Gardens and parks in Kent

The incredible sight of foliage ripening into the rich colours of autumn is one of the joys of the season. Treat yourself to a dazzling display of fiery red and gold in Emmetts Garden's exotic tree collection or admire the 100-year-old purple cut-leaved Japanese Maples below the Bastion at Scotney Castle. Don’t miss autumn’s highlights in Kent. Every time you catch one of those falling leaves, you help us look after homes for wildlife.

The cooler autumn days have arrived and the colours in our parks and gardens across Kent are sliding gently into warmer tones. Over October and into November witness the slow transition from autumn into winter as the leaves turn and fall. Discover splashes of colour across hillsides, views peppered with rusty hues and houses that are framed by subtly changing shades of yellow and orange.

Japanese maple in autumn at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Emmetts Garden, Kent 

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

See the autumn colour
View of Scotney Castle from the Bastion view in autumn

Scotney Castle 

Take in the gardeners' seasonal highlights, and find walks to spot glowing reds, yellows and golds across the estate. Seen up-close or from the Bastion viewpoint, the season is a joy to behold.

Scotney Castle
The house at Chartwell surrounded by the golds and reds of autumn colour

Chartwell

Admire autumn borders featuring a variety of seasonal species such as Yellow Wax Bells, Cyclamen, Brunnera and heathers. In particular, make sure not to miss the mahonia x media ‘charity’ border in the shade of the walnut tree.

An autumnal view of the tower from the nuttery

Sissinghurst 

As the sunshine starts to fade and the shorter nights draw in it may feel like a time for resting up and staying in. But for those willing to brave the elements autumn is a great time to visit. Discover fiery colour in the garden and a wealth of wildlife out on the estate.

Enjoy the autumn colour
The walk up to Wilmot Hill on the National Trust Ightham Mote estate in Kent

Ightham Mote 

Those with a sweet tooth will be enchanted by the Katsura toffee apple tree, which releases an intoxicating smell of burnt sugar from late September near the North Lake. Afterwards, take a delightful stroll through crunchy leaves on the wider estate.

Experience the autumn scents