Castle Farm Local Attractions & Walks

Castle Farm is set in one of the most picturesque areas of Kent – the Darenth Valley. There is plenty to entertain the whole family for a great day out  – from walks and gardens through to country village pubs and quaint little tea houses.

Please note, if you are visiting the area, please do not leave your car at The Hop Shop or Castle Farm and go for a walk. There is a public car park at the Lullingstone Visitor Centre.

Here are some links which you may find useful.

Local Attractions – Things to do

The valley has a range of attractions to appeal to the whole family for a day out;

• Lullingstone Country Park is next door to Castle Farm. The park has been recognised as internationally important for its collection of ancient trees, with over 300 veteran oak, beech, ash, hornbeam and sweet chestnut, some of which are thought to be 800 years old. The Lullingstone Visitor Centre serves hot food and drinks and offers toilet facilities, picnic benches and a children’s playground.
• Hundreds of plants from all over the world are on display at the beautiful Lullingstone World Garden and Castle
• Learn all about how Romans lived in our area at The English Heritage Lullingstone Roman Villa
• Standing within a picturesque village, Eynsford Castle is a rare example of an early Norman ‘enclosure castle’, and it looked after by English Heritage.
• The kids will enjoy  seeing eagles in flight at the Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre in Eynsford
• The Shoreham Aircraft Museum

Slightly further afield in Kent

• National Trust’s Ightam Mote, Knole Park, Chartwell and Emmetts Garden
• Riverhill Himalayan Gardens – excellent for families
• Downe House – the home of Charles Darwin
• Plus the beautifully impressive Hever Castle and Leeds Castles.

Where to Eat

During the summer, our Castle Farm Coffee Cart will be back – serving take away hot drinks, barista made coffee and ice creams, plus there is plenty of farm foods and snacks in the farm shop. But if you want to sit in a cafe to enjoy, then you can try these lovely local gems –

• The Honey Pot café in Shoreham
• Riverside Tearooms in Eynsford
• Sallys Cake Emporium in Otford.

Or lunch at one of the local pubs or our Vineyard next door –

• Taste some Shoreham wine at The Mount Vineyard – they serve stone baked pizzas and excellent antipasto.
• Pubs in Eynsford include; The Malt Shovel, The Castle and The Plough, in a lovely river setting.
• Pubs in Shoreham include; The Crown, The Two Brewers, Ye Olde George Inn and the Kings Arms.

Unfortunately we do not offer picnic areas on Castle Farm (apart from our pre-booked Lavender picnic evening events), but you can take a picnic to Lullingstone Country Park.

Walking The Darenth Valley

The Darenth Valley can offer plenty of lovely footpaths and cycle routes.

There is a lovely five mile walk between Shoreham station and Eynsford station which has been put together by the Royal Geographical Society’s Discovering Britain project. You can download a PDF or an audio guide to accompany this walk which is called ‘From Hops to Lavender’ and is narrated by Farmer William. This walking guide offers you the opportunity to learn about the  how the lie of the land – its slopes, rivers and the rocks beneath your feet – influences what can be grown. Discover how farming practices have changed over the generations through the personal stories of a local farmer.

“We went on the Darent Valley walk ‘From hops to lavender’ and haven’t stopped talking about it since. The walk was incredibly well researched and planned, making it very informative and easy to understand. ” Luke Smith and Eleanor Sleet, Dulwich



Where to stay

There is limited accommodation in the direct local vicinity – but a few little gems below, plus you can try Airbnb.

• Little T in Shoreham Bed & Breakfast
• Darenth Hulme Barn Bed & Breakfast
• White Hill Woods- Two cosy holiday cottages in Shoreham
• Brands Hatch Place Hotel
• Brands Hatch Mecure Hotel
• The Castle Hotel in Eynsford

A little further afield;

• Stable Oak Cottages – self-catering on a lovely little farm
• Donnington Manor Hotel