Capstone Farm Country Park — Source image

Capstone Road, Chatham, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JG

Capstone Farm Country Park

Parkland

Source image

5.6

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Paid

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandParklandHillsWalkersWildlife loversCyclists

Why it's Wildland

5.6

Former farmland on the North Downs, now a 114-hectare patchwork of woodland, old orchards, meadow, hedgerows and a freshwater lake.

Capstone’s appeal is its breadth: former farmland has become a substantial, varied green space where woodland, orchard, meadow and lake sit within one visit. It offers more than a simple park stroll, though current practical details should be checked before setting out.

Peaceful · Wild

Find your way

Open map

Capstone Road, Chatham, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JG

Opening map…

Know this place a little better?

The experience

Explore a broad, mixed landscape on foot or by bike. The official visitor listing describes walking, running and cycling opportunities; a published circular route offers a sourced option, but check current conditions and park guidance before following it.

Things to do

01

Walk among varied habitats

Explore the country park’s woodland, meadow, old orchards, hedgerows and freshwater lake. Confirm suitable paths and current conditions before choosing a route.

02

Try the MTB circular

A published 3.4 km loop through trees and open fields, with 68 m elevation gain. Its listing warns that rougher sections can be more challenging in wet conditions.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

A short parkland sampler

  1. 01

    Start from the country park and choose a suitable path through the park’s mixed landscape.

  2. 02

    Look out for changes between woodland, meadow, orchard and lake; confirm current routes and conditions on arrival.

Half day · Not stated by source

Follow the MTB circular

  1. 01

    Use the published 3.4 km circular route as a route option, checking its current status and suitability before setting off.

  2. 02

    Expect a loop with 68 m elevation gain; the route description flags rougher sections that may be more difficult in wet conditions.

When to go

· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.

The supplied sources describe a range of habitats but do not establish a specific seasonal highlight.

The published circular route warns that rougher sections may be more difficult in wet conditions.

The route

ascent
68 m
surface
Not specified; route description notes rougher sections
distance
3.4 km
difficulty
Easy (as listed by AllTrails); rougher sections may be more difficult in wet conditions
route shape
Loop
start point
Capstone Farm Country Park; exact start point not established by the supplied source
parking start
Visit Medway lists main and Orchard car parks, parking charges and a height barrier. Call 01634 338191 for access information.
  • Paths through trees and open fields
  • Published route listing identifies Upper Shawstead Farm ruins as a point of interest

What to look for

Notice the contrasts between woodland, old orchard, meadow, hedgerows and the freshwater lake. The available sources do not verify particular species or historic features to seek out.

The story

Former farmland on the North Downs; no further specific history verified.

Best time to go

Spring to autumn for walking among the park’s varied habitats; check current visitor information before travelling.

Spring to autumn suits a visit focused on walking through the park’s mix of habitats. Check current opening and facility information before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Cyclists

Before you go

Address

Capstone Rd, Chatham, Gillingham ME7 3JG

Listed hours

  • Monday: 8am-4pm
  • Tuesday: 8am-4pm
  • Wednesday: 8am-4pm
  • Thursday: 8am-4pm
  • Friday: 8am-4pm
  • Saturday: 8am-4pm
  • Sunday: 8am-4pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.6 · 364 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A public country park managed by Medway Council. Check current opening information and charges before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

The official Visit Medway listing says the main and Orchard car parks are available and that parking charges apply. It notes a height barrier; call 01634 338191 for access information.

Toilets

Visit Medway lists toilets, including accessible toilets. Check current availability and seasonal hours before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Visit Medway lists a café. Check current availability and seasonal hours before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current park guidance and on-site signage before visiting with a dog.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The supplied Google listing reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating; Visit Medway lists accessible parking and toilets. Check route surfaces and step-free access for your intended visit.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid

Water

Freshwater lake

Gallery

Place photographs
Capstone Farm Country Park
Place photograph

Keep exploring

Around Capstone Farm Country Park

Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances