Visiting Eynsford
Eynsford is picture postcard village, set in the Darent Valley which is part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, ancient woodlands and low grasslands, the River Darent runs through the very heart of the valley, connecting many small and picturesque villages. Eynsford, an award winning village is a popular destination for visitors and in particular for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of London, without leaving it too far behind.
Easily accessible by train, Eynsford is a relatively small village that has retained its country charm and is steeped in historic buildings and landscapes. Most notably are the Ford at Riverside, St Martin's Church, Eynsford Castle, Lullingstone Roman Villa and Lullingstone Castle, which draw visitors from all across the county.
The village is also an extremely popular destination for walking and orienteering clubs, who can enjoy the stunning views across the Valley and take in the tranquil riverside and woodland walks. A walk through Eynsford village, is like stepping back in time as it is home to many Listed buildings of significant and conservational importance and traditional country Pubs.
Underneath all of the historical charm, is a very strong sense of community and family, with activities and clubs for all ages and interests. As well as the local shops, the Riverside Tearoom and four pubs will provide a warm welcome. Whether you are 9 or 90, there is certainly something for all of the family and for those little people, Eagle Heights Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary and Lullingstone Country Park, are great ways to spend a weekend or school holiday. Within the village, there is a children's playground in Harrow Meadow, and the popular Riverside where children enjoy playing in the river.
A group of local residents have written a report about one of the most rural areas of our village - the Austin Lodge Valley. You can read it here Austin Lodge Valley Report .
Find out more about the River Darent here and how it is being managed.
Transport
Eynsford is accessible by public transport and has its own train station. The station is located at the Southern edge of the village, about 10 minutes walk from the centre. Trains run from London Blackfriars, London Victoria and Sevenoaks. Information on train times can be found here: http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/
Eynsford is also served by a bus service including routes to and from Sevenoaks, Swanley and Bluewater. Bus routes that stop in Eynsford are 478, 403 and 421 and are run by Arriva and Go-coach.
Eynsford is located on the A225 and can be accessed via J3 of the M25. There is limited parking in the village.
Local Attractions
(please check with individual attractions for up to date information)
Eynsford Castle
Eynsford Castle is a very early Norman 'enclosure castle' whose substantial stone walls present a rare survival of this striking and impressive style. Begun around 1085-7 and largely undisturbed by later building activity, Eynsford Castle is unusual in that it did not have a keep or great tower. Instead, the principal domestic apartments were situated on the first floor of the castle's hall, the ruins of which can still be explored by visitors today. Eynsford Castle is managed by English Heritage and entrance is free.
Eagle Heights
Eagle Heights is one of the UK's largest Bird of Prey Centres, with a collection of approximately 100 raptors. This includes over 50 species, many of which are now breeding at the centre or can be seen flying in the daily demonstrations. Eagle Heights is also an expanding Wildlife Sanctuary for many different species of animals, including huskies, Meerkats, snakes, lizards, camel and much more!
Lullingstone Roman Villa
Lullingstone is among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain. The villa was begun in about AD 100, and developed to suit the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners, reaching its peak of luxury in the mid-4th century. Visitors to the villa today can still view the spectacular mosaics and prints of the rare wall paintings, a heated bath-suite and a 'house-church'.
Lullingstone Castle & World Garden
Lullingstone Castle is one of England's oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse were built in 1497 and have been home to the same family ever since. Tom Hart Dyke's innovative World Garden, laid out in the shape of a map of the world, pays tribute to the plant hunters of old and brings horticulture bang up to date with its daring plan to grow exotic blooms, outside, in the Garden of England.
Lullingstone Country Park
Lullingstone Country Park is internationally important for its collection of ancient trees, with over 300 veteran oak, beech, ash, hornbeam and sweet chestnut, some of which are thought to be 800 years old. The park also has areas of chalk grassland that fill with spectacular displays of orchids and other wild flowers in spring and summer. For children, the Discovery Trail includes a zip wire and other hidden gems. The visitor centre on site offers excellent facilities including a café, toilets and shop. It has a comprehensive range of information about the park's landscape, wildlife and heritage.
Shops & Places to Eat and Drink
(please check with individual businesses for up to date information)
Norman's Butchers
Norman's Butchers is a traditional high quality butchers shop offering a range of meat and groceries including Norman's famous sausages. Norman's can be found at Essington House, High Street, Eynsford.
Rafferty's General Store
Rafferty's General Store stocks a wide range of groceries from every day basics to speciality local produce. It is also an off-licence and sells lottery tickets. Situated opposite Norman's Butchers on the High Street.
Bridge House Newsagents
Bridge House Newsagents supplies newspapers, sweets, ice creams, fishing nets and lots of other useful items. It is located on the corner of Station Road next to the ford.
Olivia's
Olivia's is a hair and beauty salon on the High Street.
Castle Hotel
The Castle Hotel is a friendly pub offering good quality food in stylish surroundings. The Castle also offers Bed & Breakfast and has its own car park.
The Five Bells
The Five Bells is a traditional pub which is favoured by locals. It has a large garden and its own car park. The Five Bells is in the centre of the village on the High Street,
The Malt Shovel
The Malt Shovel is a traditional family-run pub offering a range of traditional pub food and a range of cask beers. The Malt Shovel run different theme nights in its restaurant every week. The Malt Shovel is on Station Road not far from Riverside.
Riverside Tea Room
Riverside Tea Room is a friendly tea room next to Eynsford's ford offering a selection of freshly made food and great coffee. It offers breakfasts, light lunches and a range of drinks and cakes.
The Plough
The Plough Inn is situated on Riverside and offers a selection of drinks. It has a restaurant serving a range of lunches and dinners. It has its own car park.
