Hucking Estate

Type:Nature Reserve

The Car Park, Church Road, Hucking, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1QT
Bluebells at the Hucking Estate, The Woodland Trust

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About

This beautiful ancient woodland sits on top of the North Downs and has one of the most spectacular bluebell walks that can be found anywhere in England.  It is certainly in the top five of the whole of the Woodland Trusts bluebell walk woods.  However, it more than that, it is a wildlife haven and hosts a good number of different species.  It also has spectacular walks which are great during any season and it from about 1.5km to 5km depending on the route you take.

Discover the living log and many other enchanting wooden sculptures along the way.  Along the way you will find seats and resting points where you can just enjoy the peace of the countryside.

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

By car From Junction 7 of the M20 – take the A249 towards Sittingbourne for approximately 7.1 km (4.4 miles). Turn right following the brown tourist signs for Hucking Estate. Remain on this narrow road for approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) turning left onto Church Road opposite the Hook and Hatchet Inn where there is parking available for visitors to the Hook and Hatchet. The Woodland Trust car park is a further 1.2 kms (0.75 mile) to the east of Hucking village on Church Road which has space for around twelve cars. This has a height restriction barrier at the entrance. From here, access to the woods can be gained via a kissing gate, where there is an information board and a leaflet dispenser.

The road network within the area to access the Hucking Estate is mostly single track and twisty narrow lanes not suitable for high volumes of traffic or for large vehicles or coaches.

Public Transport Directions

By bus The nearest bus stop is at Hollingbourne Church, approximately one and a half miles walk along road and footpaths to the closest entrance at Hucking. From Hollingbourne, the road climbs up a very steep hill onto the North Downs, but once at the top, the road to Hucking Estate is reasonably flat with some gentle inclines to negotiate. The walk will take approximately 35 minutes.

By train The nearest railway station is at Hollingbourne – about a 35 minute walk away. For details of train services call 0871 200 2233 or visit traveline.

Directions from the station: Take the path from the car park up the bank immediately opposite the old station building and turn right over the stile and join the public right of way. Follow this into the field and carefully cross the railway – using the kissing gates. Follow the public right of way straight ahead across the fields, heading towards Allington Farm at the foot of the Downs. On reaching the road (Pilgrims Way) turn left and then immediately right at the entrance to Allington Farm. Follow this track (which is part of the old Droveway) past the cottages and up onto the Downs. When you reach the top of the hill you will be at Hucking Estate.

Opening Times

Opening 2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

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