Longfield Chalk Bank is a small green space in the village, where the chalk grassland offers nature enthusiasts a tangible point of interest. Architectural history, woodland features and leisure activities add appeal for other interests. If you are looking for a holiday rental for your stay, you can start by considering whether nature, architecture or a particular activity will be the deciding factor.
Architectural history in different forms
St Mary Magdalene Church in Longfield is essentially a 13th- and 14th-century building, listed as a Grade II building. The grave of Dr Plume is behind the church, against the south wall at the east end of the nave.
New Barn House belongs to the parish of Longfield and New Barn. It is a 16th-century timber-framed building with exposed beams. The fireplace also dates from the 16th century, and its surround is made of Caen stone. This makes it possible to compare two different architectural histories: at the church, the focus is on its period of construction and listing; at the house, it is on the timber-framed construction and fireplace. Architecture enthusiasts can thus find a variety of details rather than a single, uniform building style.
Chalk grassland and seasonal blooms
Longfield Chalk Bank provides a habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, bats and other insects. A path leads up the chalk slope and past a bee bank; orchids bloom there in spring and summer. The seasonal blooms give nature enthusiasts a specific time frame to keep in mind, while the green space’s habitat offers another point of interest. If you are particularly interested in the orchids, take the stated period from spring to summer into account when planning your visit.
Woodland features and landforms
Wilmay Copse lies on the Upper Cretaceous area of the North Downs. Part of the woodland is ancient coppice, made up of beech, ash, field maple and hornbeam. Its rich flora includes bluebells and spurge laurel, among other species; these are considered indicators of ancient woodland. Public paths run through Wilmay Copse. There is no formal parking, a practical detail to bear in mind when planning your visit.
Saxten’s and Cage’s Wood lies on the plateau and slopes of a dry valley. This is a different landscape feature from the chalk setting at Wilmay Copse: here, the description is shaped by the plateau and valley slopes, while there it is the Upper Cretaceous area of the North Downs. The focus is therefore on two different aspects of the landscape, without assuming that there is a particular path between the two places.
Leisure activities and directions
The ticket office for Brands Hatch Circuit is in Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG. Bedlam Paintball Longfield offers paintball, kids’ paintball and laser tag at a woodland location a few minutes from Longfield. These are different leisure activities; commercial activity details at Bedlam may change. If you plan to visit, check the current offering in advance.
The attractions range from a small green space with seasonal blooms to specific tree features, woodland landscapes and leisure activities. Choose the focus that best suits your travel interests, and use the relevant location and activity details to plan the rest of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Petham, Sandgate, Tudeley, Lydd, Egerton, Greatstone, Westerham, Hartley
For the main travel guide: Kent.
