Haysden Country Park
Expansive parklands with serene lakes, diverse wildlife, and scenic walking/cycling trails, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Haysden Country Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive parklands with serene lakes, diverse wildlife, and scenic walking/cycling trails, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
"A nice peaceful location to relax and connect with nature."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £2.20 for 4 hours or £5 for the day. Pay at the machine.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Barden Lake
The main lake is popular; venture further for more peace and quiet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Barden Lake
Main park area
A stunning, expansive lake teeming with waterfowl. Perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying nature's tranquility.
River Medway Trails
Park periphery
Explore peaceful paths alongside the River Medway, offering a quieter escape with opportunities to spot herons and various birdlife.
Woodland and Grassland Walks
Beyond Barden Lake
Venture into serene woodlands and open grasslands for a more secluded nature experience, ideal for longer walks and birdwatching.
Children's Play Area
Near main car park
A dedicated play area for kids, making it a great spot for families to enjoy the park's amenities.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Best Time for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £2.20 for 4 hours or £5 for the day. Pay at the machine.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Barden Lake
The main lake is popular; venture further for more peace and quiet.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are very welcome and often seen enjoying the park.
🚴♀️ Cycling Paradise
Great paths for cycling, suitable for families and all skill levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £2.20 for 4 hours or £5 for the day. Pay at the machine.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Barden Lake
The main lake is popular; venture further for more peace and quiet.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are very welcome and often seen enjoying the park.
🚴♀️ Cycling Paradise
Great paths for cycling, suitable for families and all skill levels.
🦢 Wildlife Watching
Plenty of waterfowl, including swans and geese, plus opportunities to see herons.
☕ Cafe & Toilets
Facilities include a cafe and toilets near Barden Lake.
☀️ Make a Day of It
Pack a picnic or enjoy the cafe; there are picnic tables available.
🏊♀️ Open Water Swimming
The water is warm in summer evenings, with open swimming sessions available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haysden Country Park is praised as a serene and beautiful natural escape, particularly for its stunning lake and diverse wildlife. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths suitable for walking, cycling, and pushchairs, as well as the family-friendly amenities like the playground and cafe. While parking fees apply, many find the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty well worth the visit.
"This is a fantastic place. Peaceful and scenic. Two lakes, children’s play area and cafe. Possible to walk from Barden Lake to Tonbridge park if desired. Taken my daughter on multiple occasions. Since moved away from area but one of my favourite places. Only negative is watch the number of wasps!"
Paul Ridgway
"This country park is just outside Tonbridge in Kent. It covers some 65 hectares and includes 2 lakes plus paths that go alongside the river Medway plus woodlands, grasslands and marshland. There are trails to follow with little foot bridges that cross the waterways at various points. You will find seating along the way so you can have a rest or just enjoy the peace. The main car park is a couple of minutes walk from Barden lake which is where you will find the toilets and also an outside cafe. Parking is £2.20 for 4 hours or £5 for the whole day.
There are picnic tables at this end of the lake.
You will find plenty of water fowl on this lake which I always like, you can walk all the way around on nice wide pathways.
Dogs are most welcome and I saw plenty along the way.
As you move further out it becomes more peaceful as most people seemed to stay around the Barden lake area. There is also a kids play area near to the main car park too!
The walk through to the second lake took me through grassland and woodland and also by the river in parts, I saw a couple of Herons and there were lots of Tweety type birds in the trees which I heard rather than saw.
A walk taking in both lakes and the lovely countryside took me a couple of hours, most could have done it quicker than that but I was in no hurry.
There are plenty of public footpaths which lead off the paths shown on the map if you have more stamina than me!"
W W Howe
"Serene country park with a stunning lake.
Toilets and cafe as well as a park for children.
A nice peaceful location to relax and connect with nature."
mohammed hilal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London Charing Cross or London Bridge to Tunbridge Wells (approx. 45-55 mins). From there, a taxi to the park is about 20 minutes and costs around £25 each way. +1
While trains go to Tunbridge Wells, direct bus services to the park can be limited, especially on Sundays. Taxis are the most convenient option from the station.
There is a main car park with pay-and-display machines. Charges are £2.20 for 4 hours or £5 for the whole day.
Yes, there are public footpaths and cycle routes that lead to and around the park, making it accessible for cyclists.
The main paths around Barden Lake are wide and good for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Some of the further trails might be less accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Haysden Country Park itself is free. Parking fees apply if you are driving.
The park is generally open daily from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like the cafe may have limited hours.
Yes, fishing is permitted on the lakes.
While there are no formal guided tours mentioned, the park offers marked trails and opportunities for self-guided exploration.
Absolutely! With its walking trails, lake activities, and picnic spots, it's an ideal destination for a full day out.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of waterfowl on the lakes, including swans, geese, and ducks. Herons and smaller birds are often spotted in the woodlands and along the river.
Yes, there is a children's play area located near the main car park, making it a family-friendly destination.
Open water swimming sessions are available during warmer months, typically in the evenings. Check local listings for specific times.
Activities include walking, cycling, fishing, boating, sailing, and birdwatching. There's also a children's playground.
A walk around Barden Lake is generally considered a couple of hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an outdoor cafe located near the main car park at Barden Lake, offering hot and cold food, teas, coffees, and ice cream.
Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, and the park is a great spot to bring your own food and enjoy a meal outdoors.
The park is located just outside Tonbridge, which offers a variety of restaurants and cafes if you prefer dining out.
The cafe typically serves a range of hot and cold food, drinks, and snacks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Barden Lake offers beautiful reflections and waterfowl, especially during sunrise. The woodlands and riverbanks provide scenic natural backdrops. 
Yes, with its diverse birdlife and aquatic creatures, it's an excellent location for capturing nature shots.
Early mornings for sunrise and golden hour light, and late afternoons for softer light and fewer crowds.
While not explicitly stated, drone usage may be restricted in public parks. It's advisable to check with park authorities or local regulations before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, and perhaps a telephoto lens for closer shots of birds. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the lakes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the designated picnic tables, or grab a treat from the outdoor cafe. The abundance of waterfowl on the lake is also a constant source of fascination for children, offering plenty of opportunities for spotting different birds.
🐶 Dog Owners
🚴♀️ Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lakes and Waterways
Beyond Barden Lake, the park extends into more tranquil areas, including a second, smaller lake and stretches along the River Medway. These sections offer a more secluded experience, with paths winding through grasslands and woodlands. This is where you're more likely to spot herons and a variety of smaller birds.
For those interested in water activities, the park offers opportunities for boating and sailing, and in the summer, open water swimming sessions are held in the evenings, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the park's natural beauty.
Walking and Cycling Routes
For more adventurous explorers, numerous public footpaths branch off the main trails, leading through diverse landscapes including woodlands, grasslands, and along the river. These offer opportunities for longer hikes and a chance to discover quieter corners of the park.
Cycling is also a major draw, with the park's good paths making it safe and enjoyable for all ages. Many visitors enjoy biking with their children, appreciating the scenic views and the overall safety of the environment.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond the lakes, the woodlands and marshland areas support a different array of fauna. Keep an eye out for herons along the riverbanks and listen for the diverse calls of smaller birds in the trees.
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