The best gardens to visit in Kent

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, located in Cranbrook, Kent, is a renowned English country garden. It was created by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, and is now owned by the National Trust. The garden is famous for its series of "rooms" that represent various themes, such as the White Garden, Rose Garden, and Cottage Garden. The stunning views of the Kent countryside from the top of the tower are not to be missed.

Address: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Biddenden Road, Cranbrook, TN17 2AB
Opening Times: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (April-September), 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (October-March)

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Penshurst Place and Gardens, near Tonbridge, Kent, is a historic mansion and garden that dates back to the 14th century. The beautiful gardens surrounding the mansion feature a formal Italian garden, a herbaceous border, a wildflower meadow, and even a traditional toy fort. The long-established parkland and intricate yew hedges are truly a sight to behold.

Address: Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG
Opening Times: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM (April-October), 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM (November-March)

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Garden Wisley, located near Woking in Surrey, is just across the border of Kent and is definitely worth a visit. This flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society offers a fantastic blend of beautiful landscapes, floral displays, and greenhouses showcasing a wide variety of plants. With its extensive collection of plant species, including the stunning glasshouse and the renowned rock garden, Wisley is a paradise for garden enthusiasts.

Address: RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB
Opening Times: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March-October), 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (November-February)

Emmetts Garden

Emmetts Garden, located in Ide Hill, Kent, is a hillside garden offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The garden was developed in the late 19th century and features an array of exotic and rare plants, as well as vibrant seasonal displays. Visitors can explore the rose garden, the rock garden, and even take a refreshing stroll through the nearby woodland.

Address: Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA
Opening Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Hever Castle and Gardens

Hever Castle and Gardens, situated near Edenbridge, Kent, is a historic castle with stunning gardens that attract visitors from around the world. The gardens boast a magnificent lake, maze, rose garden, and an Italian-style garden. This was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, and visitors can explore the castle to learn about its fascinating history.

Address: Hever Castle and Gardens, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
Opening Times: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Scotney Castle Garden

Scotney Castle Garden, located in Lamberhurst, Kent, is renowned for its picturesque moated castle surrounded by beautiful gardens. This romantic garden showcases a walled garden, an Italianate garden, and a woodland with bluebells in spring. The garden spans over 770 acres, providing plenty of space for tranquil walks and exploration.

Address: Scotney Castle Garden, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN
Opening Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (March-October)

Chartwell Garden

Chartwell Garden, situated in Westerham, Kent, was once the home of one of Britain's most famous politicians, Sir Winston Churchill. The beautiful gardens surrounding the house were developed under the guidance of Churchill himself and include a rose garden, a large lake, and sweeping lawns. Visitors can also explore the house to understand more about Churchill's life and legacy.

Address: Chartwell Garden, Mapleton Road, Westerham, TN16 1PS
Opening Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November-February), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March-October)

Mount Ephraim Gardens

Mount Ephraim Gardens, located in Hernhill, Kent, is a delightful garden encompassing ten acres of breathtaking landscape. It offers a combination of formal and informal gardens, including a Japanese rock garden, a water garden, and a stunning Edwardian rose garden. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, take a break in the tea room, and even visit the house filled with rare artifacts.

Address: Mount Ephraim Gardens, Staplestreet Road, Faversham, ME13 9TX
Opening Times: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM (March-October)

Godinton House and Gardens

Godinton House and Gardens, situated near Ashford, Kent, is a Jacobean house with enchanting gardens. The delightful gardens span over 12 acres and feature terraces, herbaceous borders, rose gardens, and a walled garden. The immaculate topiary and the tranquil Italian garden are definite highlights for visitors.

Address: Godinton House and Gardens, Godinton Lane, Ashford, TN23 3BP
Opening Times: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (April-September)

Goodnestone Park Gardens

Goodnestone Park Gardens, located in Wingham, Kent, is a beautiful estate that has been welcoming visitors for centuries. The elegant gardens, attributed to Jane Austen's brother Edward Knight, feature stunning walks, classic borders, a medieval fishpond, and a serene arboretum. The gardens have inspired famous authors and have even been mentioned in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."

Address: Goodnestone Park Gardens, Wingham, Canterbury, CT3 1PL
Opening Times: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April-September)