Latest Update
September 2026 has a strong run of guided bat walks across Bromley and nearby Dartford, with several dates still ahead. These evening sessions are designed to help visitors learn about local bat species, use bat detectors and explore familiar parks after dark.
Important: older bat-walk listings are still appearing in search results with different dates and prices. This guide uses the current 2026 Bromley Parks booking page and current Dartford Borough Council listings checked on 31 August 2026.
Bat Walks in Bromley – September 2026
Bromley Parks currently lists the following guided bat walks:
- Church House Gardens — Friday 4 September, 7:30pm–9pm
- Whitehall Recreation Ground — Thursday 10 September, 7:30pm–9pm. Money is to be donated to the friends group on arrival; this session is not pre-booked through the normal booking route.
- Goddington Park — Friday 11 September, 7:30pm–9pm
- Keston Common — Saturday 12 September, 7pm–8:30pm
The standard Bromley Parks price is currently £5 per person. Sessions are listed as suitable for ages 5+, and dogs are not allowed because of disturbance to wildlife.
Check Bromley Parks bat-walk availability and booking.
What Happens on a Bromley Bat Walk?
Bromley Parks says the walks begin with experienced surveyors talking about the different bat species found locally, their behaviour and habitat needs. Visitors then head out using electronic bat detectors to pick up the ultrasonic calls of hunting bats. The walks may also introduce other wildlife active in the parks after dark, including birds and insects.
Bat Walk at Brooklands, Dartford
Dartford Borough Council has a free Bat Walk at Brooklands on Saturday 5 September 2026, running from 7:30pm to 10pm. The walk itself is expected to last around an hour and a half, although it may run longer depending on the group and the level of bat activity.
Booking is essential. Tickets were due to become available from 24 August, so check current availability before travelling.
Current Brooklands Lake note: Dartford Borough Council is also carrying a summer algae warning for the lake, asking dog walkers to stay away from the water and visitors not to feed the birds. The bat walk remains listed for 5 September, but check the council event page again before setting out in case conditions affect arrangements.
Check the official Dartford Bat Walk details.
Nearby Kent Bat Walks
Mote Park, Maidstone
Kent Bat Group currently lists a free bat walk at Mote Park on Friday 18 September 2026, with non-members welcome. Check Kent Bat Group for the latest booking information.
Knole, Sevenoaks
National Trust has a bat walk at Knole on Friday 18 September 2026, 6:45pm–8:15pm, led with Mountfield Ecology. The event is currently listed as sold out. Tickets were £10, the event is for ages 12+, and the route goes over rough, uneven ground and is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
This one is still useful to keep on the radar in case cancellations appear.
Accessibility & Sensory Information
Bat walks are usually held outdoors after dark and can involve uneven ground, low light, mud and changing weather. Bromley Parks advises visitors to wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Exact meeting points for its sessions are emailed before the walk.
Route accessibility can vary significantly between parks, especially once walks leave surfaced paths. If you have mobility, sensory or anxiety-related access needs, contact the organiser before booking to ask about the exact route, lighting, terrain, group size and available facilities. You can also visit our Accessibility & SEN hub for more practical planning guidance.
For the sold-out Knole walk, National Trust specifically states that the route leaves surfaced paths and is unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
What to Take on a Bat Walk
- Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear
- Warm layers
- A small torch unless the organiser advises otherwise
- Water
- Any medication or access items you normally need for an evening outdoors
Remember that these are wildlife events: sightings can never be guaranteed.
Why Bat Walks Are Worth Doing
There is something brilliant about exploring a local park after closing-time energy has set in and hearing wildlife you would normally miss. Bat detectors make the experience especially fun for families because they turn otherwise inaudible ultrasonic calls into something you can actually hear.
They are also a lovely bridge between a family nature activity and the darker, atmospheric side of autumn — without needing a full Halloween event.
More Local Days Out
For more nearby ideas, explore our Bromley Days Out, Events & Local Guide and the wider Travel & Days Out hub.
FAQ
How much are the Bromley bat walks in 2026?
The current Bromley Parks listing shows £5 per person for its standard guided bat-walk sessions. Whitehall Recreation Ground is handled differently, with money donated to the friends group on arrival.
Are Bromley bat walks suitable for children?
Bromley Parks currently lists its guided bat walks as suitable for ages five and over.
Can I bring a dog?
No. Bromley Parks asks visitors not to bring dogs because of disturbance to wildlife.
Do you definitely see bats?
No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed, but the walks use bat detectors to increase the chance of hearing bat activity even when the animals are difficult to see.
Information checked 31 August 2026. Dates, availability, meeting points and weather arrangements can change, so always check the organiser before travelling.
