Two people sitting on a bench looking out over the views at Blue Bell Hill
©Beth Hukins

Blue Bell Hill

Whether standing above the clouds on a winter's morning or watching the last rays of sun striking reds, purple and gold across the valley, there is always something fantastic about this place.

Opening times: Reserve open at all times to visitors on foot. Car Park closed at 6.30 in summer and 4.30 in winter.
Best time to visit: All year round.

  • Dog walking

  • Parking

  • Picnic area

  • Wildlife Ark

Size: 5 hectares.

Parking information: Car Park closed at 6.30 in summer and 4.30 in winter. There is a free car park at the main entrance with a height barrier. The car park is closed at night.

Bicycle parking: None.

Grazing animals: None.

Walking trails: The North Downs Way passes through this reserve.

Dogs: Dogs permitted

Unsurfaced public footpaths with kissing gates. Some paths are narrow, steep and uneven. Essentially this site is for admiring the view, which can be seen from the car park. One of the picnic benches is level with the car park, one is set on a small mound, one is up a short flight of steps.

About the reserve

Quite possibly the loftiest nature reserve in the county, offering uninterrupted panaromic views across the Weald.

There is a diverse number of threatened or unusual plant species on this important chalk grassland habitat creating carpets of colour during the summer months. One of the smallest, squinancywort, has masses of tiny whitish/pink flowers which can make the site look frosted even on the warmest of days.

This rich plant life supports a variety of specialist insects including butterflies such as chalk hill blue, Adonis blue and brown argus.

Where the fine wildflower-filled grassland meets the bushes, there is a tangle of bramble and other rough plants. This is the perfect spot for reptiles and small mammals, such as the bank vole, to forage for food.

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch regarding Blue Bell Hill, for any reason, please contact:

Rob Pennington
Contact number: 01622 662012
Contact email: robert.pennington@kentwildlife.org.uk 

Environmental designation

  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Learn More About Blue Bell Hill Trust