Haysden Country Park

Haysden Country Park is a large outdoor spot just outside Tonbridge, with lakes, riverside paths, woodland, grassland and marshland. It sounds like the sort of place that lets you burn off some energy without having to pretend a muddy walk is a grand day out. For families, the draw is the variety: wide paths for pushchairs, footbridges, benches, picnic tables and lots of wildlife, especially waterfowl. There’s a play area near the main car park, toilets by Barden Lake, and enough space to do a short wander or a longer loop if the children are still in the mood for it. The practical bits are worth knowing. Parking is paid and one reviewer found the online payment tricky because the signal was poor. The cafe review was distinctly underwhelming, and the main paths can get busier around parkrun, after school and at weekends. Also, if it’s been raining, expect mud and a pram that looks like it’s had a rough day.