Farm Shops & Producers
Austen’s of Rochester
Rochester High Street shop selling produce from Kent farms, with a veg box delivery service across the Medway Towns.
Verified Nov 2026
Kent Wildlife Trust chalk grassland reserve in Gillingham with sweeping views and orchids in summer. Open at all times; free.
About Darland Banks
Darland Banks is a chalk grassland Local Nature Reserve on Darland Avenue, Gillingham. Medway Council says the site is managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. The Trust says it is home to the largest population of man orchids in the country, and May to August is the best time for wildflowers and butterflies. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead around the grazing livestock.
Accessibility
Kent Wildlife Trust says paths are grass, narrow, steep and uneven in places and slippery on exposed chalk when wet, with some kissing gates and chicanes.
Where it is
What's on here
Eat and drink in Gillingham
Cafés
Oasis Cafe
Cafe in Britton Farm Mall, Gillingham, serving breakfasts, omelettes, roasts, sandwiches and grills, with collection and delivery.
Verified Oct 2026
Guides that mention Darland Banks
GuideFamily Days Out, Parks & Walks
Gillingham’s parks, waterfront and family days out
Gillingham's town parks, the Strand waterfront, Darland Banks and the Medway Queen, plus Capstone Farm and the snowsports centre nearby.
More things to do in Gillingham
Castles & History, Museums & Galleries
Paddle Steamer Medway Queen
The 1924 Dunkirk Little Ship at Gillingham Pier: a visitor centre and guided tours on board on Saturdays. Under 16s free with an adult.
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Family Days Out, Parks & Walks
The Strand Leisure Park
Riverside leisure park in Gillingham with play parks, crazy golf, a miniature railway and the 1896 saltwater lido, which opens in summer.
Family Friendly
Family Days Out, Parks & Walks
Capstone Farm Country Park
Over 114 hectares of countryside, woodland, meadows and lakes on Capstone Road, Chatham, with a cafe, visitor centre and play area.
Family Friendly