Thursday, March 20, 2025
UK’s Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and history, making it an ideal spot for families, runners, and nature lovers.
Dunorlan Park, nestled in Tunbridge Wells, is a beloved spot for families, joggers, dog owners, and picnic-goers, offering a variety of reasons to visit.
If you’re seeking a delightful destination for a day out with family or friends, Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells is the ideal spot. This Kent gem offers a stunning natural retreat with many attractions, including a spacious boating lake, a nature-inspired play park, an affordable café, and diverse local wildlife.
Dating back to the 1850s and 1860s, the park preserves many of its historical features, such as the iconic cascade and water garden, as well as the Chalybeate spring, which provides mineral-rich spring water. The expansive open fields are perfect for activities like kite flying and football, while the meadow and formal gardens boast vibrant flower beds, which can be admired from the elevated terrace near the café. Children will love the natural adventure play area, complete with musical instruments and the “Dunorlan Dragon.”
Visitors can enjoy feeding the ducks, geese, and moorhens, but are encouraged to purchase feed from the café, as bread is harmful to the birds, according to Kent Live.
Every Saturday at 9 a.m., the park hosts its popular Parkrun, a free weekly 5km timed run. The park’s combination of asphalt, trail, and grassy paths makes it a favorite among runners, with its challenging inclines adding to the excitement.
No matter your fitness level, all participants are welcome to join, so there’s no pressure to compete.
For those seeking a peaceful experience on the water, Dunorlan Park Boats offers rowing boats, canoes, and pedalos for rent. The boating season runs from April to the end of September, with operations outside school holidays every weekend. For updates, the park’s Facebook page is the best resource.
If you’re looking for a sun-dappled retreat, The Terrace is a perfect spot. During summer, the air fills with the sweet fragrance of wisteria, making it an ideal place for solo visitors to read or soak up the sun.
The park is also a favored location for relaxing exercises and Tai Chi sessions.
For those up for a short but steep hike, a path lined with 48 cedars leads to a peaceful part of the park, where you’ll find a charming water fountain and the Grecian Temple, home to the “Dancing Girl” statue.
The century-and-a-half-old cascade and water garden is a must-see, with the main lake feeding into a small pond where terrapins live.
History buffs will enjoy the remarkable Victoria Cross Grove, located near the Bayhall Road entrance.
Keep an eye out for herons, which can often be spotted wading in the shallow waters of the lake or soaring overhead. If you’re in the mood for some exercise, there’s also an outdoor gym available.
Useful Information: The café offers toilet facilities, and there’s a separate block with a disabled-accessible toilet.
Dogs are welcome in the park but must be kept on a leash in the formal garden areas.
The park’s postcode is TN2 3QN. Parking is available at both the Pembury Road (A264) and Hall’s Hole Road entrances, with designated spaces for blue badge holders. However, parking can be limited during busy times, especially in good weather. Parking charges apply, starting at £1 for one hour, with a full-day rate of £5.
