From the award-nominated historic station, the village of Eynsford is a ten-minute walk along the fairly busy A225. However the village itself is well worth the walk – it is charming, offering visitors a wealth of choice, from cosy pubs, to a florist, an old-fashioned sweet shop, a butchers, a well-stocked village shop and the atmospheric ruins of Eynsford Castle (tucked away near the village shop). The area near the river bank and the medieval hump-backed bridge (complete with niches in which to tuck yourself when cars approach), is a truly beautiful spot to while away a few hours on a long summer’s day.

The railway station also offers direct access to trails running up the hill to the east. These paths connect to a stunning open valley, hidden behind the hill, as well as to the south to many of the local attractions including Lullingstone Roman Villa (a well-preserved Roman ruin run by English Heritage), Lullingstone Castle and World Garden (Henry VIII visited here on a few occasions with his entourage, each time nearly bankrupting the family!) and Lullingstone Country Park, with a visitor’s centre and several signed trails to explore. A bit further afield you will also find Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, a bird sanctuary with all sorts of activities to enjoy, and Castle Farm, the UK’s biggest lavender farm.

The lake at Lullingstone Castle