Nothing beats the combination of a good country stroll and a welcome post-hike roast & pint. With its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and abundant historic sites, Kent is considered by many to be the gem of southern England, and the perfect place for a leisurely day out. In this article, we’ll explore some of the greatest and most scenic pub walks Kent has to offer. From the charming seaside towns to the tranquil Beauty of the North Downs, you’ll discover incredible views, picturesque pubs, and captivating historic landmarks along the way. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely lunch stroll or an all-day adventure, come explore the best of Kent’s pub walks with us.
At a Glance
In a hurry? Check out the table below summarising the stats for each walk. I go into more detail about the walks in this article. You can also download the maps for free at the end of this post.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoreham to Eynsford | 4.4 mi (7 km) | 43 ft (13 m) | 1 hour 40 min | Easy |
| Eynsford Circular | 12.5 mi (20.1 km) | 1181 ft (360 m) | 5 hours 15 min | Intermediate |
| Otford to Eynsford | 9.6 mi (15.5 km) | 449 ft (137 m) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Dover to Folkestone | 8.14 mi (13.1 km) | 1184 ft (361 m) | 4 hours 5 min | Intermediate |
| Len Valley | 12.9 mi (20.7 km) | 489 ft (118 m) | 4 hours 45 min | Intermediate |
| Knole Park | 6 mi (9.6 km) | 556 ft (169 m) | 2 hours 30 min | Easy |
| Tunbridge Wells | 18.75 mi (30.15 km) | 1735 ft (529 m) | 7 hours 15 min | Challenging |
| Margate to Ramsgate | 9.30 mi (15km) | 144 ft (44m) | 3 hours 45 min | Easy |
| Otford to Oxted | 12.48 mi (20.08km) | 853 ft (260m) | 6 hours | Intermediate |
| Sole Street | 11.09 mi (17.84km) | 909 ft (277m) | 4 hours 40 min | Intermediate |
Pub Walks in Kent
1 – Eynsford
All the roads lead to Rome, and all the walks lead to Eynsford … well apparently it is true! With 3 walks to choose from ending in the village of Eynsford in Kent for a pub lunch at the Castle Inn, this is the place to start with (or end at) for a successful pub walk in Kent.
Shoreham to Eynsford
The first walk is a gentle stroll for Shoreham to Eynsford following the River Darent. On the way, you pass by landmarks such as the Lullingstone Castle and the Eynsford Viaduct.
- Distance: 4.4 miles (7 km)
- Ascent: 43 feet (13 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there: Day return tickets to Shoreham from Victoria Station and hop on the train at Eynsford on the way back.
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
Eynsford Circular
The second one is a circular walk around Eynsford, following the River Darent but this time going back to Eynsford via Shoreham Hill and its woodlands. You pass by the same famous places as the previous walk and add the Shoreham White Cross to the list of things to see.
- Distance: 12.5 miles (20.10 km)
- Ascent: 1181 ft (360 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there: Train from London Victoria to Eynsford. The journey takes 45 minutes. It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
- Additional Information: Toilets are available at the King’s Arms in Shoreham where we stop for a mid-way break
Otford to Eynsford
The final walk is the longest version of the first one, this time starting in Otford and passing by Shoreham. You go through the Lullingstone Castle and Farm Shop as well as the Eynsford viaduct but the mileage is longer. Therefore, you get to spend more time in the corn fields and meadows of the Kent countryside.
- Distance: 9.61 miles (15.46km)
- Ascent: 449 ft (137 m)
- Walking estimate: 4 hours and a half
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there: Trains from London Victoria. The plus side of this walk is that Otford and Eynsford are on the same line so you can buy a day return to Otford
Which one is for you? Read the complete walking guides of the Eynsford walks below to help you choose.
2 – Dover to Folkestone
Let’s head to the Coast for a walk along the top of the White Cliffs from Dover to Folkestone. Discover the beauty of the South Coast, passing by historical sites such as the ruins of a fort, a sound mirror from the war and the Battle of Britain Memorial. Ad the beauty of the vistas from the top of the cliffs to the luxurious vegetation down by the sea, a pub lunch and a drink at the end, this walk will amaze you!
Read the complete walk guide: Dover to Folkestone Walk
Logistics of the Dover to Folkestone Walk
- Distance:8.14 mi (13.1 km)
- Total Ascent: 1184 ft (361 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Train from London St Pancras to Dover Priory. The journey takes 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- For the return, take a train from Folkestone Central to London St Pancras. The journey takes 55 minutes.
- Southeastern services operate both trips so you can get a day return ticket to Dover Priory and jump on the train at Folkestone Central on your way back.
