Discover Longfield

Longfield offers several starting points for planning a stay: chalk grassland, woodland landscapes, historic buildings and leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Longfield, it may help to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip. The places and activities cater to different interests—from seasonal wildlife-watching and architectural history to paintball and laser tag.

Chalk grassland and seasonal orchids

Longfield Chalk Bank is a small green space in Longfield with chalk grassland. It provides a habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, bats and other insects. A path leads up the chalk slope and past a bee bank. Orchids bloom at the bee bank in spring and summer. If this natural setting interests you, you can factor the season into your plans. The chalk grassland and the orchids lend different character to a visit: the former defines the green space, while the latter provide a seasonal floral highlight.

Woodlands, plants and landforms

Wilmay Copse lies in the Upper Cretaceous area of the North Downs. Part of the woodland is ancient coppice, with beech, ash, field maple and hornbeam. Its rich flora includes bluebells and spurge laurel, among other species; these plants are considered indicators of ancient woodland. Wilmay Copse thus combines a geological setting with characteristic trees and plants. Public paths run through the area. There is no formal parking, which you can take into account when planning your journey.

Another landscape feature is Saxten’s and Cage’s Wood. The woodland lies on a plateau and along the slopes of a dry valley. This description draws attention to the terrain and valley form, complementing the information about Wilmay Copse with another aspect of the woodland landscape.

Architectural history in Longfield and the parish

St Mary Magdalene Church in Longfield is predominantly a 13th- to 14th-century building and is listed as a Grade II building. Dr Plume’s tomb is behind the church, against the south wall at the east end of the nave. The construction period gives the church a historical timeframe, while the tomb’s precise location adds a specific point of reference.

New Barn House, a 16th-century timber-framed building with exposed beams, is located in the parish of Longfield and New Barn. The fireplace also dates from the 16th century; its surround is made of Caen stone. Taken together, the church and house illustrate different building periods: the church dates back to the 13th to 14th centuries, while New Barn House dates to the 16th century. If you are interested in architectural history, you can explore this comparison of periods as a focus alongside the natural attractions.

Leisure activities and getting your bearings

Bedlam Paintball Longfield offers paintball, kids’ paintball and laser tag at a woodland site a few minutes from Longfield. As commercial activities may change, check which options are available before visiting. The ticket office for Brands Hatch Circuit is located in Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG. If the circuit is the reason for your trip, you can include the address in your plans.

Planning your stay

If you are travelling for a leisure activity or to visit Brands Hatch Circuit, plan around that specific purpose.

Discover more destinations: Brenchley, Camber, Paddock Wood, Newington, Tilmanstone, Swanley, Woodnesborough, Tenterden.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.