GLORIOUS GARDENS
Glorious Gardens
Kent is home to an abundance of glorious gardens . Bursting with colour all year round , the spring is vibrant and the autumn brings shades of red and orange ; there is always a perfect time to explore the county ’ s glorious gardens and grounds . Celebrate the Garden of England with a visit to one of these gardens in and around Ashford and Tenterden and get your camera at the ready .
Ashford Memorial Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre and take a stroll through the memorial gardens . An important part of the town ’ s open quiet spaces , the mems as its affectionately known , was given to the town in 1924 to commemorate soldiers from the town who had fallen in the First World War . A lovely place to enjoy a picnic and admire the floral spitfire that takes centre stage .
Open Daily
Admission : Free
Godinton House & Gardens
Just a short drive from Ashford town centre , this delightful Jacobean house features wonderful carvings , furniture , porcelain and contrasting decorations . Set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens and tranquil parkland , it ’ s well worth a visit .
Open March - October Tuesdays - Sundays and Bank Holidays
Opening hours : 1pm until 6pm , last entry 5pm
Admission : £ 7 ( gardens only )
Boldshaves Gardens
Situated on the drive between Ashford and Tenterden , this privately owned Wealden estate is set deep in the heart of the Kent countryside . It has a lovingly restored garden , which complements the arts and crafts house , and is surrounded by ancient woodland .
Open daily from April until mid October
Admission : £ 5 ( kids under 14 go free )
Hole Park GARDENS
Renowned for its bluebells , Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden , Kent , is also renowned for its 16 acres of private gardens still owned by descendants of the man who planted it in the 1920s . In summer , visitors can look forward to the colourful herbaceous borders with scented roses and later see the exotic border with its vivid colours and exotic blooms . Light lunches and delicious homemade teas are also available in the coach house on all openings .
SPRING : April to July Open daily 11am until 6pm
SUMMER : July to October Open Wednesdays & Thursdays
AUTUMN Open Sundays during October
Admission : Adult £ 15 | Child £ 7.50 | Family £ 37.50
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Drive a little further afield and explore Sissinghurst Castle ’ s 460-acre estate . During the autumn months , leaf-crunching walks through the woodland are a must for sightings of wildflowers , but don ’ t forget to pay a visit to the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle for even more spectacular splashes of colour . Browse the array of flowers available at the on-site plant shop .
Open daily from 11am until 5.30pm
Last entry to exhibitions , tower and garden is 45 minutes before closing
Admission : Adult £ 15 | Child £ 7.50 | Family £ 37.50
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