Spend a day exploring landmarks left behind by the Romans, Saxons, Normans and Tudors before enjoying a typical pub dinner in this old English village.

With Eynsford’s green landscape, scenic country lanes and the River Darent, you almost forget that the metropolis of London is only a short bus or train journey away. Eynsford has 2,000-year-old Roman ruins, an ancient Norman castle and a manor house from the 15th century. The village is compact so it’s easy to get from one attraction to another on foot. 

Drive through the Dartford Tunnel or take a train from London to the centre of Eynsford. From the village station, walk about half a mile (1 kilometre) to the Lullingstone Roman Villa, across the River Darent. The ruins of the first-century villa are one of the most popular attractions in Eynsford. Admire mosaics and artifacts and dress up in Roman attire. 

Visit the nearby Eagle Heights Birds of Prey Centre just north of the villa. See more than 150 birds including vultures, eagles, hawks and falcons. Attend a demonstration of spectacular flying eagles. Discover other wildlife on display, such as cheetahs and snakes. 

Walk or drive south down Lullingstone Lane to reach Lullingstone Castle and the World Garden, one of England’s oldest family estates, located southwest of Eynsford village centre. Amble around the grounds of the 15th-century manor house where an early version of the game of lawn tennis was played. Stroll through the 2-acre (0.4 hectare) World Garden to marvel at plants from around the globe. The garden is laid out like a world map, with plants placed in their continent of origin. 

Head southeast across the river to find the ruins of Eynsford Castle. The stone walls are still largely intact and date back to Norman times. Walk next door to admire the architecture of the 18th-century Eynsford Baptist Church. Finish the day with a traditional British meal of jacket potatoes or a pie with a beer at a village pub.

Eynsford is located southeast of London in Kent. The town is a 40-minute drive or about an hour by train from London. Eynsford is also easily accessible by train or bus from many of the surrounding towns in Kent.