Tonbridge & Malling

If you're starting in the town of Tonbridge with its multiple Southeastern rail connections take a journey through the borough's top sights. From the castle, take the cycle route 5 miles west through tranquil woodland and countryside to Penshurst Place & Gardens, a fortified manor house that’s rich with medieval and Tudor charm. The gardens overflow with fragrance and blooms, while neighbouring Penshurst village is a perfect summation of Kentish village.

For more flower delights, head to nearby Great Comp Garden, a delightful hidden gem renowned for its colourful borders, woodland walks and outstanding collection of salvias. It's a true paradise for garden-lovers!

Just 6 miles north of Tonbridge, you'll find one of Kent's most charismatic buildings, the moated manor house, Ightham Mote. Built-in the 14th century, its half-timbered façade rises from the waters; a wood-panelled Great Hall, cosy book-packed library and stunning courtyard lie within. At Aylesford Priory, the Friars offers a fascinating insight into life within the centuries-old order of the Carmelites.

West Malling boasts plenty of restaurants, pubs, cafés and tea-rooms, while its range of individual stores and monthly Farmers' Market draws the crowds. A community of Benedictine nuns was founded here in the 11th century, and the town features a wealth of appealing, ancient buildings. Highlights include the striking, Tudor, Abbey Gatehouse, an unusual, Georgian waterfall called The Cascades, and the magnificent, Queen Anne Went House.

Manor Park Country Park is just a short walk from the town centre of West Malling. Full of native trees, squirrels, ducks, and swans, you might spot woodpeckers and nuthatches too, while at Leybourne Lakes Country Park you can head out on ranger-led activities, or dive, windsurf, sail and canoe.

The area is ripe for Time Team-themed explorations. English Heritage runs the Kits Coty sites, where a megalithic tomb features three uprights crowned by a huge capstone. The National Trust looks after Coldrum Long Barrow, an evocative, well-preserved, 3000-year-old burial chamber. Meanwhile, Addington Long Barrow is a Neolithic burial mound with around 25 surviving stones.

Keep your eye out for popular events at the Hop Farm, one of Kent's leading events venue with award-winning camping facilities.