Goodnestone Park Gardens, Canterbury, England United Kingdom

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 tranquillity hidden away in south East Kent”.

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 FitzWalter. 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 underplanted with perennials. There is also fruit, herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden.

The gardens are open for the main season from 26th March to 27th September 2013. They are also open for Sundays 24th February – 24th March, and 29th September – 27th October.

We have a large car park and pre-booked coaches are welcome.

The house is open by appointment only for groups of 20.