Swanscombe Heritage Park

The archaeological finds made at Swanscombe date back around 400,000 years to the early Stone Age, or Palaeolithic period. Flint tools littered this ancient site, along with the remains of the animals they were used to kill.

What makes Swanscombe really special, however, was the discovery of three different pieces of the same human skull on three separate occasions – 1935, 1936 and 1955. This made Swanscombe one of only two places in the UK where actual human remains from this very early period have been found.

Today, beginning at the giant hand-axe sculpture, an accessible trail means you can explore the now landscaped and wooded former quarries where the discoveries were made, full of informative displays about the site and its history. There’s also an excellent playground, a football pitch, and open grassland with views over to the Thames to the north. Swanscombe Heritage Park has been designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. The Natural England website has a vast array of information which will help you understand the importance of such sites and why they need to be protected.