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?

The liquidambar acalycina tree in autumn at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent — Enjoy the glow of autumn at Emmetts Garden

Autumn Colour at Emmetts Garden

The exotic garden here is famed for its vibrant autumn colour. The bright red of the Winged Spindle (Euonymus alatus) and golden leaves on the Japanese maple (Acer pamatum) are a wonder to see. Ripe, vibrant berries are abundant too, including regal purple berries on the Prickly heath.

Explore fiery autumnal colour at Emmetts Garden

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.

North Garden

Discover splashes of colour popping up as you walk the winding paths around the north garden. We're currently restoring the water features in this area, say hi to the garden team if you see them. Keep a look out for the unusual wedding cake tree in this area before you head over to the South Garden.

Fly agaric growing at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent — Fly agaric is an iconic British fungi with its red cap and white spots

Fungi Heaven

The damp woodlands provide ideal conditions for fungi. Look out for the distinctive red and white spotted fly agaric or the smelly stinkhorn, but take care not to touch as many fungi are poisonous.

Discover our fungi foray

An image inside the Discover Cabin at Emmetts showing panels with quotes and black and white digital images — Discover more about Emmetts Garden on your visit with our new interpretation in the Discovery Cabin

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.

Three beautiful red roses at Emmetts Garden in September — Red roses keep bringing joy throughout September at Emmetts Garden

A Second Wind For The Roses

Over the summer holidays our gardeners are busy deadheading the roses, encouraging them to bloom once more. Their hard work pays off, with a fantastic array of pinks and whites still seen in the rose garden over September and even into October. Look out for the little miss roses around the fountain and the sexy roxy blooms in the corners.

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 woods in autumn at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent — Enjoy the crunching of leaves underfoot as you wander the woods

Autumn Woodland

Autumn is a spectacular time of year to go for a walk in the woods. Enjoy the crunching of golden leaves underfoot, discover shiny conkers and take in the fresh air. The changing of colours in the trees is not to be missed.

A view over the Weald of Kent from Emmetts Garden, a National Trust place in Kent — See for miles across the Weald of Kent from Emmetts Garden

Admire the changing landscape from Emmetts Garden

Sitting on one of the highest points in the Weald of Kent comes with the bonus of some incredible far-reaching views. Pull up at one of our benches and watch as the landscape transforms from full greens to blazing reds. Emmetts Garden is the ideal place to watch the seasons come and go.