Emmetts Garden

Nestled between Brasted Chart and Ide hill, Emmetts Garden is flooded with beautiful panoramic views of Kent's countryside. Only 40 minutes from London, it's the perfect place for all-round family fun. Whether you want to spend the day spotting sheep, picking blackberries, hiding in a den made of logs or playing wooden skittles in the meadow - there's an adventure waiting for you. 

Steeped in history with fascinating landmarks to see along the way, it is the perfect opportunity to grab your walking boots and head for the hills. While you're there you may as well download the downloadable trails for your kids so you can thoroughly explore what the countryside has to offer!

There are so many walking opportunities at Emmetts Garden as everywhere is teeming with life and blooming with vibrant colours. Take some snaps of the Bluebell clouds which cover the hills in Spring or head to the delightful Rock Gardens. The Rock Garden truly is a garden for all seasons, but spring has to be when it really shines. Watch your kids eyes light up as they find themselves in a sea of colourful tulips. The tulip ‘batalinii bright gem’ mixed with lithospermum diffusum looks particularly distinctive. Another firm favourite is the pasque flower. It shows off warm purple and pink colours whilst looking very delicate to the touch. Combined with the yellow dog's tooth violet, it makes a striking show. 

Next stop, South Garden! Home to an impressive collection of hardy exotic trees and shrubs, the south garden was laid out by Frederic Lubbock around the turn of the twentieth century. Don't forget to pick up a guidebook from the Emmetts Garden Visitor Centre or shop on your arrival to guide you on your visit! From reading the history to helping identify what's growing and where, it's a fantastic way to learn all about Emmetts Garden as well as a memento to take home too. Can you identify the handkerchief tree in spring? Or the Persian silk tree in summer and the burnt toffee tree in autumn? Each of these colourful gardens offer exceptional views that set against the rollings hills of the Kent countryside. 

 

The North Garden in spring is soon bursting with life as this newly re-planted area blooms around the restored pond. Azaleas and rhododendrons bring soaring colour all around with over 120 different species to find across Emmetts Garden.

 

 Wander Emmetts Garden and pick up a potted history from the new interpretation. Step inside the Discovery Cabin for even more information as well as quotes, memories and digital replicas of black and white photography from the early 21st-century. Entry is a one-in one-out to allow for social distancing.

 

Wild play area - Throw yourselves into adventure in the wild play area! Walk across the balance beams without falling off, challenge each other to see who can build the biggest den and climb on the stepping logs! Finish up by playing in the camp and stop off at the nearby Old Stables Cafe!

The swings - Perfectly designed for smaller explorers explorers with shorter legs. Located by the wild play area. How high can you go?

 
Bug Hotel - Build your own bug sanctuary to help nature thrive!

 

Feeling tired from your exploring? Why not peel apart your picnic blankets and set up a family picnic on the grassy banks of the Rose Garden. With an endless of supply of benches to take in the all the lovely countryside views too, you are spoilt for choice. If you seek some indoor refreshments then the Emmetts Garden Tea Room is the place for you. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy a crisp cold drink in the Summertime or a cosy cup of tea in the Winter - as well as may other hot drinks. Before you leave you must sample a quintessential cream tea.
 

Emmetts Garden have a shop full of local crafts, books, and a selection of local herbs, shrubs and flowers for you green fingered folk! There are also food items and gifts for you to choose from. We love the idea of buying some flowers to replant at home and hey, maybe you can even grow your Emmetts Garden.