Chartwell is the family home of Churchill. It is managed by the National Trust. Dogs are allowed in the gardens, which are large enough to make it worth a visit. A very busy place in the summer. We have visited on Boxing Day two years running, so for us that’s a tradition.
Blind dog survives 10-mile walk in minus 40 degrees
A blind dog survived temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius after being separated from her owners. Abby, a brown and white mixed breed dog, was being walked by her owners in Alaska when they became separated in a snowstorm…
These are woods that back onto Jeskyns and lie across from Shorne. As well as the dense areas of trees, the site has open grass areas and ponds. During the Second World War an RAF camp was constructed in the wood. Some original structures still remain from this period. The site is also home to a bronze age barrow which has been classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
With Mum, September 2012.
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.
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.
A Jack Russell has been reunited with its owner in Ireland over Twitter…
Having stayed in Kilcock many years ago, I can only think that Patch was looking for a way out.
This park won an award. It’s a great park to go to but gets muddy after rain, mostly around the entrance between the car park and the park itself. It’s good for picnics and ball throwing. Love it.
This is not the Beacon Woods near Ashford, but the one near Dartford. It’s a small wood with picnic tables near the car park. It was a clay pit and opened as a public area 20 years ago. Areas of new growth are more open but there are older, shadier areas (with bluebells in April). There are a couple ponds but they were dry when we visited today. The walk is slightly hilly in some areas, steps provided. It’s main path, the red route, is a 30 minute walk through most of the park.
