Off Chatham Road, Blue Bell Hill, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7EZ
Kit’s Coty Megalithic Burial Chamber
Prehistoric
Source image
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free entry
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2Three great sarsen uprights hold up a massive capstone at Kit’s Coty House. About 500 metres away, Little Kit’s Coty House survives as a jumble of stones. Together, the two monuments are the remains of megalithic burial chambers built in the early Neolithic period.
This is a rare chance to encounter two substantial prehistoric monuments in an open North Downs setting, with the Medway Valley spread below. The contrast between Kit’s Coty’s striking uprights and Little Kit’s Coty’s scattered stones makes the short visit more rewarding than a single monument stop; the connecting approach, however, involves busy roads and needs care.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapOff Chatham Road, Blue Bell Hill, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7EZ
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit Kit’s Coty House for its three upright stones and massive capstone, then, if conditions and time allow, continue to Little Kit’s Coty House about 500 metres away. The monuments sit in open fields with views across the North Downs and Medway Valley. The connecting route includes busy roads, some without footpaths.
Things to do
See the standing chamber at Kit’s Coty House
View the three surviving uprights and the massive capstone of the larger monument.
Allow time for a short visit; exact duration not specified
Continue to Little Kit’s Coty House
If you choose to visit both monuments, look for the smaller site’s jumble of sarsens. English Heritage places the two sites about 500 metres apart and describes a route involving footpaths and busy roads; some road sections have no footpath.
Not specified
Take in the North Downs and Medway Valley views
The monuments stand in open fields with views across the North Downs and Medway Valley.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 30–60 minutes; visit duration not specified by the sources
The standing stones
- 01
Use the signed North Downs Way access from Chatham Road described by English Heritage.
- 02
Follow the footpath to the gap in the hedgerow and view Kit’s Coty House from the field.
- 03
Look closely at its three uprights and massive capstone, then take in the valley setting.
Half day · About 1–2 hours; visit duration not specified by the sources
Both Coty monuments
- 01
Visit Kit’s Coty House using the English Heritage directions.
- 02
Return to the North Downs Way and continue south towards Pilgrims Way as described by English Heritage.
- 03
Continue to Little Kit’s Coty House, also known as the Countless Stones, only if you are comfortable with the route: the connecting approach includes busy roads, some without footpaths.
- 04
Compare the upright chamber and capstone at Kit’s Coty with the jumble of sarsens at Little Kit’s Coty.
Full Wildland day · Full day, as described by Explore Kent
A Kent heritage day using a published itinerary
- 01
Use Explore Kent’s published itinerary as a starting point for a day that includes Kit’s Coty House and Little Kit’s Coty House.
- 02
The itinerary also suggests lunch at The Cock Horse in Detling or The Cavendish, an afternoon activity at This Art of Mine, and an evening option involving The Black Horse Inn or Kit’s Coty Glamping.
- 03
Check each business, activity, route and travel detail independently before setting out; this is a third-party itinerary, not a verified current schedule.
Verified history
English Heritage describes Kit’s Coty House and Little Kit’s Coty House as the remains of two megalithic dolmen burial chambers. Long barrows such as these were initially constructed during the early Neolithic period as communal burial sites. The larger Kit’s Coty House retains three uprights and a massive capstone; Little Kit’s Coty House, also known as the Countless Stones, is now a jumble of sarsens. The supplied official source does not give a more precise construction date.
Hidden details
The nearby Countless Stones — Little Kit’s Coty House is a separate monument about 500 metres from Kit’s Coty House. Its familiar name, the Countless Stones, reflects its present appearance as a jumble of sarsens.
The landscape is part of the visit — Both monuments are in open fields with views across the North Downs and Medway Valley; they are not presented by English Heritage as enclosed visitor attractions.
When to go
· Daylight hours; English Heritage says the sites are open at reasonable times during daylight.
The supplied official source does not specify seasonal highlights. Daylight is important for seeing the monuments and surrounding landscape.
The sites are in open fields. The supplied sources do not specify weather-related closures or conditions; check current information and be prepared for uneven surfaces.
Worth pairing with
The Cock Horse, Detling, or The Cavendish
Both are listed as lunch options in Explore Kent’s published Kit’s Coty itinerary. Check current opening and availability before travelling.
This Art of Mine
Explore Kent includes this arts-and-crafts activity as an afternoon option in its published itinerary. Check current details before visiting.
North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way
English Heritage’s directions use sections of these paths to reach and connect the monuments. This is practical route context, not a recommendation to walk the whole trails.
What to look for
At Kit’s Coty House, look at the three surviving uprights and the massive capstone. At Little Kit’s Coty House, notice how the monument survives as a jumble of sarsens. Take in the open-field setting and views across the North Downs and Medway Valley.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Any season; English Heritage advises visiting during daylight hours. Clear weather may make the views across the North Downs and Medway Valley easier to appreciate.
Go in daylight, when the monuments and surrounding landscape are visible. English Heritage does not identify a particular season as best.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage says the sites are open at reasonable times during daylight hours, with free entry. Kit’s Coty House is reached by footpath from steps on Chatham Road. The route includes busy roads and uneven surfaces; take care, particularly on the road sections. Check current access information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
There is no car park at either site. English Heritage says it may be possible to park on wider parts of nearby Old Chatham Road; a layby on Rochester Road is another option. Parking availability is not guaranteed.
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome at both sites, according to English Heritage.
Accessibility
English Heritage notes uneven surfaces. Access involves steps and footpaths; wheelchair accessibility is not established by the supplied evidence. Check with English Heritage before visiting if access requirements matter.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free entry
Water
Not applicable
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Kit’s Coty Megalithic Burial Chamber
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