- What to Pack
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack
- Snack & packed lunch. There is a pub on the way if you don’t want to carry your own lunch
- The path is exposed so you would need a head cover, sunscreen and sunglasses if the weather is nice
- For the same reason as above if it is raining you would need a head cover and rain gear
- Hiking poles due to the hilly nature of this walk
- Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets on this walk
- Walk suitable for dog walkers
- Where to Eat
- Lunch pub stop (and toilets stop too): The Royal Oak, Capel-Le-Ferne
- Pub Stop at the end: The Ship Inn, Folkestone
Highlights of the Dover to Folkestone Walk
- Dover
- Drop Rebout Fort
- Western Heights
- Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror
- Capel-le-Ferne Village
- Battle of Britain Memorial
- Martello Tower 1
- The Siren artwork
- Folkestone
3 -Len Valley Walk
Often overlooked compared to other more popular hiking trails, the Len Valley walk seems to be a well-kept secret among hikers. And I am about to expose it! This linear walk following the River Len from Maidstone to Lenham passes by the spectacular Leeds Castle. From villages to golden fields, churches and parks, follow the River Len flow to … the pub, of course!
Read the complete walking guide: Len Valley Walk
Logistics of the Len Valley Walk
- Distance: 12.9 miles (20.7 km)
- Ascent: 489 feet (118 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there: Direct train from London Victoria to Maidstone East. The journey takes an hour. For the return take the direct train from Lenham to London Victoria. The return journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Both Maidstone East and Lenham are on the same train line so you can book an anytime-day return ticket to Lenham and get off at Maidstone East.
- What to bring with you:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear,
- Gaiters if it has been raining as you will be walking along a river so the path can get muddy,
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day,
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day as the route is exposed with no to very little forested areas,
- Backpack with water (2L at least recommended)
- Additional Information: There are public toilets in Mote Park
- Pub Stop: Red Lion Pub, Lenham
Highlights of the Len Valley Walk
- Maidstone
- Mote Park
- Fulling Mill Oast
- Leeds Castle
- River Len
- Lenham
4 – Knole Park Walk
A deer park, a Manor House, a golf course and a pub, what more do you need for a perfect day out? Jump into a fairytale-like walk where a mansion meets a herd of deer in the winter fog (or summer heat, depending on when you are planning to go). Sip on a warm cup of tea at the National Trust Coffee Shop before venturing onto the golf course. Cross the bridge and enter the woods on the edge of the park before making your way back to the entrance by a path at the bottom of a hill. Then, head to Sevenoaks High Street for a hearty meal in a traditional British pub!
Read the complete walking guide: Knole Park Walk
Logistics of the Knole Park Walk
- Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
- Ascent: 556 feet (169 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Direct trains from London Victoria, Charing Cross and Blackfriars. There are slow and fast trains so the journey can take from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes depending on the train. Check when booking.
- It is a circular walk so you can book an anytime day return ticket
- What to bring with you:
- Comfortable shoes and clothing. It is a walk in the park (literally) so you can leave all the technical gear at home
- Depending on the weather it could get muddy so you might want to wear wellies or bring gaiters with you
- Take a backpack with you for carrying water & snacks
- Additional Information: Public toilets are available on-site by the coffee shop
- Where to Eat:
- Brewhouse Cafe, Knole Park
- The Oak Tavern, Sevenoaks
Highlights of the Knole Park Walk
- Knole Park
- Knole House
- Knole Golf Course
- Deer
- Deer
- Deer
- Deer (well, you get me)
5 – Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk
This one is for avid hikers looking for a challenge. This 18.75 miles (30.15 km) circular hike (yes you read me right) is not for the fainted legs. However, who can complete the walk rip the reward of a pub meal at the end. Deal?
So this is what you need to do. Jump on a train to Tunbridge Wells, and escape onto High Woods where the ground is carpeted in the purple and blue of the bluebells (this walk is better done in May when the bluebells bloom). Then get onto the hills for impressive vistas over the High Weald. Go down to Pembury, Southborough and Sedhurst villages, walk through apple orchards and stop for lunch on the grounds of Somerhill Grammar School … Ready for the challenge?
Read the complete walking guide: Tunbridge Wells Circular
Logistics of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk
- Distance: 18.75 miles (30.15 km)
- Total Ascent: 1735 ft (529 m)
- Highest Point: 469 ft (143 m)
- Lowest Point: 98 ft (30 m)
- Walking estimate: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Challenging
- How to get there:
- Direct train from Charing Cross Station to Tunbridge Wells. The journey takes just under an hour.
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. You will be going up and down some steep hills so hiking shoes/ boots are highly recommended
- Backpack
- Packed Lunch & Snacks
- Gaiters if it has been raining the days before as the woodland paths can get muddy
- Headcover as it gets windy on top of the hills
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a bright day
- Hiking poles are advisable
- Additional Information
- There are no public toilets on this walk
- There are customer toilets available in local pubs in the villages and towns on the way
- Where to eat and drink:
- Claremont Pub, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Highlights of the Tunbridge Wells Walk
- Tunbridge Wells
- Pembury village
- The Old Church of St Peter in Pembury
- Tonbridge town
- Southborough town
- St Peter’s Church in Southborough
- Speldhurst village
- St Mary’s Church
- Rusthall village
6 – Margate to Ramsgate Walk
Margate to Ramsgate or Ramsgate to Margate? Whichever way you decide, there is a nice meal waiting for you at the end. Also known as the Viking trail, this gentle stroll alongside the South East coastline takes you through 11 beaches and bays, the Kingsgate Castle and the vibrant coastal town of Broadstairs.
