eynsford garden safari

Eynsford Garden Safari

17th june 2023, 11:00 - 16:00.

Explore the gardens of Eynsford and raise funds for Eynsford Village Hall. More details here.  https://eynsfordvh.com/wp/even...

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We are hiring - vacancy for assistant clerk 23rd july 2024, change to opening times 22nd july 2024, community walk to protect pedham place 18th june 2024, upcoming dates, epc meeting 19th september 2024, 19:30, committee meetings 7th october 2024, 19:30, epc meeting 17th october 2024, 19:30.

Sonnet Wind Orchestra – 27th May, EVH!

Good news!  As some residents may have read last month, the Sonnet Wind Orchestra is coming to Eynsford Village Hall on Saturday 27th May.

The Orchestra is a pool of mainly professional and ex-professional musicians where membership is by invitation – this means that the Orchestra can always maintain the highest of standards as anyone at the concert in Shoreham Church last year will confirm.  Even the, shall we say, more mature members of the audience were dancing in the aisles!

The Orchestra has over 30 members (squeezing them all onto the stage will be interesting!) and they are drawn from all over south east England.  It has already established an enviable reputation, not only for its high standards and versatility but also for its imaginative programming.  The audience is treated to a concert of music of all styles, containing a mixture of popular classics, songs from shows, film scores with.music from Irving Berlin, via Puccini to the Beatles.  For this concert there will also be a special focus on Eynsford composers and celebrities associated with the Darent Valley.

The musicians have done numerous charity concerts and they are giving their services for nothing, with all proceeds will go towards the new Eynsford Village Hall.

Tickets are only £10 online at https://buytickets.at/eynsfordvillagehall with tickets on the door at £12 (half price for under 18s) or by email to [email protected] There will be a pay bar.

So come along for a rather special evening – but hurry, we know that tickets for this will sell fast!

EYNSFORD GARDEN SAFARI –  Saturday 17th  &  Sunday 18th June 2023

The Garden Safari gives people the chance to wander round 17 gardens in Eynsford.  All are different ranging from the formal to the ecological. Some concentrate on flowers, others fruit and vegetables.  All are within walking distance and refreshments will be available at three of the gardens. Toilet facilities will also be available.Tickets cost £10 for the whole weekend (children under 16 go free). Tickets are available online at  https://buytickets.at/eynsfordvillagehall A list of all the gardens is shown below – a programme giving details of all the gardens can be obtained from any of the gardens upon showing proof of purchase – this will act as your entry ticket.

• The Manse, Priory Lane
• Tills House, Priory Lane
• New Place, Castle Yard, Sunday only
• The Old Manse, High Street
• 31 Pollyhaugh, Sunday only
• 65 Pollyhaugh
• 68 Pollyhaugh
• 30 St Martin’s Drive
• 21 St Martin’s Drive
• 35 Eynsford Ride, Sunday only
• 43 Eynsford Rise
• 40 Eynsford Rise
• 49 Eynsford Rise
• Othona, Station Road, Saturday only
• Hollyhurst Cottage Station Road
• The Mill, 4 Riverside, Sunday only
• Griffins, Sparepenny Lane, Saturday only

• World Travel
• English Heritage
• National Trust

Our World for You

Exploring the picturesque village of eynsford in kent, last updated 31st august 2021, discover eynsford’s ancient history and take a paddle in the ford.

When Gary and I recently visited the village of Eynsford in Kent, it was like strolling down memory lane for both of us. Separately as children, we were taken to Eynsford by our respective parents to the quaint, historic village. Although at the time, I don’t believe it was the charming, characterful architecture that was luring us in. It was most certainly the fun to be had at the riverside ford. Today when I see Eynsford through the eyes of an adult, I see a picture postcard setting with a charming medieval hump-back bridge straddling the River Darent. However, as a child, I couldn’t wait to run to the ford and splash my feet around and venture under the dark narrow bridge to discover what lurks beyond.

How to get to Eynsford

By Train - You can catch a train from London Victoria to Eynsford Station , which takes around 45 minutes. Eynsford Station is about ½ mile (800m) from Eynsford village centre, so about a 10–15-minute walk. By Car - Eynsford can be easily accessed from the M25 (jct. 3) and M20 (jct. 1). There’s a free car park in the centre of the village opposite St Martin of Tours Church.

The ford at Eynsford

Stay informed

Eynsford country charm.

The lush Darent Valley forms part of the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). If you’d like to explore more of the Kent Downs, take a look at our road trip around the AONB region . We’ve also created a post on the historic village of Farningham just 1 ½ mile along the road.

If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".

You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback .

