Shoreham is a picturesque Kent village with a great community, surrounded by the rolling hills of the North Downs. There are cafes and pubs, a vineyard, historic buildings and incredible walks, all within easy reach of the railway station.
I moved to Shoreham because it’s so pretty, but also because I love walking and wanted easy access to the Downs. Having the railway station right in the village has been invaluable, too.
Then there’s the river. The Darent is a rare chalk stream that runs through the village, with a lovely bridge crossing the water. It’s a big part of Shoreham’s landscape, and one of the reasons I never tire of walking around here.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous day out in the Kent countryside, here are my recommendations for spending a day in Shoreham.
Walking the North Downs through the Darent Valley
Image credit: Sarah Newman
I walk up on the Downs twice a day, pretty much every day, and I love how the views change with the seasons. Early summer is particularly lovely, when the wildflowers are out and the fields are full of buttercups, but Shoreham is a great place to walk all year round.
If you want a route on the easier end of the scale, follow the Darent Valley Path along the river. You can make a simple circuit around the village, walking beside the water before looping back through the streets and past the historic buildings.
Image credit: Sarah Newman
For a longer walk, head towards Castle Farm, famous for its lavender fields, or continue to Lullingstone Country Park. Both make good destinations for a day out on foot, with plenty to see along the way.
There are steeper routes, too. The path known locally as the Terraces runs above the village and offers wonderful views across the valley. Follow the path towards Otford and, at the far end, you can look across towards the hills south of Sevenoaks, with the landscape dipping away below you.
You’ll also see the chalk cross on the hillside, a memorial to those who died in the First World War.
Where to eat and drink in Shoreham
The Mount Vineyard
The Mount Vineyard is one of Shoreham’s biggest draws. As well as its wine, they host events including comedy and music nights, wine tastings and grape harvesting.
The views across the surrounding hills are a real feature, whether you’re eating in the restaurant or having a drink. There’s also a teepee for sundowner drinks, and the food includes cheese and charcuterie platters and wood-fired pizzas, which are genuinely very good.
The Samuel Palmer
The Samuel Palmer gives you a choice between a restaurant meal and something more casual in the pub. There’s an outdoor terrace, local beers and food that uses locally sourced ingredients where possible.
It takes its name from the Victorian artist Samuel Palmer, who lived in Shoreham. His connection to the village is an important part of its history, and I’ve even put on an exhibition about him.
The Crown
The Crown is another lovely village pub, owned and run by a local couple who serve Sunday lunches. It’s a friendly offering, with a beer garden for warmer days.
Honey Pot Cafe
Definitely try the cakes at the Honey Pot Cafe, they’re very good. It’s a small cafe with outdoor space, ideal for a coffee in the sunshine and something sweet after a walk.
Family-friendly things to do in Shoreham
Shoreham Aircraft Museum
Shoreham Aircraft Museum is another place where you can stop for tea and cake. It’s volunteer-run, with a homespun feel that suits the village.
The collection includes wartime aircraft finds and memorabilia, with displays telling the stories behind them. It isn’t a massive museum, but that’s part of its charm. There’s an enclosed garden too, making it a pleasant place to spend time.
Visit the village shop
Don’t overlook the village shop. It’s a good place to pick up supplies for walks, and the ice cream and sorbet machine is a local favourite. Supporting businesses like this matters in a village where community life is such a big part of what makes it special.
The Ten Acres Shop at the Mount Vineyard is another good stop for local produce and coffee, with outdoor seating if you want to sit for a while.
Visit Castle Farm in lavender season
Image credit: Sarah Newman
Castle Farm, just outside Shoreham, is the UK’s largest lavender farm. When the lavender is in bloom, it’s a beautiful place to combine with a walk through the valley.
The farm also grows sunflowers and sells products made with its lavender. Plus there’s a farm shop and a coffee van for drinks and snacks.
Plan your visit to Shoreham by train
Image credit: Sarah Newman
Shoreham has its own railway station, making it easy to arrive without a car and start walking from the village. The station is particularly valuable to the community, and local work has helped improve the footpath beside the field leading into the village.
For me, that’s the appeal of Shoreham. You can spend an hour walking beside the river, climb onto the Downs for the views, stop for a coffee and cake, or make a longer day of it with the vineyard or Castle Farm. Because the station is so convenient, you can leave the car at home and enjoy the village and countryside on foot.
About the author: Sarah Newman is Rail Officer for Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership, working with local communities and organisations to celebrate the area and support its development. Her work gives her a strong understanding of the Darent Valley, its local attractions and the people and places that make it special.
