Knole Park

The deer here are absolutely fearless. Walk into Knole Park from central Sevenoaks and within minutes you're surrounded by hundreds of them - fallow, sika, muntjac - grazing across open grassland as if you're not there at all. It's strange seeing that many wild animals going about their day just metres from the main path.

The park itself is 1,000 acres of rolling Kent countryside, which makes it feel properly remote despite being minutes from town. There's the magnificent Knole House - a vast 15th-century mansion that dominates the landscape - though the grounds themselves are what most visitors come for. Wide open spaces, scattered oak trees, and valleys that dip unexpectedly. The walking's straightforward. None of it's particularly strenuous, which is why families with younger kids tend to do well here.

Bring binoculars if you're into birds. Seriously. The variety is excellent and the open habitat means you can actually spot things. Photographers will spend half a day just chasing light across the grassland.

It's free to access and you can wander as much or as little as you want - a quick 45-minute stroll or a proper half-day expedition. Come early morning or late afternoon if you want the best wildlife viewing and fewer people. Midday in summer and you'll find it packed with school runs on bikes.

If you're staying at Thriftwood Country Park nearby, this makes an excellent day out that doesn't require driving far. The contrast between managed parkland and your campsite works well.