Goodnestone Park Gardens is a peaceful and romantic garden with connections to Jane Austen. It has been described by various writers as “the very heart of rural England”, “one of the loveliest gardens in Kent”, “a haven of beautiful tranquility hidden away in south East Kent”.
Walk in Jane Austen's footsteps and follow the newly reinstated 18th century Serpentine Walk.
One of only three gardens in Kent to be awarded the coveted two stars in the Good Garden Guide. Covering approximately 14 acres, the garden has a formal area around the House, with a small box parterre, planted to celebrate the millennium. The gravel garden was planted in 2003 and leads to the woodland area, and behind the wood the Golden Arboretum planted in 2001 to celebrate the Golden Wedding of Lord and Lady Fitzwater.
The walled garden has always been the peaceful part of the gardens and a water feature which looks towards the village church tower was added in 2009. The walled garden is covered in roses, wisteria, clematis and jasmine with rose-beds under planted with perennials.
One of the original estate dairies has been converted into a café whilst retaining the original features of the building. The Old Dairy Café includes a beautiful indoor seating area with plenty of space as well as additional outdoor tables within the courtyard. Within the café is a shop with gifts, our honey, apple juice, candles and a lovely range of cards.
There is also fruit, herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden.
There is a large car park and pre-booked coaches are welcome.