Forest bathing at Lullingstone Country Park

Lullingstone Country Park covers about 460 acres of ancient woodland and chalk grassland in the Darent valley near Eynsford. It is known for its old trees: more than 300 veteran oaks, beeches, ash, hornbeams and sweet chestnuts, some of them perhaps 800 years old, in a collection described as internationally important. Trees this old are worth slowing down for. Spend time with one, look at the bark, the hollows and the deadwood, and you will find there is plenty going on.

The visitor centre, with its café, shop and toilets, is the natural place to start. Easy access trails with surfaced paths run near the centre, and four waymarked trails go further out across the grassland and into the woods. In summer the chalk grassland fills with orchids, and the Darent Valley Path runs past the park if you want a longer walk. The park opens at 9am and closes at dusk; it is closed on Christmas Day. Cycling is not allowed, which keeps the paths calm.