White Horse Wood

White Horse Wood is a young country park in Kent, in south-east England, close to the village of Thurnham and just north of Maidstone. It covers roughly 26 hectares on the North Downs ridge and pairs an easy woodland walk with traces of very distant history.

What is White Horse Wood?

It is Kent's newest country park, created as a Millennium project and managed by Kent County Council. It was established to replace ancient woodland on top of the North Downs, and today it is mainly a place for quiet walks in the open air. The park lies inside the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the site itself is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

What can you see here?

For history lovers the main draw is the medieval ruin of Thurnham Castle, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The castle forms a separate part of the park and can be reached on foot from the main area and car park.

The park also preserves traces of an Iron Age settlement. The site of the old enclosure sits beside the main path, so a short stroll lets you set two very different eras side by side: an ancient farming community and a medieval stronghold.

Much of the park is newly planted. More than 20,000 trees have gone in, including oak, ash, silver birch, wild cherry and crab apple. The young trees form a patchwork of copses and open ground, and views across the surrounding countryside from the hillside are another reason to visit.

Planning your visit

Entry to the park is free, but the car park is pay and display. The entrance is opposite the Kent County Showground on the A249 when heading towards Maidstone. For satnav, use Detling Hill, Maidstone, ME14 3JE. Check current opening hours with the park's managers before you travel.

There are no toilets or other visitor facilities on site, so plan ahead and bring water. The park has a circular, level route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, which passes the site of the Iron Age enclosure. The ruins of Thurnham Castle, however, are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Frequently asked questions

Where is White Horse Wood? Near Thurnham, north of Maidstone in Kent, England.

Is there an entry fee? Entry is free; parking is charged.

Are there historic sights? Yes: the medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle and traces of an Iron Age settlement.

Is it accessible with a wheelchair or pushchair? The main circular route is level and accessible, but the castle ruins are not.

Are there toilets? No, the park has no toilets or visitor facilities.

Who is it for?

It suits a short escape from town: families, walkers, history fans and anyone who wants some fresh air with a view over the Kent Downs.