Things to see and do at Emmetts Garden

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?

Fritillaria in bloom at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Spring colour at Emmetts Garden 

From English bluebells to tulips, there is so much to see so why not join us for some seasonal highlights. Find out about what you can see here.

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The Rock Garden in spring at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

The Rock Garden

The rock garden truly is a garden for all seasons, but spring has to be when it really shines. Tulip species cover a large area of it, with other smaller blooms creating delightful colour contrasts. 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.

Rhododendrons filling the North Garden in spring at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Spring in the North Garden

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

The terrace in spring overlooking the rose garden at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Spring in the Rose Garden 

In the spring, the Rose Garden begins to come into bud, hinting at the beautiful blooms that will soon be emerging in early summer. All around the rose beds, however, the borders are already bursting with colour, proving a stunning backdrop for a quiet moment to soak in the new season.

Discover the Roses at Emmetts Garden
An image inside the Discover Cabin at Emmetts showing panels with quotes and black and white digital images

Discovery cabin

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.

Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata) at Emmetts Garden in spring

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.

Enjoy spring views over Kent from Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in 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, including Bough Beech reservoir which can be seen in the distance from the bottom of the South Garden.

A family walking amongst the bluebells at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

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.

Go bluebell spotting at Emmetts Garden
A family enjoying daffodils at a National Trust property

Visit Emmetts Garden with your family this spring 

Join us at Emmetts Garden this spring to explore nature as it reawakens all around you. Why not go wild in our play area or take a walk down to the bluebell wood?

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