6 Gardens to Visit in Kent

Spring is on its way! As Kent bursts into life with colourful flowers, it would be a shame to miss out on the display of bluebells, daffodils, snowdrops and other beautiful flowers dotted around Kent’s gardens. Here are 6 of our favourite gardens and parkland to enjoy in Kent this Spring:

1) Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

With a horticultural history dating back over 170 years, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens are home to a rich and stunning display of plants. Collections range from The Jungle to The Rose Walk and The Wood Garden, each offering unique displays of flowers blooming throughout the Spring months. 

2) Great Comp Garden

Located near Sevenoaks, this quirky garden showcases 7 acres of beautiful and rare plants surrounding a stunning 17th century manor house. 

With Magnolias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons blooming throughout Spring, why not take a walk through the gardens and enjoy a cup of tea and cake in The Old Dairy Tearoom?

The gardens are open from 10am – 5pm daily (last entry 4pm).

3) Doddington Place, near Sittingbourne

Surrounded by wooded countryside in the North Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty, these landscaped gardens cover an expanse of ten acres. Set in the grounds of a Victorian mansion, the gardens feature a large Edwardian rock garden with pools, a sunk garden and extensive lawns and avenues. 

4) Goodnestone Park

Goodnestone Park boasts the title of being one of only three gardens in Kent to appear in ‘The Good Gardens Guide’.

Did you know that Jane Austen’s brother, Edward, lived on the Goodnestone estate with his wife? Jane Austen was a frequent visitor to Goodnestone and began writing ‘Pride and Prejudice’ following a stay in the house! 

The gardens are home to beautiful old trees, situated in several gardens including the Walled Garden and the Woodland. 

Goodnestone Park gardens are open seven days a week from 11am – 5pm. 

5) Godinton House and Gardens, Ashford

Nestled in heart of Kent, Godinton House and Gardens is a country house dating back to the 14th century. 12 acres of tranquil gardens are surrounded by ancient parkland, decorated with oak and chestnut trees. With a beautiful Italian Garden, lily pond, rose garden and more, there is plenty to explore this Spring! 

6) Hole Park, Cranbrook

Winner of Visit Kent’s Garden of the Year award in 2016, this 16 acre garden set in over 200 acres of parkland is bound to delight. Enjoy viewing a carpet of bluebells, daffodils, wisteria and more throughout the Spring months as the gardens burst into colour. 

With views reaching over the picturesque Kentish Weald, the gardens are set against the backdrop of a beautiful private family home. 

Looking for inspiration for something new to do in Kent this year? Check out these 5 things you need to do in Kent before 2021.