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Gardens in Kent

A visit to at least one or two of the gardens in Kent are a must if you are coming to Kent for a holiday or short break.

We aren't called the garden of England for no reason, our temperate (if somewhat wet) climate means you will be able to see a lovely show of flowers and shrubs whatever time of year you visit.

I've listed a few here just to give you some suggestions, I'm sure you would be able to find more on the internet if you look.

Mount Ephraim Gardens at Faversham

Mount Ephraim Gardens These Edwardian gardens have terraces of roses, a lake, a woodland area and a Japanese rock garden. They also have a new grass maze and children's nature trail. Refreshments can be bought at their tearoom.

  • Cost is £4.50 for an adult, £2.50 for a child 3-16 years
  • Open on Wednesday, Thrusday, Saturday and Sunday in the afternoons with a Craft Centre that is open Sundays only
  • Season is Easter to September

Quex Museum, House and Gardens at Birchington

Quex Gardens

This country mansion with world-class collections of weaponry,costumes and far more also has superb gardens. There is a plant stall, a tearoom and gift shop.

  • Mid March to end of October open Sunday to Thursday 11am - 5pm
  • October to mid March museum and gardens open only Sunday afternoons
  • Cost is £7 for an adult and £4 for a child

Goodnestone Park Gardens at Wingham near Canterbury

Goodnestone Park Gardens Voted as the Daily Telegraph's 6th favourite garden, covering approximately 14 acres the gardens include a walled garden, woodland area and 2 arboretums.

Close to Canterbury, almost hidden away, are these beautiful gardens that offer such a lovely experience.

  • Season March to October
  • Check their website for opening times here
  • Cost is £4.50 for adults and £1 for children ages 6 to 16

Belmont House and Garden near Faversham

This 18th centry house is set in park-like gardens. There is a walled garden, a pinetum, wooded areas, a kitchen garden and a victorian shell grotto.

Plants and produce are available for sale and there is a tearoom.

  • The Gardens are open all year round
  • Opening times are 10am to 6pm
  • The cost is Adults £3, children £1

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Bedgebury Pinetum Bedgebury Pinetum has the world's finest collection of conifers and is a fantastic place for a day out for the whole family.

There are miles of trails for walking, cycling, mountain biking and riding and you can hire bicycles at the visitor centre.

It has a fabulous adventure play area for everyone.

There are picnic areas and refreshments are available and it was recently voted as best picnic site in the South!

  • Open all year
  • Opening times 8am to 7pm (summer) or 4pm (winter) but check their website for full details
  • Cost is £7.50 per car

Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest

200 acres of magnificent gardens must be worth a visit. It has traditional walled gardens surrounding a 17th century moated manor house.

What really makes it different though is its 'Enchanted Forest' area where you can go on walks such as 'Dark Walk' where you choose to take the high level wooden walkway or take part in activities and challenges along the way such as rope swings, scramble nets etc. Suitable for children over 5 years and 'grown ups'!

Some other areas that you must look at are Serpents Lair and Mossy Bottom, Double Spiral and Mystic Pool.

And don't forget to go to the Village of the Groms and the Dinosaur and Dragon Valley.

With the animals you can see there - including the Zeedonk (a cross between a zebra and a donkey) - the vineyard, the museum, canal boat cruises and sometimes birds of prey flying displays, there just has to be something to keep everyone happy.

You can eat at the licensed restaurant or take your own picnic and there is also a gift shop.

  • Open end of March to beginning of November
  • Opening times 10am to 5.30 pm
  • Cost for an adult is £8.95 and £7.45 for a child 3 to 12 years old.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens These gardens are internationally famous and have lakeside and woodland walks, a childrens quiz trail and throughout the year they hold events such as pond dipping and bat watching.

There is a restaurant and coffee shop.

  • Open mid March to beginning of November
  • Opening times Friday to Tuesday, 11am to 6.30pm
  • Cost £8.10 for an adult and £4 for a child