Walks


where deer roam and the parakeets fly


For some, deepest winter is the best time to pull on a pair of walking boots and head into the great outdoors. So why not give Knole Park a try…


T


his four-mile trek sets off from the leisure centre at Sevenoaks, entering National


Trust-owned Knole Park through a grand metal gate into the grounds of Knole Park. Owned by the National Trust, it has a history spanning five centuries and covers over 1,000 acres, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI.) Knole Park is one of only a few mediaeval


deer parks to have survived the past 500 years in England. In the 16th century, when deer parks used for hunting were at their most popular, the country boasted more than 700 of them.


Heading towards Knole House itself, walkers


will see a former ice house (a survivor from the days before electric freezers were invented) which once served the main estate dwelling, a beautiful renaissance mansion converted from an archbishop’s palace by Tomas Sackville in the early 17th century. As the route goes past the old garden walls


built of Kentish ragstone, take a peep through the wrought iron gates at the 24-acre gardens which contain formal and naturalised plantings. Archbishop Bourchier established a lavender garden and orchard here more than


500 years ago. Knole is well known for its stunning gardens, which are open to National Trust members. Leave the gardens behind and head over a


grassy area into open woodland. Evidence of the mediaeval landscape still exists, including hawthorn, oak, yew, hornbeam, silver birch, maple and ash trees that once dominated the Weald. Sadly, ash trees are the victim of disease which will lead to their permanent demise within the next decade, so make the most of the landscape which will change dramatically within this time.


Photograph by Ben Sutherland 24 Mid Kent Living


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