Eynsford Castle

Just off the central High Street in Eynsford by the village hall is Eynsford Castle. This rare surviving early Norman ‘enclosure castle’ was constructed in the late 1080s by William de Eynsford. As centuries passed and its inheritance was disputed over, Eynsford Castle fell into disrepair and ruin. Although there are significant sections of the impressive stone curtain wall that can still be seen.

Eynsford Castle is now managed by English Heritage and is one of their sites that is free to visit and so peaceful to stroll around. You can see wonderful views of the Darent Valley and beyond. Nearby Eynsford is the Lullingstone Roman villa, which was constructed during the late 1st century. The Roman Villa is also managed by English Heritage, and there is a charge to visit.

Hiking the Kent Countryside

Eynsford’s picturesque High Street

The main route through Eynsford can get a little busy at times but don’t let it distract you from its quaintness and charm. It truly is a village that has stood the test of time.

Eynsford’s population has grown over the years; however, it still feels like it retains a strong sense of community. Norman’s traditional family butchers and Rafferty’s Village Store certainly look like they could divulge a tale or two.

Escape for a few days

Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?

After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.

The legacies of William de Eynsford

In the centre of the village is the Church of St Martin. It was built during the 11th & 12th-centuries out of local Kent flint and stone. Various parts of the church were then continually added to over the centuries. You know me, I never miss an opportunity to have a wander around a churchyard.

The land of Eynsford was given to one of William the Conqueror’s Norman Knights (Unspac), once William of Normandy was crowned King of England in 1066. Unspac’s son (Ralf) proceeded to have Eynsford Castle and the St Martin’s Church built and named himself William de Eynsford out of respect for his King.

Where to stay

The thirsty villagers of eynsford.

The four pubs and inns at Eynsford are The Castle Hotel, originally named the Harrow Inn and first mentioned in 1829. It was later owned by Elliott Till of Eynsford and was a teetotaller; he decreed that only one alcoholic drink per person per day was to be served. The brewery was not happy with this decision and took him to the high court. The Castle Hotel is now a Shepherd Neame pub.

Just a few doors down is The Five Bells Inn ; the earliest record of this building is 1745. The Five Bells serves the local community in a relaxed atmosphere. In the winter months, you can enjoy an ale around their wood-burning fire.

At the other end of the High Street heading south out of the village is The Malt Shovel . This welcoming timber-framed old inn offers a selection of local beer and serves food seven days a week.

The charming and often bustling riverside pub in Eynsford is The Plough Inn , located nearby the ford along the River Darent. A wide selection of cuisines is served at The Plough; you’ll be spoilt for choice, but make sure you save room for a scrumptious dessert.

Eynsford’s bohemian lodgers

Things to see and do nearby Eynsford

Within a short distance of Eynsford, there are plenty of other attractions and activities to keep you occupied. Here are a few that you may enjoy. Eynsford Castle - English Heritage (Free entry) Lullingstone Roman Villa - English Heritage Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden Lullingstone Country Park Eagle Heights Wildlife foundation Farningham Wood Nature Reserve Brands Hatch Darent Valley Path Castle Farm - Lavender Farm (seasonal)

* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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The Flamingo Hiker

Walks Ideas & Inspiration For Londoners

Eynsford Circular Walk: The Perfect Countryside Pub Walk

25 October 2021 By Lily

Whether you are familiar with Eynsford or have never been to that side of the world, the Eynsford circular walk is perfect for a day out. Easily accessible from London, with points of interest along the way, this walk is suited for all types of hikers from casual to those with more experience. With breathtaking views of the rolling Kent countryside and the Darent Valley, this walk offers different types of landscapes. Not another “always the same” walk!

It is not the first time I hike near Eynsford or in Kent for that matter. But this time is different as we chose to do a loop. The benefit of a circular walk is that it is easier for transport whether you opt for public transport or for driving. It is also cheaper if you go by train as you can buy a day return ticket so that you are left with more money to spend at the pub at the end. And this walk even has 2 pub stops. What more do you need?

Logistics for the Eynsford Circular Walk

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20.10 km)
• Ascent : 1181 ft (360 m)
• Walking Estimate : 5 hours and 15 minutes
• Difficulty : Intermediate
• Train from London Blackfriars to Eynsford. It takes 55 minutes by direct train.
• Train from London Victoria to Eynsford. The journey takes 45 minutes
• Train from Charing Cross to Eynsford. The journey takes 40 minutes or 1 hour depending on the train.
• It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
• What to bring with you : Comfortable footwear and clothing, depending on the weather bring your rain gear or a headcover and sunscreen, gaiters as the path can get really muddy, water (2L recommended), snacks (but no lunch as you’ll end at the pub), money
• Additional Information : Toilets are available at the King’s Arms in Shoreham where we stop for a mid-way break

Highlights of the Eynsford Circular Walk

• Eynsford village
• Eynsford Viaduct
• Castle Farm Shop

Lullingstone Castle

• Darent River
• Drink(s) or coffee at the Kings Arms in Shoreham
• Sunday roast at the Castle Inn in Eynsford

Eynsford Circular Walk

Accessible to hikers and walkers of all levels, whether it is your first or you have more experience, this levelled hike is perfect for a day out and a Sunday roast with friends!

