Saturday 17 January 2015

Country Kids: Shorne Woods, Kent


I've lived in London for the best part of 10 years now. Five north of the river and five south of the river, with a short break back home in Suffolk in the middle somewhere. 

I've always loved London and from a young age and used to come up to see the sights, visit museums or galleries or see family. My birthday treat for three or four years on the trot around infant age was a visit to the Natural History Museum. I've also done a lot of the London things as a student and in the early days of my relationship with J. I love it. Buzzing and vibrant. Fantastic food and entertainment. Loads to learn.

Since having L however I've really disconnected with the big smoke. It's partly an accessibility issue, the tube isn't exactly buggy friendly and unfortunately you can never rely on the kindness of strangers to help. And so at the weekends we look to the surrounding counties of Kent, Essex or Surrey for our country adventures. Especially so now L is walking and is a great lover of the outdoors. 

With a desire to fill 2015 with purpose we woke on J's last day of holiday in January with a need to clear our lungs. A quick Google of local areas revealed Shorne Woods. An area of ancient woodland run by Kent County Council with several walking trails an adventure playground and a cafe amongst other facilities. Perfect. 

Parking is £2.50 at weekends which is an all day flat rate. You can buy annual parking tickets as well and if we had a dog to walk as well as a toddler I would investigate this. The activity centre is open the usual opening hours for weekdays and weekends and the attached cafe is well served by visitors. Also more than adequate toilet and baby change facilities are in the same area.

We went for a middle of the ground purple walk, a 45 minute accessible by foot trail which took in the ponds, sensory gardens and woodland. 

We went very early on a foggy day which gives all the photos a wonderfully atmospheric touch. It was also a great excuse to experiment with both my prime and longer distance lenses on my camera an the olloclip on my iPhone5. 

We had a great walk, all the paths were clear and easily accessible on foot, and with a buggy should you be taking one. They were also all clearly sign posted regularly which is helpful if you lose gps signal as we did! It was a magical spot and like many of these hidden gems you completely forget how close you are to the big smoke.

So here is my photo dump of the day. Enjoy!
















Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

10 comments:

  1. Wow - what an atmospheric-looking place! I must go there some time soon, as we also live in London and I often long to get out to the woods.

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    1. It was certainly spooky but beautiful. It is great to clear your lungs and look back on the city from afar sometimes. You would not have realised you were so close to London when there.

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  2. Oooh, Shorne Woods looks right up our street! May have to make a visit thanks to your post and gorge photos! I love London, too, but I have enough of it sometimes as I still have to commute for work everyday! So my mission is to go into town more on the weekends! #countrykids

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    1. It was fab. I know what you mean I feel we are missing out on taking L to things in central so maybe we need to strike a balance.

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  3. I do know what you mean about London and young children, it is a hard match. Shorne Woods looks much more suitable and lovely photos. I curious about your phone extension so off to look at the link there. Glad you found a great woodland retreat for the day and thank you for sharing on Country Kids.

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    1. The olloclips are great fun! I got one for my birthday recently and I love using it. I've two macro lenses, wide angle and fish eye. Great for experimenting.

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  4. Looks like a great place for a walk. I completely agree with your comment about London being difficult with a buggy - we venture in occasionally but usually only when hubby is around to help too!

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    1. It was fab, we will certainly go back again, maybe when it is less misty so we can enjoy more of the views.

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  5. Beautiful images! I love the mist!

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    1. Thank you. I always like it when someone likes my photos.

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