At 189 hectares (467 acres), this is our largest countryside site. It sits on the west side of the beautiful Darent Valley, overlooking Shoreham Village.
Shoreham Woods is actually five different woodlands, all linked together by rolling downland grazed by sheep. In spring, much of the woodland is carpeted with a spectacular display of bluebells and it is also home to several rare orchid species.
The woods are home to many old trees, including a grove of ancient yews.
The toilets are open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, at the Ranger's Lodge in the car park at the west end of Shacklands Road.
Walking trails
There are three waymarked walking trails:
- the Lizard Walk (one mile)
- the Owl Walk (three miles), and
- the Orchid Walk (four miles)
Free leaflets are available for all of these from the Ranger's Lodge located in Shacklands Road, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7TY. The Lizard Walk leaflet is also available in large print for visually impaired people.
There is a horse riding route crossing Meenfield Wood, but no facilities for cyclists. A wheelchair-accessible path runs from the Ranger's Lodge through Andrews Wood to a picnic area.
Location and how to find
Access the site from the A224 at the top of Polhill. Heading towards London, turn right at the roundabout just past the nursery into Shacklands Road.
The entrance to the car park is 400 yards on the right. The car park closes at 5pm in the winter and 7pm in the summer and re-opens at 7am.
The nearest stations are at Shoreham, 1 mile from Meenfield Wood and Knockholt, 1.5 miles from Andrews Wood.