Godinton House and Gardens

Godinton House and Gardens is set in a beautiful 18th century landscaped park. The fascinating house, home to the Toke family who over four hundred years carefully added to the original house, is an intriguing blend of 17th and 18th century architecture and design with the medieval Great Hall at its centre.

The rooms of contrasting styles and décor are fully furnished with magnificent carving, panelling, furniture, pictures and porcelain. The great yew hedge encloses contrasting formal, wild, Italian and walled gardens.

Offering guided tours, a tearoom, coaches welcome, booked groups may visit on other days, caravan site on estate, holiday accommodation, special events.

For more information please visit the Godinton House and Gardens website or telephone 01233 620773.

Beech Court Gardens

High on the North Downs, off the busy A252 lie the gardens at Beech Court, once part of the Eastwell Estate. The garden is known as “a bit of Old England” with its tranquil atmosphere and friendly staff. The garden is full of surprises and the undulating ground makes easy walking. The garden boasts an arboretum, water garden, fine shrubs, roses with spacious lawns and is also noted for its fine bird song.

Refreshments are served alfresco or in the oasthouse tearooms. There are also pet animals, a plant nursery, crafts and a rural life collection. We have a children’s trail and a silver access award.

Beech Court Gardens play host to a varied programme of events including an art and photography week and open-air theatre performances. Visit the  Beach Court Gardens website for full details or telephone 01233 740735.

Please note that Beech Court Gardens will only be open in 2008 for pre-booked groups and coach parties and special events.  Please contact Beech Court Gardens for further details.

Belmont House and Gardens

Belmont is an elegant 18th century house with views over the Kentish Downs. Its hidden gardens range from a pinetum complete with grotto, a walled ornamental garden, and a walled kitchen garden with Victorian greenhouse leading to a yew-lined walk to the family pets’ graveyard.

Its very special collections echo its ownership by the Harris family since 1801 and include mementos of their travels and posts in India and Trinidad. The house was designed by Samuel Wyatt and includes many novel architectural details. In addition it has one of the most extensive collections of clocks in private hands in the country.

Specialist Clock Tours are held on the last Saturday of every month from March to September 2007. These must be pre-booked.

Afternoon teas are served at weekends when the house is open from 3pm.

New for 2007 is a visitor centre with displays and a cricketing exhibition.

For more information visit the Belmont House and Gardens website ot telephone 01795 890202.

Smallhythe Place

The half-timbered house, built in the early 16th Century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding yard, was home to Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 till her death in 1928. The house was opened and the barn converted into a theatre by Ellen’s daughter Edith Craig in 1929.

Smallhythe Place contains personal and theatrical mementoes, including a selection of sumptuous costumes, dating from Ellen’s time at the Lyceum. Experience the magical 400 year old Barn Theatre, where many famous actors have performed and which still holds regular performances. Contact the property for full details.

The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard and nuttery. Stroll through the garden and enjoy the display of daffodils and snakeshead fritillary (March - April). Visit the fragrant rose garden with the rare Ellen Terry rose, at its peak in May and June.

Relax and enjoy some light refreshment at the tearoom (late May – September).

For more information please visit the Smallhythe Place website or telephone 01580 762334.