North-west outskirts of Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Hurst Wood
Broadleaf woodland
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
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Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A steep-sided valley wood on Tunbridge Wells’ edge, with a small stream running through its western half and a mix of planted non-native trees on the eastern slopes.
Hurst Wood’s character comes from its surprisingly varied valley setting: a stream, rising wooded slopes and a more open area to the east. A network of paths makes it a worthwhile local woodland walk, though uneven ground, steps and stiles mean it is not an effortless stroll.
Peaceful · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapNorth-west outskirts of Tunbridge Wells, Kent
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The experience
Follow the paths and rides through the valley wood, looking out for the stream in the western half and the change to more open ground on the east. Expect uneven, unsurfaced paths, steps and stiles; no verified route length or duration is available.
Things to do
Explore the woodland paths and rides
Use the network of paths and rides to explore the wood. Expect uneven, unsurfaced or narrow sections, with steps, footbridges and stiles.
Find the stream in the western half
A small stream runs south to north through the western half of the site. Follow a suitable path nearby; no streamside route is specified.
Compare the eastern slopes with the valley floor
Look for hybrid larch, American red oak and Scots pine on the eastern slopes, then notice how the ground opens out to the east.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
A short valley-wood wander
- 01
Start from the southern boundary on Coniston Avenue.
- 02
Choose a path or ride that suits your time and ability; no verified short circuit or distance is available.
- 03
Look for the stream in the western half of the wood, then return the way you came if you are unsure of the path network.
Verified history
The site was owned by the Forestry Commission before the Woodland Trust bought it in 1983. Hybrid larch, American red oak and Scots pine were planted on the eastern slopes while it was in Forestry Commission ownership.
Hidden details
A stream through the western half — A small stream runs south to north through the western half of the wood, while the valley slopes rise towards flatter, more open ground to the east.
Planted trees on the eastern slopes — Hybrid larch, American red oak and Scots pine were planted when the Forestry Commission owned the site, before its 1983 purchase by the Woodland Trust.
When to go
April · May · Check before visiting; no sourced time-of-day recommendation.
A local walking discussion mentions bluebells, but the supplied evidence does not verify their timing or extent at Hurst Wood. The stream and valley landform are not described as season-specific.
Paths are uneven and unsurfaced in places; conditions may affect footing. Check local conditions before visiting.
What to look for
Notice the contrast between the stream-side western half and the flatter, more open eastern area. On the eastern slopes, look for hybrid larch, American red oak and Scots pine, planted when the Forestry Commission owned the site.
The story
The Forestry Commission owned the site before it was bought by the Woodland Trust in 1983; some eastern-slope trees were planted during that period.
Best time to go
Spring for bluebells, reported by a local walking discussion; verify the display locally. The stream and valley setting can be enjoyed in other seasons too.
Spring may bring bluebells, according to a local walking discussion, but the timing and extent of the display are not independently confirmed. Check conditions before visiting.
How long to spend
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Perfect for
Walkers · Dogs · Families · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
Explore Kent lists the wood as open at all hours and notes public paths and rides. It is usually accessed from the southern boundary via Coniston Avenue; check current access and parking before setting out.
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Parking
Explore Kent reports informal parking near the southern entrance on Coniston Avenue. Availability is not specified; check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Explore Kent lists dogs as allowed; follow current signage and keep dogs under control.
Accessibility
Uneven, unsurfaced or narrow paths; steps, stiles and narrow gaps can make parts of the site difficult for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Cost
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Water
Stream
Gallery
Place photographs
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Around Hurst Wood
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
