Plan your visit

Hulked Soundwalk

The Old Brickfields

Lower Halstow

Sittingbourne

Kent ME9 7DZ

Click for directions on Google Maps

 

Accessibility

  • The Old Brickfields is largely step-free apart from a short flight of stairs at the northwest corner of the site and two steps on the footpath towards the church. Both have handrails.

    The gravel coastal path is generally even and suitable for push chairs and we are investigating its suitability for wheel chair access and will update shortly.

    In wet weather, some woodland paths may be impassable for wheeled access.

    If your wheelchair or buggy is particularly large you may not be able to get through the two pedestrian gates into the Brickfields. However on our open days we are able to open the larger gates at the top of Lapwing Drive to allow access.

    There are some benches across the site if you need to take a rest. Many of the sounds are centred around these.

    We will have a ramp with handrail to access the deck of the barge but to get inside the body of the vessel you will need to climb down several steep steps. The barge is currently not suitable for access for wheelchair users.

    There is a wheelchair accessible toilet in St Margaret's Church which will be available on open days 10am - 4pm.

  • Catch the number 327 bus from Chatham, Rainham, Gillingham, Sittingbourne (and villages in between) to Lower Halstow Green, then make the 4 minute walk to Lower Halstow dock.

    The bus service is infrequent, please view the bus timetable >> click here

  • There is a regular service to Newington station. From there it is a 41 minute walk along country lanes and footpaths (see OS Explorer 148 map).

    Alternatively, take the 327 bus (click for timetable) to Lower Halstow Green or an 18 minute drive by taxi.

  • If you are planning to experience the Hulked Soundwalk as part of a day out rambling, we recommend combining it with an exploration of the Saxon Shore Way (see OS Explorer 148 map).

  • There is limited on street parking on Lapwing Drive and surrounding streets in Lower Halstow.

    Please park considerately.

  • That is up to you.

    As you walk through The Old Brickfields, you will move into sound zones. As you walk into a sound zone, you will hear music, a song or a story. Stay in the sound zone to listen to the end. If you move out before the end, the sound will stop - you can walk back into the zone to resume your listening.

    What you hear and when you hear it, will be unique to your personal walk. People walking in front or behind you will be listening sooner or later than you.

Useful to know

  • We recommend downloading the Echoes app in advance of your visit as network coverage can be unreliable.

  • The soundwalk is designed around established pathways in The Old Brickfields.

  • The soundwalk is accessible every day, not just on Launch Days or Open Days.

  • The ground is uneven and can be muddy or waterlogged in places.

  • There is a short flight of steps at the northern corner of The Old Brickfields and two shallow steps near the church, both have handrails.

  • The dock and pathways are in close proximity to the water’s edge.

  • All walkers, adults and children, are advised that the water, beach and foreshore are inaccessible to all pedestrians.

  • The soundwalk site is suitable for dogs.

  • The abandoned hulks are most visible during low tides.

  • Headphones are advised for listening to the Hulked soundwalk.

  • Hulked takes circa 1 hour to complete in full and may be undertaken in smaller sections.