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The Downs

66 ha

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifeInsects
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome66 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦55+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Woodpigeon and Wren
  • 🐕Early mornings are best for dog walks in summer — visit before 9am to avoid the heat and find quieter trails
  • 📍Open access throughout summer — no booking required

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome

Best for

8 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Woodpigeon, Wren, House Sparrow +52 more · last seen 2026; Coastal cliffs — seabirds and cliff-nesting species

Free

Wildlife

Birds — Woodpigeon, Wren, House Sparrow +52 more · last seen 2026; Maritime cliff and slope priority habitat

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — White/Buff-tailed Bumblebee workers, Common Carder Bee, Black Oil-beetle +57 more · last seen 2026

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Hiking

Named hiking route nearby: King Charles III England Coast Path: Ramsgate to Whitstable; Named hiking route nearby: King Charles III England Coast Path: Ramsgate to Whitstable

Free

Family friendly

Urban park — family destination

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

3 signed routes nearby · 16 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Saxon Shore WayWalking route262 km
Named routeLength 262 kmRegional walking route
King Charles III England Coast Path: Ramsgate to WhitstableWalking route
Named routeRef ECPNational walking route
Wantsum WalkWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Oyster Bay Trailpublic footpath · 26 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 26 mSurface concrete:platesPath type: cycleway
Grange Roadpublic footpath · 53 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 53 mSurface unpavedPath type: residential
Cooper's Hillpublic footpath · 19 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 19 mPath type: service
🚴

Cycling

33 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
NCN Regional Route 15 (Kent)Cycling route
Named routeRef 15Regional cycle route
N/ACycling route682 m
Named routeRef 15Length 682 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt
N/ACycling route19 m
Named routeRef 15Length 19 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt
N/ACycling route1.3 km
Named routeRef 15Length 1.3 kmNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface grass
N/ACycling route2.1 km
Named routeRef 15Length 2.1 kmNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface concrete
N/ACycling route295 m
Named routeRef 15Length 295 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt

Wildlife to spot

Photos

View of Reculver Towers from The Downs, Herne Bay

View of Reculver Towers from The Downs, Herne Bay

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