10 fantastic gardens to visit in Kent

It’s hard to beat the pleasure that stems from strolling in a stunning garden and exploring its wonders at a leisurely pace. We’ve highlighted 10 fantastic gardens to visit in Kent that all offer a treat for the senses and an extremely relaxing day out.

For those of you visiting the area on holiday, browse our Kent campsites to find somewhere great to stay!

Sissinghurst Garden

Sissinghurst is a world-famous Arts and Crafts garden that features a constantly changing selection of plants. The garden incorporates Gertrude Jekyll’s design values and features a number of different areas such as the Herb Garden, the White Garden and the colourful South Cottage Garden. Standard entry costs £11.20 for adults and £5.40 for children.

Godinton House Gardens

The beautiful gardens at Godinton House stretch over 12 acres and feature an Arts and Crafts style. The majority of the garden is based on Sir Reginald Blomfield’s design. Highlights include the delphiniums in the Walled Garden, a large yew hedge, as well as a Japanese Wisteria which can be found at the Italian Garden and a Tulip Tree at the Wild Garden. Late June is an excellent time to take in the splendour of the delphiniums and the Rose Garden. Entry to the gardens costs £5 for adults and is free for children under the age of 16.

Ightham Mote Garden

The garden which surrounds the medieval manor house of Ightham Mote features a variety of contrasting landscapes. The expanse of the north lawn with its terraced walks contrasts with the seclusion of the enclosed garden, while the cuttings garden offers a range of enticing scents and the orchard boasts historic apple trees. The garden also includes an ornamental lake and a stream as well as a selection of excellent specimen trees. Access to all the property costs £10.40 for adults and £5.20 for children.

Great Comp Garden

Great Comp Garden offers a wealth of intriguing sights to entice visitors. The likes of magnolias and rhododendrons provide visual delight in spring and the garden boasts an impressive collection of salvias which provide great colour during summer. There are also many different ornamental grasses and visitors can enjoy beautiful woodland strolls in addition to exploring the Italian Garden, ruins and garden follies. Entry costs £6 per adult and £2.50 per child aged 6 to 16.

Secret Gardens of Sandwich

Surrounding a Grade I-listed manor house, the striking Secret Gardens of Sandwich were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (the architect who designed the house) and Gertrude Jekyll. Visitors can explore the gardens in combination with an audio tour for an extra charge if they wish in order to learn about its history while viewing the likes of the rare Wollemi Pine and visiting the island on Lake Patricia. Entry to the gardens costs £6.50 for adults, £3 for children under 16 and is free for children younger than 6 years old.

Marle Place Garden

Marle Place Gardens has won the Kent Wildlife Gardens Gold Award several times and features an alluring combination of woodland, orchard and more formal landscapes. The gardens form one of the Seven Wonders of the Weald and contain the likes of an Edwardian rockery, a bog garden, a Victorian gazebo, a mosaic terrace, a number of water features, as well as a fragrant Italianate garden. Entry costs £6.50 for adults and £4 for children aged 4 to 12.

The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle

Visitors to the World Garden at Lullingstone Castle can discover plants from around the world in different themed areas across the garden. Highlights include The National Collection of Eucalyptus, the Hot & Spikey House, as well as the Cloud Garden which houses plants from temperate areas. The garden also includes a Wollemi Pine in addition to the Dorset Naga, which is the world’s hottest chilli, and the Gympie Gympie tree which is one of the most venomous plants in the world. Access to the garden costs £7 for adults and £4 for children aged 5 to 15 years old.

Penshurst Place Gardens

The gardens at Penshurst Place are some of the oldest in England. Today visitors can discover a variety of garden elements which are separated by yew hedging. Each section features its own colour and season, providing year-round interest. Some of the plants that visitors can discover include roses, water lilies, peonies and magnolias. For entry to the gardens and grounds only, tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children aged 5 to 16.

Scotney Castle Garden

Scotney Castle Garden will enchant visitors thanks to the abundance of rhododendrons and azaleas and the herbaceous beds that surround the Old Castle ruins. The enticing glade situated by a stream is also a picturesque spot to sit down and enjoy the beautiful setting, before continuing on with a discovery of the garden which has been planted in a naturalistic style. Standard entry to the garden costs £8.20 for adults and £4.10 for children.

Hever Castle Gardens

Hever Castle Gardens were voted the most romantic garden in the South East by Gardeners’ World Magazine. There are many wonderful things to see in the gardens but one of the highlights is the Italian Garden which contains an excellent collection of Italian sculpture. The gardens also boast a variety of water features including a pond, grottoes and a loggia fountain. Entry to the gardens only costs £13 for adults and £8.20 for children aged 5 to 15.

Gorgeous gardens that will inspire green fingers

Whether you’re a serious gardener or simply keen to enjoy a wonderful day out surrounded by nature, these gardens will captivate anyone who visits them and may inspire people to pick up their gardening gloves and recreate a piece of them at home!

Love a good castle? We've written elsewhere about the wide array of incredible castles in Kent!