'Gorgeous' UK hike is 'perfect' for beginners with flowers and rolling hills

With the recent spell of clear skies and some on the horizon, there is no better time to embark on an outdoor escapade. If you want to get away from your hometown and head out on a nice walk, there are plenty of options. Whether you are looking for a long, hilly hike or a shorter, less taxing route, there are a swathe of beautiful trails on your doorstep.

This weekend could be the perfect chance to try out somewhere new - and this , which is not too strenuous, has picturesque views and an amazing castle you can admire. Just a short train ride from lies the Lullingstone Castle Circular in Kent. It is perfect for a solo day out or a trip with the whole family.

It takes on average one hour and 50 minutes to complete and the trail will take you through open parkland, through Beechen Wood, across farmlands, and back along riverside paths. You will also smell a beautiful scent as you pass the UK's largest lavendar farm on the route.

If you do not want to walk the full five miles, you can stop at the Visitor Centre and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while the rest of your group completes the Castle loop. This shortened walk is about four miles.

Travel and fitness content creator Zanna Van Dijk recently visited the spot and has shared her verdict. The keen hiker, who is from Yorkshire but lives in London, said: "This one is not only stunning but it's also pretty beginner friendly."

She added: "It clocks up 7km of distance and 20 metres of elevation gain so it should take you roughly two hours to complete...and it goes past the most beautiful historic castle house and gardens which are well worth popping into."

Lullingstone Castle is one of England's oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. Visitors love basking in the history of the castle during their walks; Henry VII and Anne Boleyn were regular visitors to the house. In the 1930's the estate was sold to Kemp Town Brewery, who sold it to Kent County Council in 1938.

During World War Two it was occupied by the army. Then in the 1960s, Dartford Rural District council laid out a golf course in the grounds and created a public park. The house itself remains in the hands of the Hart Dyke family and in 2011 it was the setting of a Compare the Market advert.

After touring the historical sites, Zanna also enjoyed the "cute little tea shop" along the trail. Zanna added: "The route is really varied. There's forests, meadows, rolling hills, bluebell woods, a riverside path, and of course beautiful views over the Kent Downs."

Concluding her experience, Zanna said: "So all in all, I'll describe it as a low effort, high reward hike." She added: " This is the perfect more beginner friendly hike near London with plenty of spring blooms, gorgeous views, rolling hills and of course an epic castle you can explore."

Getting there

Zanna shared that if you are planning on driving to the location, there are plenty of parking spaces by the Lullingstone country park visitors centre.

Speaking about public transport, she said: "You can grab a train from London to Enysford and then walk a short distance to join the trail. This would make the hike around 8km. If you want a longer walk, catch the train to Shoreham and hike up from there this adds around 5km of fairly flat hiking."