Toys Hill

Brian and Anne Sandland

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A large number of trees on Toys Hill was destroyed in the 1987 hurricane.

Nevertheless, many ancient beeches and oaks still remain and there is a wide variety of other tree types. The wood is named after Octavia Hill, who was one of the National Trust's founders. This is the highest point in Kent and its rock is sandstone. Until 1853 Toys Hill was commonland, where people of Brasted had the right to graze cattle and pigs and quarry a local stone known as churt stone. The pond you pass on the way was once used to supply water to another building on the hill and to its house. Around this property there are gardens also owned by the National Trust, which are open for visiting.

Many of the beech trees used to be pollarded so that the wood could be used for firewood, charcoal and building purposes. At certain points on the way you will also find bilberries. When you reach the former site of Weardale Manor you will find a notice-board. The house was built in 1906 by Lord Weardale of the Stanhope family and demolished in 1940.

As this is only a short walk you will have the opportunity, if you so wish, to visit other National Trust properties nearby. The nearest are Chartwell House, Ide Hill and Emmets Gardens.

England - South England - Kent - Woodland or Forest