Eynsford to Shoreham

We start the walk in the village of Eynsford, Kent, in the Darent Valley, surrounded by farmland and woods. If you have time to roam around the village, you can find a 16th Century Plough Inn, an old mill, and a Norman Castle built in 1088. As you come out of the station and walk on Station Road towards the river, you find a ford alongside a Stonebridge. Cross over the bridge and walk along the river. When the path divides, take the one going away from the river and onto the fields.

There you are welcome by cows grazing in the meadows. Continue on that trail and take the time to admire the beauty of the undulating Kent countryside.

You arrive at Lullingstone Golf Course. Mind the golf balls and walk along the course until you reach a forested area. You enter Beechen Wood for a short walk and come out on the other side back in the golden fields. passing by Coombe Hollow and Cockerhust Farms. You then arrive at the locality of Darenthdale where the route diverges. From there, You have then the choice between the “ forest path ” or the “ view path “. What I mean by “ view path ” is that you are walking on the ridge of the hill, therefore you get a perfect view over the valley. It is up to you!

The White Cross

Personally, I prefer the “ view path ” as there is a perfect spot for a break as you arrive at the World War I memorial, with a white cross cut into the chalky hill. There, you can find benches that are perfect for a snack break. Alternatively, if you opted for the “ wood path “, you would have to find a log to enjoy your break.

After you finish your snack break, continue on the path until you reach the edge of the forest. There you find a gate and on the other side are ponies blocking the way. I have been on a hike before passing by that same gate, and they were there as well preventing us from going any further. We believe they are Shetland ponies based on their short size, hairy legs and long mane as well as their bad attitude. Be mindful when opening the gate, not to scare or provoke them. If you take your time and approach them calmly, they will let you stroke them.

Go down the hill, cross over the Darent River and continue until you reach the Darenth Valley Golf Course. After the horses, now you need to watch out for golf balls (again); there are so many hazards on this hike! Cut across the Gold Course and you arrive at Shoreham.

Related Content: Otford to Eynsford Walk

Shoreham back to Eynsford

Formerly a smuggling area, Shoreham is sadly known to be the most bombed village of Britain during World War II. I would recommend, if you have time, to stop at the King’s Arms for a coffee/drink and a toilet break. This traditional British pub has one of the last Jolly Ostler windows in the country.

Get back on the road and start by walking along the river. If you did not stop at the chalk cross for a snack break, you can alternatively stop here as there is a lovely picnic area with tables as you enter the road alongside the vines. Continue on that trail and as you get closer to the Castle Farm Shop, you can start seeing pumpkins on the fields (FYI, I did that walk in October).

The Castle Farm Shop

When you arrive in front of the shop, should you be doing that walk in October time, there is a pumpkin market where you can find pumpkins of all sorts, with various shapes and colours. If you were planning on making a soup, or simply doing some carving, you will definitely find what you need.

Enter the shop, and you can continue your Halloween shopping with a selection of home decorations, outfit accessories and sweets. Of course, the Castle Farm Shop traditionally sells products that are made with Lavender from the fields. Therefore, you can find sprays, soaps and oil as well as cakes and teas. Make your way to the backroom where the Christmas decoration is making an appearance. How to kill 2 birds with one stone!

If you are interested in pumpkin picking, check out the Pumpkin Picking in Kent article to learn more about the Stanhill Farm pumpkin patch.

With your backpack full of dried lavender bags, jams (and a pumpkin?), continue walking along the river. Depending on the season when you are doing the walk, note that this part of the hike can get extremely muddy. Gaiters are highly recommended. From there, it won’t be long before you reach Lullingstone Castle .

The two-tower gated castle and its Manor House belongs to the Hart Dyke family. It is also the home of the World Garden of Plants, designed by the heir of the family, the botanist Tom Hart Dyke. The gardens are open to the public from April to October.

Whether you chose to visit the Castle and its garden or simply take a picture of the impressive gate and move on, you have reached the last stretch of this walk.

Concrete path haters, beware!

From the Castle to Eynsford you would be sharing the road with oncoming cars and have to repeatedly squizz to one side and stop to let the cars go.

Viaduct and Pub

However, you would be rewarded for your efforts as you get to go under the Eynsford Viaduct. Inaugurated in 1862, this 75 feet (22 metres) tall viaduct counts 9 arches. Once you have passed the viaduct, you can walk alongside the river until you reach Eynsford village.

