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Health and Wellbeing in the Kent Downs

Make some time to relax, refresh and breathe in the fresh air of the beautiful Kent countryside and you can soon also enjoy incredible health and wellbeing experiences surrounded by nature.

We're working with local businesses and organisations to develop wonderful mindfulness experiences that harness the restorative power of nature. We're helping to create new activities like meditation, tree bathing, yoga, countryside crafts, natural storytelling and more.

In the meantime we'll be sharing some of the places you can visit for an escape from the crowds and find your own little slice of peace and tranquillity surrounded by some of the best views of Kent and Surrey. We'll even provide some top tips and ideas on how mother nature can help improve your mental and physical health as we delve into the world of green and blue prescribing.

So sign-up for our newsletter below and follow us on social media to get involved and get outside!

Fancy something a bit different? Visit this page to see all of our upcoming experience themes or choose one of these: Food & Drink, Arts & Crafts, Culture & Heritage, Wildlife & Nature, Family Fun, Farming & Animals, Pilgrimage or Outdoor Activities.

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Calming Soon to Kent

We're working with Visit Kent and many local businesses and organisations to create health and wellbeing experiences in landscapes across the county. Here's a sneak peak at some of the experience we're hoping to launch later this year...

Mindful Coaching Today

Known as ‘Adventure Coaching’ Mindful Coaching Today helps people create the mental space to think about their most important goals and aspirations and produce a plan to achieve it. This transformational coaching experience will be located in the outstanding local area of Birling and will combine walking or cycling with mindful coaching to create a positive impact on mental health and overall wellbeing.

Wanderful

Wanderful helps people to look after their physical and mental wellbeing with formal mindfulness training and immersive Forest Therapy walks in the Kent countryside. They are working with us on a Forest Bathing experience where visitors are gently guided into the heart of the woods, invited to immerse themselves fully in nature using all of their senses and ends with a traditional Forest Bathing Tea Ceremony. Guests will leave with a deep sense of calm and renewed connection to nature and themselves.

Creative Pilgrims

Creative Pilgrims are a group of artists who meet to walk and reflect the history and landscape through art projects, talks, exhibitions and workshops. They want to lead a selection of 2-3 mile guided walks that help participants to engage with the history and natural landscape of the area, to slow down and to find the spaces within using mark making and journaling to provide a personal response.

Beachborough Park

Nestling peacefully at the foot of the North Downs, this small country estate of historic interest offers animal livery; fishing and bed & breakfast accommodation. Beachborough Park are now looking to develop an regular programme of single and multi-day health and wellbeing activities and experiences including guided walks, cycle tours, yoga, pilates and family nature camps.

Can't wait to get outside?

See below for a selection of great walks and cycles that are off the beaten track and will give the opportunity to find some space and tranquillity in nature...

Lower Hardres Rides

Why not discover the Kent Downs AONB on horseback? This route located just outside Canterbury, is a lovely area to enjoy a quiet ride and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this quiet rural area. The woodland and open parkland are home to both a variety of birds and insects, as well as some beautiful scenery. And you may even catch glimpses foxes, rabbits and squirrels as well as swallows that nest here each year and kestrels that regularly hover in search of a meal.

Read More at Explore Kent

Ashford Town Walks and Cycles

With over 50km of safe traffic free cycle paths you can enjoy a leisurely ride to almost anywhere with the town centre and train station within easy reach too. National Route 18 is the spine of Ashford’s walking and cycling network linking Singleton in the West and Little Burton in the East. With picturesque villages, stunning protected countryside and beautiful views you can stop off, find a quite spot and immerse yourself in nature at any point.

Read More at Explore Kent

Chalk and Channel Way

Enjoy a stroll over the iconic white cliffs following the North Downs Way and England's Coastal path. With breath-taking views reaching all the way across to France you can choose to make detours to Dover Marina, Samphire Hoe Nature Reserve and even go as far as Folkestone, Hythe and Rye. Sustans have also commissioned several artists with a series of scupltures, installations and even poems all inspired by places along the Chalk and Channel Way.

Read More at Sustrans

East Kent Health Walks

Why not come along to a Health Walk? Suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities these walks are led by trained volunteers who will be pleased to see you and give you a warm welcome. Remember to check details of when and where walks are running which are due to start up again this month.

Read More at Walking for Health

Nordic Walking

Would you like to walk in the great outdoors, but struggle because of your back, knees, or hips, a health condition or injury? Nordic walking could be the perfect way for you to take up walking. Sheppey’s Beginners Nordic Walking Sessions are the perfect option for anyone who is living with a health condition or has mobility issues that might make it hard to walk unassisted.

Read More at Everyday Active

Find Walking & Cycling Inspiration

We'll be working with Explore Kent and other partners to promote fabulous routes that include some suggested outdoor locations near you for that all important feeling of calm, relaxation and recovery. For now you can visit our activity page or visit some of the sites below...Get outside for some walks, cycles, runs, horse-rides and more, click here for some handy tips...

Explore Kent

Discover 100's of pre-planned routes suitable for all abilities and activities with full information including route description, distance, parking locations, travel options and of course downloadable maps!

National Trails

With not 1 but 2 National Trails in Kent, the North Downs Way and England Coast Path, you're bound to find something to tickle your outdoor tastebuds. Plan your own itinerary and book some time for some of Kent's top attractions and perhaps a pub or 2 along the way.

Visit Kent

The place to visit to find some of Kent's best attractions, local events, taste sensations and of course featuring all of the best and beautiful locations across our favourite county. You'll find inspiration and information to help make your next visit easy.

Please Visit Safely

We want you to have a great time in the great outdoors so please see below for some top tips and advice to ensure your visit is safe and countryside-friendly...

  • Remember the Countryside Code
  • Check opening times and facilities before you go
  • Follow the latest Government Covid guidance
  • Take extra care on the coast
  • Access our public rights of way network
    • Find Out More

    Make your trip sustainable

    The Kent Downs and North Downs Way is well connected by rail, bike and bus and you won't need to worry about finding a parking space either. Here are a few tips...

  • Go by Train, South Eastern have some handy tips on travelling with confidence. Click Here
  • Buy a family Discovery Bus Ticket for all day travel across the county and beyond. Click Here
  • Get on your bike, it's great exercise and environmentally friendly too. Find out more from Cycling UK.
  • Visit Kent Connected to find the best ways to travel for you and the environment. Click Here.
  • For more information on low impact travel to the Kent Downs Click Here.
    • Find Out More

    You might also like...

    Sign-up to receive information about multiple Kent experience themes by completing our survey or choose your favourite below...

    Food and Drink

    Discover new tastes and treats from wonderful artisans across the county.

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    Arts & Crafts

    Find your inner artist and share in the passion and knowledge of local experts.

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    Culture & Heritage

    Learn about Kent's heritage and visit some of the iconic locations that shaped our county.

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    Wildlife & Nature

    Learn more about the nature and animals around you, perfect for little and big ones!

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    Family Fun

    Reconnect with the outdoors and your favourite people with family focussed activities.

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    Farming & Animals

    Visit a local farm, boost your nature knowledge, learn new skills and make memories.

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    Pilgrimage

    Tread in the footsteps of Pilgrims as we take you on a journey of self-discovery.

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    Outdoor Activities

    Blow away the cobwebs in our gorgeous woodlands, grasslands and coastline.

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    Help us build experiences...

    Do you have an activity or business along our routes that you'd like to promote to Walkers and Cyclists? We have a package of support and help available so please get in touch.

    Find Out More
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