Near Cobham, Kent, DA12 3BS
Cobham Wood and Darnley Mausoleum
Ancient woodland
Source image
6.4
Wildland
1–2 hours, Half day
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4A rare ancient wood pasture of open grassland and veteran trees rises to the Darnley Mausoleum, an imposing 18th-century building designed by James Wyatt. The mausoleum was commissioned as a family burial place but was never used for its intended purpose.
This is more than a woodland stroll: Cobham’s ancient wood pasture still holds open grassland among mature trees, with grazing Highland cattle, veteran oaks and views towards the North Downs. The striking mausoleum adds a piece of architectural history at the high point, though access to its interior is limited and seasonal.
Peaceful · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapNear Cobham, Kent, DA12 3BS
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The experience
Explore the ancient wood pasture on its network of tracks, look for veteran trees and wildlife, and visit the Darnley Mausoleum when it is open. The woodland is accessible from dawn to dusk, but the mausoleum has limited opening and may be closed seasonally.
Things to do
Walk the woodland tracks
Explore the tracks through the wood pasture, where open grassland sits among mature trees. Paths can be uneven, and the National Trust advises that terrain is rough.
Visit the Darnley Mausoleum when open
See the 18th-century mausoleum designed by James Wyatt, set at the highest point of the site. Opening is limited and seasonal; check ahead.
Look for veteran trees
In the lower parkland, look for ancient oaks; on higher ground, the National Trust notes sweet chestnuts with spiralled bark and pollarded hornbeams.
Watch for wildlife and grazing cattle
The wood pasture supports wildlife associated with mature trees and deadwood. Highland cattle graze the site; observe them from a safe distance and follow the estate’s guidance.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: woodland and mausoleum approach
- 01
Check the National Trust page to confirm whether the mausoleum is open and which parking arrangements apply.
- 02
Follow the waymarked footpath from South Lodge towards the mausoleum; the route is just under a mile each way.
- 03
Explore the wood pasture and, if open, visit the mausoleum before returning by the same route.
Half day · Half day
Make a Half Day of It: explore the wood pasture
- 01
Check current woodland access, mausoleum opening and parking information before travelling.
- 02
Allow time to explore the woodland tracks and open grassland rather than making only a direct out-and-back visit.
- 03
Look for veteran trees, pollarded hornbeams, grazing cattle and views across the surrounding landscape.
- 04
Visit the mausoleum if it is open; otherwise enjoy the landscape around the high point and return on the paths.
Verified history
The Darnley Mausoleum was designed by architect James Wyatt in the 18th century and commissioned as a family burial place by the Earl of Darnley. The National Trust says it was never used for its intended purpose. The restored building was featured on the BBC programme Restoration in 2003.
Hidden details
A mausoleum that never became a tomb — Although commissioned as a family mausoleum, the building was never used for its intended purpose.
A habitat made by old trees and deadwood — The National Trust identifies veteran trees and standing dead timber as important habitat at the site. Look for the standing dead tree described to the right of a hornbeam opposite the mausoleum.
When to go
· Daylight hours; the woodland is listed as open from dawn to dusk. Check mausoleum opening separately.
The National Trust describes the woodland as a year-round place to visit. The mausoleum has limited opening and is currently closed for winter, so its availability should be checked before travelling.
Unmade tracks may be uneven. A visitor account reports muddy paths after rain; wear suitable footwear and check conditions.
The route
- surface
- Unmade tracks; may be uneven.
- distance
- Just under 1 mile each way from South Lodge to the mausoleum, according to the National Trust.
- difficulty
- Uneven, rough terrain; the National Trust warns of unmade tracks.
- waymarking
- A waymarked footpath runs from South Lodge Barn to the mausoleum.
- route shape
- Out and back from South Lodge to the mausoleum.
- start point
- South Lodge Barn, subject to access and current arrangements.
- parking start
- On mausoleum open days only, limited informal parking may be available near South Lodge on Lodge Lane. Otherwise, the National Trust identifies Shorne Wood Country Park as the nearest parking; charges apply and the walk is approximately two miles over uneven terrain.
- Ancient wood pasture with open grassland and mature trees
- 18th-century Darnley Mausoleum
- Views over the surrounding landscape
- Veteran trees and grazing Highland cattle
Worth pairing with
Shorne Wood Country Park
The National Trust identifies this as the nearest alternative parking when limited South Lodge parking is unavailable. Parking is charged, and the walk to Cobham Wood is approximately two miles over uneven terrain.
What to look for
Look for veteran oaks in the lower parkland, sweet chestnuts with spiralled bark and pollarded hornbeams on higher ground. The National Trust also highlights standing dead timber as habitat for wildlife, and Highland cattle grazing the wood pasture.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Year-round for the woodland and landscape; check mausoleum opening before planning a visit to the building.
The woodland can be visited throughout the year during daylight. Check the National Trust’s current opening information if the mausoleum is a priority; its opening is limited and seasonal.
How long to spend
1–2 hours, Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 6am-7pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Cobham Wood is open from dawn to dusk. The mausoleum has limited opening and is currently closed for winter; check the National Trust page for future opening days before setting out. There is no general on-site parking. On mausoleum open days, limited informal parking may be available near South Lodge; otherwise the National Trust identifies Shorne Wood Country Park as the nearest parking, with a fee and an approximately two-mile walk over uneven terrain. Do not park on verges or narrow roads.
Check before visiting
Parking
No general on-site parking. Limited informal parking near South Lodge is available on mausoleum open days only. The nearest alternative named by the National Trust is Shorne Wood Country Park, where parking is charged; the walk from there is approximately two miles over uneven terrain. Do not park on verges or narrow roads.
Toilets
Facilities, including an accessible toilet, are available at South Lodge Barn when open. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the woodland but not inside the mausoleum; assistance dogs are welcome throughout. Keep dogs on leads and follow the National Trust’s livestock guidance. If cattle approach, release dogs from leads in line with the Countryside Code.
Accessibility
Woodland paths are rough, with uneven unmade tracks and kissing gates. The mausoleum is reached by steps to the chapel and crypt. The National Trust advises that the walk from Shorne Wood Country Park is approximately two miles across uneven terrain. Check current access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
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Around Cobham Wood and Darnley Mausoleum
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