Cross over the bridge (the same stone bridge you crossed at the beginning) to get to the High Street. Here you can find a selection of restaurants and pubs, and my recommendation for you to end this walk with the perfect comfort food is the Castle Inn . With a selection of Sunday roasts coming in four different sizes, served in a traditional British pub atmosphere, what more do you need to end the day on a good note?

Bon appetit!

Eynsford Circular Walk Map

If you want to hike the Eynsford Circular walk described in this post, download the map below by clicking on the download button. Please note that the map is in GPX format. To upload and read it with your navigation app, please see my step-by-step guide here .

Have you ever hiked near Eynsford? Let me know about your adventure in the comments below.

Like this walk? Pin it!

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Lullingstone Park and Castle, Eynsford

Swanley england, kent, introduction.

Lullingstone is a medieval deer park of 186 hectares originally associated with Lullingstone Castle. The park was restyled during the 18th and 19th centuries and since 1945 the recreational aspect of the park has been developed and the site now includes a visitor and education centre and waymarked walks through the extensive woodland. A 'World Garden' displaying plants from around the globe was created at the Castle in the early-21st century.

Later 18th-century restyling, the planting of introduced tree species in the 19th century followed by the effects of two world wars and contemporary recreational requirements, have all made their mark on this area of Kentish countryside. It continues, in essence, as a beautiful park for public enjoyment.

The Visitor Centre at Kingfisher Bridge, Eynsford, has many leaflets on all aspects of park interest.

The following is from the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. For the most up-to-date Register entry, please visit the The National Heritage List for England (NHLE):

www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

A mid- to late 18th-century landscape park created from an earlier deer park. The park surrounds a 16th-century and later country house with informal pleasure grounds and gardens, parts of which overlie 17th- and 18th-century formal gardens.

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION, AREA, BOUNDARIES, LANDFORM, SETTING

Lullingstone Castle stands 7km east of Orpington and 1 km south-west of the village of Eynsford. The c 300ha site is bounded largely by agricultural land, with Castle Road adjoining the site at the east end of the south boundary, Redman's Lane adjoining the site on the south boundary alongside Home Wood, and the A225 road bounding the eastern tip of the site. The park boundary is well marked, particularly to the north, west and south, by the remains of ditches and banks surviving from the park pale with service tracks (now footpaths) running alongside, and in places by C 19 iron park fencing, particularly on the south and west boundaries. The site occupies the valley of the River Darent which enters at the east end of the south boundary. The river runs for 1 km northwards, alongside the east side of the lake, then between the gardens and pleasure grounds, emerging at the east end of the north boundary. To the west two dry valleys run up towards a plateau of the North Downs in the west corner of the park. The setting is rural, with panoramic views from the eastern half of the park north and south along the Darent valley, and east to the steep valley side. The M25 runs parallel 100 to 200m west of the west boundary, and Lullingstone Roman Villa lies adjacent to the north boundary close to where the Darent leaves the site.

ENTRANCES AND APPROACHES

The former main approach during the C 19 and C20 enters from the A225, on the east side of the site, 350m north-east of the Castle at the east side of the park, giving direct access from Sevenoaks to the south and Eynsford to the north. To the north of the entrance stands a C 19 lodge, built in Picturesque style. From here the east drive extends south-west down the hillside, flanked by parkland to the east and the wooded pleasure grounds to the west. 125m south-east of the Castle the drive turns north-west, leading to a late C20 footbridge which crosses the course of the River Darent 75m from the Castle. The footbridge replaced an earlier bridge which carried the drive in the C 19. From here the drive continues north-west around the south front of the Castle, turning north to enter the lawned forecourt on the west front of the Castle at a turning circle, overlooked by the central front door. The forecourt is bounded on the north side by the kitchen garden wall, adjacent to which stands the medieval parish church of St Botolph, set in the forecourt lawn. The west side of the forecourt is bounded by a the gatehouse of c 1500, from which a yew hedge extends north to the southwest corner of the kitchen garden, and stables and other outbuildings lead south, turning east along the west side of the south boundary of the forecourt. The remainder of the south side is bounded by lawns which lead south to the lakeside. From the gatehouse a gravel drive leads east, linking it directly with the Castle.

The west drive enters the park off Parkgate Road adjacent to Park G ate House, 2.5km west of the Castle. From here the west drive curves east through the centre of the park, crossing the western plateau and descending via the bottom of the southern of the two dry valleys into the Darent Valley, overlooked by Summerhouse Knoll to the south, and the site of the former obelisk to the north. The west drive arrives at the gatehouse on the west side of the forecourt.

