Haysden Country Park
Haysden Country Park lies on the western outskirts of Tonbridge. It covers an area of about 65 hectares and includes a range of natural habitats such as river, grassland, freshwater lakes, marshland and woodland. The site is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and in part a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. It has also been a Green Flag award park since 2006 and is a Natural England accredited park.
Haysden Country Park is owned and managed by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Leisure Services.
Opening and closing times
The park is open every day of the year.
Entrance gates are unlocked daily at 7.30am and locked at the times shown below. Closing times are displayed at the car park entrances, but will be no later than 9pm.
Closing times for 2021/22
- December 2020 to Sunday 7 February 4.30pm
- Monday 8 February to Sunday 21 March 6pm
- Monday 22 March to Sunday 16 May 8pm
- Monday 17 May to Sunday 15 August 9pm
- Monday 16 August to Sunday 19 September 8pm
- Monday 20 September to Sunday 24 October 7pm
- Monday 25 October to Sunday 3 January 2022 4.30pm
- January 2022 4.30pm
There is no call out facility if your car is left in the car park after it has been locked.
Parking
The car park has a height barrier (two metres) and is pay and display. A limited number of season tickets are available.
All money generated from parking charges help to maintain and improve the park.
Pay and display tickets must be purchased from the main car park for both Haysden Water and Audley Rise car parks.
Blue Badge parking
There are marked disabled bays in the main car park. Lakeside parking is also available for Blue Badge holders, with a RADAR key required to open the barrier by the toilets. Badge holders should clearly display their badge and clock.
Disabled access and facilities
- a disabled toilet is located near the main car park, a RADAR key is required
- accessible walks - the best accessible paths are compacted surface paths around Barden Lake. A shorter walk is available from the car park past the Stone Lock
- seating is available around Barden Lake
- Barden Lake lakeside parking, viewpoint and an accessible fishing platform can accessed with a RADAR key by unlocking the barrier by the toilets
The play area is mainly surfaced with bark which gives limited access for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. Improvements to this are planned.
Waymarked trails have limited access for less able users with some unmade paths in the more distant parts of the site.
Activities
Our park rangers offer fun activities for children at the park including:
- pond dipping
- nature discovery trails
- wildlife orienteering
Find out more about these activities, costs and how to book online.
Walking and cycling
The Eden Valley walk and Wealdway lead through the park. There is also a range of waymarked trails to enjoy, including nature and historical adventures.
Cycling is only permitted on Regional Cycle Route 12 between Tonbridge Castle and Penshurst Place. There are cycle racks beside the toilets.
Fishing and watersports
- fishing in this park is controlled by Tonbridge and District Angling and Fish Preservation Society. Day tickets are available from the bailiff at Barden Lake
- sailing - Tonbridge Town Sailing Club only
- triathlon open water swimming training with TriSwim. Swimming is only allowed under the supervision of this club
Other activities:
- children's play area
- dog training classes - run by It's All Dog Fun (must be booked in advance)
- horse riding is limited to the marked bridle path in the park
Some activities are prohibited in the park:
- no unauthorised swimming - only TriSwim members at their sessions
- no fires (including barbeques)
- no unauthorised boating
- no model boating
- no camping
- no drones
- no motorbikes other than in the car park
Water safety
It is important to consider water safety when visiting this park. When there is hot weather it is very tempting to cool off in public lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, especially for children and young adults. However this can be very dangerous, even fatal.
Guidance on staying safe around water is available from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Catering
The is an on-site cafe next to the car park which serves hot food and drinks.
Address
Lower Haysden Lane
Tonbridge
Kent
TN11 9BB