This "fantastic" park in Kent is celebrated as an exceptional spot to visit. It's not just a sanctuary for wildlife, with its diverse environments; it's also delightful for visitors, featuring tiny waterfalls, a lush bamboo forest, and even breathtaking views of the English Channel.
Brockhill Country Park offers families the chance to immerse themselves in nature, boasting a central lake, meadows, woods, picnic spots and a large children's play area complete with swings, climbing frames and monkey bars. And with spring on the way, there will be plenty of time to create sunny memories.
Stop by Brockhill Cafe for a range of treats – from homemade soups and warm dishes to paninis and light bites, not to mention freshly brewed coffee and ice cream. Known for their homemade veggie burgers, they cater well to vegetarians too.
As a site previously cherished as a pleasure garden and managed by Kent County Council, this country park has garnered enthusiastic praise from visitors, securing a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on TripAdvisor. The park is being hailed as a wonderland suitable for kids of all ages with its expansive children's play area and copious space for little ones to "run wild".
Visitors have also extolled the virtues of the onsite "nice little cafe" and "good toilets". One visitor's review read: "A lovely place. Fantastic for walks and trails.
"Also dog-friendly and the cafe has great 5-star food. Can't say anymore. Just give it a trip." To discover walking guides and sights you'll come across, click here.
Accessibility is a key feature at the park, with wheelchair-friendly routes leading into various parts and ample disabled toilet facilities. Nestled in Saltwood, just north of Hythe, the park consists of three unique sections each presenting their own charming environment.
There's the Deer Paddock, where visitors can stroll through grassy expanses flanked by walnut and sycamore trees. Don't miss out on The Lake either, a delightful haven brimming with wildlife like ducks and surrounded by lush overhanging foliage.
Furthermore, The Valley, the biggest of the trio, plunges towards the Brockhill Stream that is bustling with aquatic life. The park's stellar qualities have even earned it the title of Country Park of the Year for a number of years at the prestigious South and South East in Bloom Awards.
It impressed the judges with its well-preserved natural habitats, landscapes, and wide array of leisure and educational offerings for guests. A visitor who uses a wheelchair praised the park on TripAdvisor, saying: "This park widely caters for wheelchair users as well as on foot visitors.
"Terrain wise my wheelchair was able to access many parts of the park such as the play area excellent for small children, the lake and many more! The cafe was phenomenal too.
"Very welcoming and kind and exceptional customer service as well. The park itself was peaceful and calm and really reflected the true beauty of the Kent downs too!"
The park caters to individuals of all ages and capabilities, offering activities like Geocaching, eco-challenges, stream dipping, wildlife Olympics, Forest School, and others.
Brockhill Country Park opening times
The park opens at 9am and shuts at dusk or 9pm, whichever comes first. It is closed on Christmas Day.
Cafe operating hours
From April 1 to August 31, the hours are 10am to 4pm. They are the same from September 1 to December 3. The cafe is closed from December 4 to January 24.
What's on the menu at The Brockhill Cafe?
The Brockhill Cafe has built up quite a following for its extensive selection that features vegetarian homemade soups, a variety of hot dishes, paninis, salads, and light bites at very fair prices, all accompanied with freshly brewed coffee. It's well-known for its delectable homemade veggie burgers.
Ice cream lovers won't be disappointed either, with a range including dairy-free options and other gluten-free treats. Please note the cafe only takes cash payments.
What other facilities are at the park?
The park also features a picnic area. Toilet facilities, including disabled access.
Toilets can be found at the park's entrance near the café. There is one unisex accessible toilet available during park opening hours, and it does not require a RADAR key for access.
Dog policy at the park
Dogs are welcome at the park but must be kept on leads in the vicinity of the car park and café areas. In the valley where sheep graze, dogs must always be leashed.
Dogs are not permitted in the play area. Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in the bins provided.
Park address and more information
Brockhill Country Park is located at Sandling Road, Saltwood, CT21 4HL.
For more information about the park, visit Kent County Council's website here.
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