A third, north drive enters off Lullingstone Lane, 650m north of the Castle, adjacent to the remains of Lullingstone villa, giving access from Eynsford. From here the north drive extends south, alongside meadows leading down to the Darent to the east, bounded on the west side by estate houses including Lullingstone Park Farm and Lilac Cottage. The drive runs alongside the west wall of the kitchen garden to arrive at the gatehouse. The drive continues southwards from the gatehouse as a path which emerges 650m south-west of the Castle at Castle Road alongside the Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre.

The present drive system was apparently largely developed by the C 19. By 1769 (Andrews, Dury and Herbert) the west drive was in place. The present north drive and southern extension follow the course of the old public road as shown by Andrews, Dury and Herbert. This linked Eynsford with Shoreham to the south and was superseded by the turnpike road which now forms the A225. Castle Road was built to link the turnpike and the east end of Redman's Lane after the old road was closed in 1861. The east drive is first shown on the 1802 estate map.

PRINCIPAL BUILDING

Lullingstone Castle (C 16 and C18, listed grade II*) stands towards the east edge of the park, in the valley of the River Darent, and may occupy the site of an earlier manor house. The three-storey house is brick-built, its entrance front to the west, with kitchen and laundry blocks to the south, and the garden front to the north. The Castle enjoys extensive views west across the park and north and south along the Darent valley. The house as originally built was surrounded by a moat to the north, west and south, with a large inner gatehouse at the entrance to the moated forecourt (sketch, 1670-80, gone by the later C 18), but these features were removed in the mid C 18.

75m west-north-west of the Castle stands the massive gatehouse (1497, listed grade I). Built of red brick it is rectangular in plan with polygonal turrets attached to the west, outer face. The central gateway gives access to the forecourt from what was formerly the public road and from the west drive to the forecourt leading to the Castle. Some 50m west of the Castle stands the L-shaped stable block (C 16, altered C 19, listed grade II), now (2004) converted to a cottage.

30m north-west of the Castle stands the church of St Botolph (medieval with C18 decoration, listed grade I), set on the north side of the forecourt. It is built largely of knapped flint with a large early C 18 stuccoed south porch and west bell turret, and contains a collection of fine memorials to the Peche, Hart and Dyke families.

GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS

The gardens and pleasure grounds enclose the house to the north, east and south, and are divided into two main sections: the gardens to the west of the River Darent and the pleasure grounds to the east, leading up the hillside towards the A225.

The gardens are laid largely to informal lawn, extending north, south and eastwards from the Castle. At the north-west corner of the Castle stands a group of three mature Cedars of Lebanon, linking the north side of the forecourt and the church with the north lawn. The west side of the north lawn is bounded by the kitchen garden. To the east the lawns are bounded by the river, and the north end is bounded by paddocks running parallel to the river. The south lawn leads down to the lake. In the C 17 and mid C 18 (sketch, 1670-80; oil painting, mid C 18) the north lawn contained the main garden compartments, divided into two formal, walled lawns of unequal size reached across the moat from the north front via a small footbridge, with a summerhouse at the south-east corner close to the Castle. The lawns were surrounded by gravel paths and lines of trees, and some of the walls were planted with fruit trees. To the south of the Castle were two narrow lawns which may have been bowling greens.

East of the River Darent lie the wooded pleasure grounds. These are now (2004) reached via the footbridge on the east drive, but formerly a bridge further downstream linked the pleasure grounds with the north lawn. The footings of this bridge survive, together with a brick pier on the east side, and may be the successor to the bridge shown in the mid C 18 oil painting. A path runs northwards alongside the river at the west edge of the pleasure grounds. From here the ground rises steeply eastwards towards the A225, planted with mature trees of mixed species including beech and London plane. This slope enjoys long views across the park to the west. An C 18 brick and flint ice house (listed grade II) is set into the hillside part way up the slope, c 125m east of the Castle. The walls of an C 18 flint bath house (listed grade II) stand c 150m further north, between the path and the river. The bath house is rectangular in plan, with an apsidal north end. It is now roofless but appears to have been of a single storey, and retains a rectangular plunge pool at the centre of the floor.

South of the Castle lies a lake, the northern tip formed in the later C 18, which was extended southwards to its present size by gravel workings in the mid C20. It is enclosed by a band of woodland. Long views extend southwards across the lake along the valley beyond. In 1769 (Andrews, Dury and Herbert) this was given over to a rectangular area of parkland completely enclosed by the River Darent and a subsidiary arm, but by 1802 (estate map) the oval lake had been formed at the north end. On the upper slope to the east of the lake are the remains of the rectangular Victorian ice skating rink shown on 1907 OS.

The park extends west from the gardens and pleasure grounds and is overlooked by the west front of the Castle. It is laid largely to woodland and pasture. For a detailed description of its history see Pittman (1983). A golf course occupies much of the open land, and a late C20 club house stands close to the west boundary on the high plateau which occupies this end of the park. The park contains many copses and single trees, including veteran oak pollards, with extensive woodland along much of the south boundary. Panoramic views extend from the north and south boundaries along the Darent, and east along the two dry valleys over the river to the hillside beyond (outside the area here registered).

