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We are situated right next door to the Hucking Estate which is owned by the Woodland Trust and boasts 573 acres of park and woodland with numerous walks to be enjoyed come rain or shine. We are happy for poeple to use our carpark and just ask that the favour is returned by paying us a visit after your walk to enjoy our fine Ales, Lagers and Wines and our delicious food.
This large estate offers a mix of ancient woodland, planted secondary woodland and open grassland; together with woodland archaeology remains, wonderful walks, interesting wildlife and breath-taking views. This is all set in the Kent Downs Area of outstanding Natural Beauty.
Pick up a leaflet from within the Inn and follow the blue waymarked trail for a 30 minute circular walk (1.1 mile), or take your time and wander a bit further - there's 573 acres (282 hectares) to explore!
To access the Estate continue walking up hill past the Inn to the field entrance on your left. There are often sheep grazing in this field so please keep your dogs under control.
The Hucking Estate is one of our Top Ten bluebell woods. If you’d like to visit and see a superb bluebell display, check the estates live map for bluebells at www.naturescalendar.org.uk as flowering times do vary around the UK. However, mid-April to early-June is usually an ideal time for most woods.
Grid ref:
TQ843575
OS map Sheets:
Explorer 148
OS Landranger 188
Useful links:
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/4776/hucking-estate/
http://www.kentdowns.org.uk
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/north-downs-way
There are many walking and bridle way routes surrounding our pub where you can see lots of different woodland, flowers, wildlife and farm animals, as well as experiencing the picturesque views the Hucking Estate has to offer.
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Click here for more info on the routes.
We have a number of different walking groups who visit both The Hucking Estate and our pub and have leaflets available in the pub for more information on some of these. If you're part of a walking group who wants to arrange a regular lunch or use of our Car Park please do get in touch.
There's nothing better than a family day out followed by a relaxing walk and home cooked pub food with a fine dining twist.
Leeds Castle with Go Ape just 4.6miles away, Mote Park with Go Ape and Leisure Centre 9.1miles away, The Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway 3.9miles away, This Art of Mine 0.9miles away, Rage Out Maidstone 8.4miles away, BattleKart Sittingbourne 5.8miles away and The Climbing Experience Maidstone 9.5miles away.
This beautiful ancient woodland sits on top of the North Downs and has one of the most spectacular bluebell walks that can be found anywhere in England. It is certainly in the top five of the whole of the Woodland Trusts bluebell walk woods. However, it more than that, it is a wildlife haven and hosts a good number of different species. It also has spectacular walks which are great during any season and it from about 1.5km to 5km depending on the route you take.
Discover the living log and many other enchanting wooden sculptures along the way. Along the way you will find seats and resting points where you can just enjoy the peace of the countryside.
We welcome walkers who are wanting to explore the Hucking Estates many routes to use our car park, however we do politely ask that you visit us for a drink or bite to eat during your trip. We have lots of indoor and outdoor space providing a comfortable setting year round.
OPENING HOURS
Monday - Wednesday 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday & Friday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday 9:30am - 9:00pm
FOOD FINISHES
Monday - Saturday 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00pm
The Hook & Hatchet Inn, Church Road, Hucking, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1QT
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Hook and Hatchet Inn, Church Road, Hucking, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1QT Tel: 01622 880272 email: info@hookandhatchetpub.co.uk