grounds the first day we went but they look varied and with some good walks.
First swim
This is a National Trust property . Couscous loved it. Beautiful garden and of course a tea room. There are formal gardens along with woodlands and views of the Weald. There is a lawn to picnic on with umbrellas and blankets provided. Go early and avoid the crowds.
Swalecliffe or Hampton is further along from Tankerton and Whitstable. It’s quiet so parking is easier on weekends. It is a really good stretch to walk along on using the path and going onto the pebble beach every now and then.