The park is dominated by the two valleys rising westwards from River Darent valley, divided by a central shoulder of land which extends out into the river valley from the plateau at the west side of the park. A deer-keeper's lodge and a deer house formerly stood on this central shoulder (Pittman). Towards the east end of the hillside north of the northern valley lies the site of the former obelisk (late C18, gone), depicted on the 1802 estate map, and marked on the 1870 OS, which stood in a prominent position 850m north-west of the Castle. Summerhouse Knoll stands clkm south, in view of the site of the obelisk, 650m south-west of the Castle, on the southern valley side. An earth mound remains at the site of the summerhouse, planted with a mature Scots pine, but there is no visible sign of the summerhouse, which was shown on the Andrews, Dury and Herbert map of 1769 and the 1802 estate map, but does not appear on the 1870 OS.

The landscape park was laid out over the former medieval deer park in the mid- to late C 18 by Sir Thomas Dyke and his son Sir John Dixon Dyke, incorporating many earlier woodland features including many ancient oak and hornbeam pollards and wood pasture, and retaining much of the medieval ditch and bank.

KITCHEN GARDEN

The kitchen garden lies 30m north-west of the Castle. It is enclosed and divided into two unequal sections, to the north and south, by brick and flint walls (C 17-C 19, listed grade II), and entered off the north drive via a double gateway in the west wall. The larger area, to the south, is an irregular quadrangle. It contains the remains of the herb garden designed by Eleanour Sinclair Rohde for Zoe, Lady Hart Dyke in 1946. Although many of the beds have been grassed over, leaving a central pattern of beds, the beds and paths are still visible as earthworks in the lawn. The second area comprises a former slip garden to the north which incorporated a frameyard and other glasshouses (OS 1870), with an orangery at the east end, overlooking the north lawn. The orangery is now (2004) converted to a domestic residence. An C 18 octagonal brick dovecote (listed grade II) stands at the east end of this area, beyond the orangery, overlooking the north lawn.

The larger, southern area of the kitchen garden is shown laid out as an orchard in the late C 17 (drawing, 1670-80), enclosed by a perimeter path but otherwise undivided from the north lawn to the east. The 1802 estate map shows it at approximately its present extent, including the slips area to the north, the orangery overlooking the north lawn and the dovecote, but does not provide any internal detail. By the late C 19 the south-west corner had been cut off the kitchen garden to form part of the forecourt.

Lambarde, The Perambulation of Kent (1570)

E Hasted, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent (1797)

Country Life 34, (1 November 1913), pp602-08); 125 (23 April 1959), p 900; 174 (21 April 1983), pp 1045, 1048

John Harris, The Artist and the Country House (1979), p82

Susan Pittman, Lullingstone Park, The Evolution of a Mediaeval Deer Park (1983)

Transactions of the Kent Field Club, 9, part 3, (1984), pp 129-142

Lullingstone Castle (guide leaflet, no date, 1990s)

Philip Symondson, Plan of Kent, 1596

Andrews, Dury and Herbert, Topographical Map of the County of Kent, 1769

John Gudsell, Estate map, Lullingstone Park (1802) (private collection)

Ordnance Surveyor's Drawing (1798)

OS 6" to 1 mile: lst edition surveyed 1865-68, published 1870; 3rd edition published 1907

Illustrations

Lullingstone Castle, Kent, view of the Castle, church and gatehouse, (pen and wash drawing, no date, around 1670-80, illustrated in Harris))

Samuel Buck, The North-West View of Lullingstone-Castle in the County of Kent (engraving, no date, mid-18th century)

Lullingstone Castle from the north-east (oil painting, no date, early to mid-18th century, private collection, illustrated in Country Life 125 (23 April 1959), p 900)

Description written: February 2004

Register Inspector: SR

Access contact details

The park is open daily throughout the year. The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle has restricted opening times. Please see: http://www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk/info.htm

The site is off the A225.

Sevenoaks District Council,

Other Websites

• http://www.kentdowns.org.uk/interactive-map/lullingstone-castle-and-world-garden
• http://www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk/
• https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001687

A history of settlement at Lullingstone Park, Eynsford, can be traced back 2000 years. It was the establishment of the boundary banks, woods, pollard trees and open ground for the medieval deer park that forms the basic landscape of the park today.

