Goodnestone Park Gardens

About

Goodnestone Park Gardens is a peaceful and romantic garden with connections to Jane Austen. One of the loveliest gardens in Kent and a haven of beautiful tranquillity, the gardens and the house have been in the FitzWalter family for over 300 years.

Covering approximately 14 acres, wildlife conservation, natural diversity and sustainable gardening are at the heart of Goodnestone's ethos. 

The formal planting area around the mansion includes a small box parterre, planted to celebrate the millennium.  The gravel garden, on the site of a former tennis court, leads to the woodland area and the Golden Arboretum planted in 2001 to celebrate the Golden Wedding of the late Lord and Lady FitzWalter. The peaceful walled gardens include a water feature which reflects the village church tower.

The former dairy at the garden entrance is now a popular café.  With courtyard seating, it is a lovely space to enjoy brunch, lunch or a cream tea, prepared by our own chef.   The mouth-watering menu uses locally sourced food, including produce from the gardens.  Everything is freshly made on site, including bread, pastries and cakes.

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

Following major restoration the mansion is available to let – for details phone 01304 695097

There are full disabled facilities and most areas of the Gardens are accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the Old Dairy Café and the gardens.