Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Address:
Kit's Coty House:, off Chatham Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7EZ
Kit's Coty House and its neighbour, Little Kit's Coty House, are the remains of two megalithic 'dolmen' burial chambers. Kit's Coty is the larger of the two monuments, with three uprights and a massive capstone, while the smaller, Little Kit's Coty (also known as the Countless Stones), is now a jumble of sarsens.
Although the origins of their names are unknown, what is certain is that long barrows such as these were initially constructed during the early Neolithic period to act as communal burial sites.
Both are located in an open field offering fantastic views across the North Downs and Medway Valley.
Read more about the history of Kit's Coty House and Little Kit's Coty House.
Before You Go
Parking: There is no car park at either site but it may be possible to park on the wider parts of the stretch of Old Chatham Road that runs parallel with Chatham Road near Kit's Coty House. Otherwise there is a layby on Rochester Road just west of the junction with Chatham Road (if you park here you will need to walk east to the junction with Chatham Road and turn left uphill until you are opposite the junction with Old Chatham Road).
How to Find the Sites: These two sites are in fields about 500 metres apart and accessed by a mix of footpaths and busy roads. Some of the roads on the way to Little Kit's Coty House do not have footpaths so great care must be taken.
Kit's Coty House is accessed off Chatham Road about 400 metres north of its junction with Rochester Road. There is a set of steps opposite the junction of Chatham Road and Old Chatham Road that is signposted North Downs Way. Take the steps, follow the footpath and, after about 250 metres, a gap in the hedgerow opens up on the right. Go through this gap and Kit’s Coty House is in the field adjacent to the path.
Little Kit's Coty House is best accessed from Kit's Coty House by returning to the North Downs Way and continuing south along it downhill. After about 300 metres you will reach Pilgrims Way. Turn left to the junction with Rochester Road, cross over it and turn right, following the signpost towards Aylesford. This stretch of road is busy and has no footpath so take great care when walking beside it. After about 100 metres there is a small gap in the hedge for a short path to Little Kit’s Coty House, marked by a small brown tourist sign. This gap is just before the junction with Pratling Street.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome at both sites.
Plan a Great Day Out
After exploring the site, head to Rochester Castle and take to the battlements of its imposing 12th century keep, the site of an epic siege in 1215.
Also nearby is Old Soar Manor, a small but complete section of a 13th century stone manor house.
At Eynsford Castle you can see the substantial walls of a Norman 'enclosure' castle standing within a picturesque village. Eynsford is also home to Lullingstone Roman Villa where you can gain a unique insight into Roman domestic life, and take home a souvenir of your day from the gift shop.
