Discover Our Gardens

Different gardens, views and events here mean there’s always something to interest you, your family and friends. Why not pay us a visit and see what you can discover?

The North Garden blooming in summer at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust place in Kent — Summer blooms have erupted across the North Garden

Summer In The North Garden

For a myriad of rainbow hues head to the North Garden which comes into its own in summer. Our gardeners replanted this area in 2017 and the result has been well worth the wait. Look for the golden rudbeckia, fiery amber lilies and the quirky lantern tree.

The burnt toffee tree at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent — The katsura, or burnt toffee tree, in autumn at Emmetts Garden

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. Come see the handkerchief tree in spring, the Persian silk tree in summer and the burnt toffee tree in autumn.

The Rock Garden

Our Rock Garden is home to a wonderful variety of alpines and English hardy species. Laid out by Frederic Lubbock around the same time as the Rose Garden, it is complete with a lily pond and winding paths that allow you to explore this unique part of the garden.

Rose Garden

The rose garden is the only formal area at Emmetts. New pink roses have been planted, including the Octavia Hill rose, that add vibrant colour during the summer months. Originally created for Catherine Lubbock between 1910 and 1920, the Rose Garden was very much a central feature of the original garden design.

Summer view over weald of Kent from Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent — A sunny view across the weald of Kent

Spectacular Views

Emmetts Garden sits at one of the highest points in Kent, providing it with some fantastic views. On a sunny day you can sit and see for miles across the weald of Kent. Bough Beech reservoir can be seen in the distance from the bottom of the south garden, whilst Ide Hill can be spotted over the way from the wild flower meadow.

A family walking amongst the bluebells at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent — Please keep to the paths to protect our bluebells

Woodland Walking Through The Bluebells

Enjoy a gentle stroll through the woodland and take in the spectacular views over the Weald of Kent in the sunshine. From around Mid-April, the woods turn into a carpet of blue as the bluebells begin to appear. Emmetts is famous for its bluebell and is a SSI (site of scientific interest) because of them.