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

The manor of Lullingstone was mentioned in the Domesday Survey. In 1279 the estate was acquired by Gregory de Rokesley, three times Lord Mayor of London, who was granted liberty of free warren in the same year. By 1368 John Peche, Alderman of London, had possession and also won the right of free warren. It is possible that a park was enclosed and laid out at this time. In the late 1490s Sir John Peche (died 1522) built a new house, including two detached gate houses, probably on the site of, or close to, an earlier manor house (Pittman). Sir John was prominent at the courts of Henry VII and VIII, the latter who probably visited Lullingstone several times, and appointed Sir John Lord Deputy of Calais in 1509. A tilt yard was apparently constructed for him on a flat area beyond the adjacent public road, immediately in front of the outer gate house.

In 1522 the estate passed to Sir John's nephew, Sir Percyvall Hart (died 1580), also prominent at the courts of the Tudor monarchs, who made Lullingstone his chief residence. The earliest reference to the deer park is in the earliest surviving manorial roll of 1545 (personal communication S Pittman, 20 Feb 2004). A deer park is mentioned at Lullingstone in 1570 by Lambarde and illustrated for the first time on Symondson's map of 1596. By the late 17th century (drawing, no date, around 1670-80, in Harris) the garden consisted of a number of formal enclosures: the house was surrounded by a walled moat and approached from the west via outer and inner forecourts, these guarded by the respective gatehouses; narrow, enclosed lawns lay to the south of the moat reached via a small bridge; an orchard and formal lawns with a square summerhouse lay to the north and north-west of the house; the church stood at the heart of the compartments within the walled churchyard, with a farmyard adjacent to the west; an avenue led west from the outer gatehouse, beyond the public road into the park. In the early 18th century Percyvall (died 1738), the last of the Harts at Lullingstone, who had inherited in 1700, remodelled Lullingstone House and church, and was visited by Queen Anne. (Pittman)

In 1738 the estate passed to Sir Thomas Dyke, who had married Percyvall's daughter, Anne. Sir Thomas's wealth derived from Sussex ironworks, and he used it to revive the fortunes of the estate, which he made his seat and which was renamed Lullingstone Castle. He and his son, Sir John Dixon Dyke (1756-1810) restored the apparently moribund park 'to its present state as a Park again' (Hasted, 1797, quoted in Pittman). Between 1738 and 1756 a new wooden fence was erected encircling the park (Pittman). Buck's engraving (mid-18th century) shows a similar layout to the drawing dating back to roughly the 1670s. A further mid-18th-century view, taken from the north-east beyond the River Darent, confirms this layout, and illustrates in greater detail the square-plan summerhouse, and a rectangular-plan dovecote further to the north, adjacent to pasture leading to the river (oil painting, mid-18th century). It also illustrates a low bridge or causeway across the river linking the west bank with the east bank. Sir John demolished the inner gate-house and walls, filled in the moat and created an informal lake to the south of the Castle (Pittman).

A plan of 1802 (estate map) provides a detailed picture of the layout of the park and gardens. It shows within the park a small building, a summer house, on Summerhouse Knoll, standing on a promontory above and to the south-west of the Castle, together with an obelisk to the north of the summerhouse standing prominently on a further shoulder of land to the north-west of the Castle.

In 1934 much of the park was sold to Kemp Town Brewery, Brighton who in turn sold it in 1938 to Kent County Council. In World War II a decoy airfield was sited in the park, and the Castle was occupied by the army. In 1946 the designer Eleanour Sinclair Rohde laid out a Tudor-style herb garden in the walled kitchen garden for Zoe, Lady Hart Dyke (Country Life, 1983). In the mid-1960s Dartford Rural District Council, having leased the park from Kent County Council, laid out an 18-hole golf course in the park, with a further 9-hole course added in the later 20th century. The park is presently leased by Sevenoaks District Council and remains (2004) in use as a public amenity; the Castle and grounds remain in private ownership.

Designations

The national heritage list for england: register of parks and gardens.

• Reference: GD3566
• Manor House (featured building)
• Earliest Date: 22 Dec 1496
• Latest Date: 22 Dec 1496
• Description: 19th-century iron park fencing.
• Earliest Date: 31 Dec 1799
• Latest Date: 01 Jan 1899
• Description: River Darent

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces

Open to the public

Civil parish.

• {English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest}, (Swindon: English Heritage, 2008) [on CD-ROM] Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
• Harris, J., {The Artist and the Country House} (London: Russell Chambers, 1979), p. 82 The Artist and the Country House
• Kent Gardens Trust {A Presentation of Parks: A survey of amenity parks and gardens in Kent} (Kent Gardens Trust) 21 A Presentation of Parks: A survey of amenity parks and gardens in Kent

Contributors

Kent Gardens Trust

Eynsford and Farningham news

FARNINGHAM CRICKET CLUB is looking for new players for its Women’s Cricket Team.

The team, having only been established in the last year, is keen to get off the ground and have facilities to cater for all ages and ability. At the moment the focus is on softball tournaments and games but they are looking to progress into hardball games within the next few years.

