Kent’s abundance of vibrant and well-cared-for gardens are a must-see for any lover of nature, and we know just where you should start.



GOODNESTONE PARK GARDENS
CANTERBURY

One of only three Gardens in Kent in The Good Garden Guide

34 minute drive from Crabtree Farm

Goodnestone Park Gardens
Goodnestone, Canterbury
Kent, CT3 1PL

www.goodnestoneparkgardens.co.uk

 

Worth Knowing

“The Old Dairy is serving take-away drinks and snacks seven days a week; outdoor seating available.

The exquisite privately owned stately home has recently been restored to critical acclaim. A favourite place to stay for Jane Austen in the 19th century and the producer of Downton Abbey in the 21st.”



SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN
SISSINGHURST

Historic, poetic, iconic; a refuge dedicated to beauty.

43 minute drive from Crabtree Farm

Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Biddenden Road, Cranbrook
Kent, TN17 2AB

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Worth Knowing

“Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began transforming Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. Harold’s architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the colourful, abundant planting in the gardens by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden was the backdrop for a diverse history; from the astonishing time as a prison in the 1700s, to being a home to the women’s land army. It was also a family home to some fascinating people who lived here or came to stay.”



LEEDS CASTLE
MAIDSTONE

There is an abundance of wildlife to see throughout the 500 acre estate of Leeds Castle. 

32 minute drive from Crabtree Farm

Leeds Castle
Broomfield, Maidstone
Kent, ME17 1PL

www.leeds-castle.com

Worth Knowing

“Woodland, parkland and large lakes fed by the River Len provide natural habitats attracting great numbers of wildfowl and common woodland birds all year round.

Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.”



HEVER CASTLE
EDENBRIDGE

Hever Castle & Gardens is nestled in the stunning Kent High Weald and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

79 minute drive from Crabtree Farm

Hever Castle
Hever, Edenbridge
Kent, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Worth Knowing

“The Hever Castle Estate has a wealth of history; most recognisably it was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Today the Estate has something for everyone. This diverse offering and the independent ownership of the Castle make Hever a truly unique place to experience.

 The local Kent area comprises an array of charming villages, impressive attractions, and beautiful country walks. The spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells is less than 30 minutes away by car offering a selection of shops, restaurants and the famous Pantiles.”



MOUNT EPHRAIM
HERNHILL

Mount Ephraim is a beautiful family-owned estate in the heart of the Kent countryside.

30 minute drive from Crabtree Farm

Mount Ephraim Gardens
Hernhill, Faversham
Kent, ME13 9TX

www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk

Worth Knowing

“For over 300 years the Dawes family have lovingly cared for the house and gardens and today they present one of the breathtaking spots in the south-east of England.

Ten acres of classical gardens lie within an 800-acre farm with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The gardens are open to the public from April to October on Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays.”



PENHURST PLACE
TONBRIDGE

With early records dating back to 1346, the Gardens at Penshurst Place are considered to be one of the most beautiful in England.

74 minute drive from Crabtree Farm

Penshurst Place
Penshurst, Tonbridge
Kent, TN11 8DG

www.penshurstplace.com

Worth Knowing

“The House, once the property of King Henry VIII, was left to his son King Edward VI and granted to my forebear Sir William Sidney in 1552. The Sidney family have been in continuous occupation for more than 460 years since. It is still a family home and all who live and work here welcome visitors to discover the charm of Penshurst in the State Rooms, Gardens, Parkland and beyond.”



For the most recent garden recommendations from the Nation Trust, follow this link.

“From traditional rose beds at Chartwell, to a kaleidoscopic cutting garden at Ightham Mote, our gardens are filled with vibrant colours, scented displays and relaxing spaces. Visit throughout the summer to see what’s new, and bring back some inspiration for your own garden. Every time you wander among the blooms, you help us plant new varieties for the following year.”

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/glorious-summer-gardens-in-kent



worth a visit...

There’s a wealth of beauty on our doorstep; throughout the open garden season you’ll find an array of memorable visits – and perhaps a cup of tea or two.

boldshaves.com

boundesendgarden.co.uk

geumcollection.co.uk

doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk

greatcompgarden.co.uk

holepark.com

riverhillgardens.co.uk

the-salutation.com

You can also find more local independent Garden opens here:

ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden

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