On one side Margate has an interesting outdoor food installation called the Bus Cafe, a double-decker red bus turned into a food stall. Order from the bus and take your food to the dedicated picnic tables in front of the bus facing the sea. Dinner with a view!
On the other side, Ramsgate is a pretty coastal town with a lot of options for some decent seafood. Stop by the Mariniers on the port. You may not have the sea view but you will definitely get the nautical vibes!
Read the complete walking guide: Margate to Ramsgate Walk
- Distance: 9.30 miles (15km)
- Ascent: 144 ft (44m)
- Walking estimate: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Trains from London St Pancras. I would recommend you buy a day -return to Margate.
- You can get off at Ramsgate if you are doing the walk starting from Ramsgate
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing, pairs of trainers (the trail is on concrete so I would not recommend taking your hiking boots on this walk),
- sunscreen, sunglasses and head cover as the path is exposed
- Backpack with water (2litres recommended) & Snacks
- Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available in Broadstairs at the Victoria Gardens
- This is a stile-free walk
- This walk is dog-friendly
- Where to eat:
- Ice cream stop at Morelli’s, Broadstairs
- Take away traditional fish & chips at the Bus Cafe, Margate
- Locally sourced fish & chips with a beer at the Mariners Bar, Ramsgate
Highlights of the Margate to Ramsgate Walk
- The Viking trail
- Margate
- Broadstairs
- Ramsgate
- 11 beaches and bays
- Kingsgate Castle
7 – Otford to Oxted Walk
We start this walk at the same place as one of the walks at the start of this selection of the best pub walks in Kent: Otford. But this time, let’s get to Oxted. This hike takes you through the rolling Kent countryside and its corn fields, golden straw fields, meadows, farmlands and woodlands before reaching the Old Bell in Oxted for a dinner in the sun-kissed back garden. A well-deserved treat after a long walk!
Read the complete walking guide: Otford to Oxted Walk
Logistics of the Otford to Oxted Walk
- Distance: 12.48 miles (20.08km)
- Ascent: 853 ft (260m)
- Walking estimate: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Direct train from London Victoria to Otford. The journey takes 36 minutes
- For the return, take a direct train from Oxted to London Victoria. The journey takes 39 minutes.
- Please note that Otford and Oxted are not on the same line so you would need to buy both journeys separately
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothes and footwear
- Headcover, sunglasses and sunscreen if you are going on a sunny day as a large portion of this walk is exposed
- Rain gear if showers are forecasted for the same reason as above
- Backpack with water (2 litres recommended) & snacks
- Hiking poles are advisable
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Where to eat: The Old Bell, Oxted
Highlights of the Otford to Oxted Walk
- Otford
- North Downs
- Oxted
- Eat at the Old Bell
8 – Sole Street Circular Walk
For the last of the best pub walks in Kent, I take you to the best spot to end a hike. This pub has been named Charles Dickens‘ favourite ale house in Kent: the Leather Bottle!
This circular walk through the rolling scenery of the Garden of England passes by lush green meadows, mystic woods and the Darnley Mausoleum which you can visit. And who knows, you may encounter Highland Cattle grazing by the mausoleum as they have been introduced in the region to rehabilitate the woodlands pastures.
Read the complete walking guide: Sole Street Circular Walk
Logistics of the Sole Street Circular Walk
- Distance: 11.09 miles (17.84km)
- Ascent: 909 ft (277m)
- Walking estimate: 4 hours and 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Direct train from London Victoria to Sole Street. The journey takes 50 minutes.
- It is a circular walk so you back book a day return ticket
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear,
- Backpack with water (ideally 2 litres) & snacks
- Headcover, sunglasses and sunscreen as portions of this walk are on exposed paths
- Rain gear for the same reason as you will get wet if it starts raining
- Hiking poles are advisable
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Where to eat: The Leather Bottle, Cobham
Maps of the Best Pub Walks in Kent
Do you want to do some of these walks? Simply download the GPS maps by clicking on the button below the image. Learn how to upload the map onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pub Walks in Kent
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing pub walk in Kent – the beautiful landscape, the historical landmarks, and the hospitable locals make it an experience like no other. From the greenery of the rolling hills to the slick city streets, there are countless routes to explore and enjoy, with delicious drinks and meals to refuel along the way. So why not treat yourself and book your next pub walk in Kent today?
And you, what is your favourite pub walk in Kent? Let me know in the comments below.
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