The club can offer training once a week, as well as games/tournaments and a social environment with events in their clubhouse and bar.

If you want to try playing to see if it is for you, Farningham Cricket Club is offering a two-week trial period.

Please contact Jess Ward for more information on 07896325257 or via email:

[email protected]

EYNSFORD IN BLOOM   working parties will be meeting at the main village car park opposite the church at 9.30am. Next Dates are Tuesdays: 10,17,24 April . Saturdays:  5 May.  For more information call Pauline Penny on 01322 864751.

A BOOT SALE is being held at Eynsford Village Hall, Saturday 14 April. For table bookings contact 01322 863550.

A LOCAL HISTORY   presentation on the Discovery of Saxon Place is being given by Dr Brian Philp on 27 April at Eynsford Village Hall, 7.30pm for 8pm start. Members free , non-members welcome £2. Website:  felhs.org.uk

THE POLYCHOR  SPRING CONCERT is on  Saturday 21 April, 7.30 pm at Farningham Church.  There will be interval refreshments and admission is £10 with under 15s free. Tickets are available from Normans the Butcherin  Eynsford , Wadard Books or email  [email protected].  Tickets are also available on the door.

A BLONDIE/70’s AND 80’s TRIBUTE NIGHT is being held in   Eynsford Village Hall on Saturday 2 June to help raise funds for the hall. Tickets £10 from 33, Pollyhaugh, Eynsford.

AXSTANE PLAYERS are   staging  The Turn of The Screw, a Victorian ghost story,  on Friday 8 July and Saturday 9 July at Farningham Village Hall . Tickets £8 from 01322 630680 or email  [email protected] .

THE EYNSFORD GARDEN SAFARI & CASTLE CONCERT are both being held on Sunday 17 June. Take a tour of some of the attractive gardens in the village and then at 3pm go to listen to great music performed at the big Concert in the Castle by Eynsford Concert Band and DVYM.

FARNINGHAM VILLAGE HALL is seeking a volunteer social secretary / fund raiser. If you are interested please contact  Viv Parker by email on  [email protected]    or by phone on 01322 862330.

A NEW BOOKING LINE has been introduced for   Farningham Village Hall. The hall website – farninghamvillagehall.co.uk  – now shows available dates and the rates of hire so you can check before booking. Then contact Micaela Levachyov, the new bookings secretary, on 07530 297707 or email  [email protected]

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Eynsford Gardeners'  Club

‘GROWING TOGETHER’

Dates for your diary

​ Annual Show

Sunday  15 September 2024

How to enter your produce

1. Look at the schedule and decide what you want to enter

2. Fill out the entry form

3. Post your entry form through the letterbox at 68 Pollyhaugh, or email your form to us at [email protected] , by Friday 13 September, 5pm

4. Bring your produce to Eynsford Village Hall between 9-10.45 am on Show Day, 15 September  ​

Winter Show/AGM

Saturday 23 November 2024

What's On!

A copy of the schedule for our Annual Show can be downloaded h ere .

Look at the instructions for our Potato Competition here .

Look at photos and a slide show from our Annual Show s ( below)

Become a member of Eynsford

Ga rdeners' Club (see Contact/Membership page)

Why  not  create a wildlife friendly hanging basket

Photos from 2022 Annual Show

Welcome to our website

...or, welcome back if this is not your first time.

Who are we?

You would think that there would be a simple answer to this but in fact we are lots of things; lovers of the garden, flowers, allotments, fresh home grown food, homemade cakes, wine, cookery, handicrafts, sheds, potting sheds, greenhouses and lots more.

For over 100 years Eynsford has, in one form or another, had a gardeners club (horticultural society if you like that kind of thing) which has brought people together to enjoy each other’s company, share stories, tips on getting the most out of your roses/courgette/tomatoes and just basically have a bit of fun. Fun is the important word here and so our shows are open to everyone regardless of age and ability. After all, what better way of learning about your garden or allotment that meeting others who have been there, done that!

We know that clubs like us need to show that we are not stale or unwelcoming and for this reason we have worked hard to get new members of all ages, young and old, to give it a go, join in and possibly even show the things that they have grown or made.

We have four daytime shows a year, Spring, Summer, Annual (the big one) and our Winter show which includes our record breaking very fast AGM!  At our shows there are opportunities to enter your flowers, vegetables, cookery or arts and crafts, and to win cups and prizes; or you might just like to browse the fantastic exhibits displayed.  At each show, we have refreshments including delicious homemade cakes.  We also organise a few outings each year.

You can get current show details by clicking on the link above. You can talk to us, join us or simply ask us a question by going to our contact page, or email us at [email protected] , or by messaging us on Facebook ( eynsfordgardenersclub ).

We hope to see you soon.