Eating and shopping at Emmetts Garden

Afternoon tea laid out on a dark wooden table in the tea-room at Emmetts Garden in Kent with a plate of scones, jam, cream, a slice of cake, tea cups and a teapot — Afternoon tea in the tea-room at Emmetts Garden in Kent | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Treat yourself on a visit to Emmetts Garden, with a hot drink from the Old Stables Tea Room, accompanied by a slice of cake, a sandwich or snack. Stop off at the shop to browse our seasonal ranges for the home and garden, local products and peat-free plants.

The Old Stables Tea Room

The tea-room serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, soup and sausage rolls as well as other light snacks. Please note that all items are subject to availability. Enjoy a tasty treat in the old stable block with seating arranged within the bays. There's more tables outdoors as well.

If you have dietary requirements you may prefer to come prepared. The tea room is small, with a limited offer, and we can’t always guarantee we'll have what you need. There is a small range of gluten-free snacks available, and soya or oat milk for hot drinks.

During the main season, food and drink orders can be requested until 4.20pm. During our autumn and winter seasons, last orders for refreshments is 3.20pm.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are welcome at the back seating area of the Old Stables Tea Room. There is also plenty of outside seating where you and your dog can enjoy refreshments. Where possible, leave your dog outside or in the designated seating area when ordering.

Please note, the tables outside the tea room are reserved for eating food and drink bought from Emmetts Garden only.

Find the perfect picnic spot

You’re welcome to picnic in the grounds where it’s safe to do so. The meadow makes the perfect spot for a picnic, with glorious views over Ide Hill and surrounding countryside. Bring a blanket and relax under sunny skies, or set up your spread on one of the picnic benches just a few steps from the Visitor Centre.

A walking picnic

If you enjoy walking, the circular Weardale Walk runs from Emmetts Garden to Chartwell. If you arrive early at Emmetts Garden you could make your way along the Weardale Walk to the Chartwell café and then enjoy your picnic in the Kent countryside on the way back to Emmetts Garden.

Please allow plenty of time for the circular five-mile walk; Emmetts Garden closes at 5.00pm in the main season and 4.00pm in the autumn and winter seasons.

Walkers to Chartwell will require a ticket if they also wish to visit the gardens.

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

Wall art showing a flock of swallows | © NTI Images

Shopping at Emmetts Garden

The shop is located in the Visitor Centre and stocks a range of seasonal products for the home and garden, local products and peat-free plants. Every purchase you make helps us to care for the nature, beauty and history that surrounds us here at Emmetts Garden.

Spring/Summer 2025 collection

A floral cushion and throw - part of the spring collection 2025 — A floral cushion and throw are part of the spring collection 2025 | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Brighten your home with spring and summer accessories.

Beautifully embroidered cushion and throw adds timeless style and comfort.

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Emmetts Garden guidebook

Pick up a guidebook from the shop to help you get the most from your day and as a keepsake to take away with you. Read about the history of the garden and the owners who shaped it into the plantsman’s paradise it is today, as well as finding out about some of the rare species that grow here. There’s a useful map of the whole site, as well as a detailed explanation of areas such as the South Garden, to help you identify where to find different plants and trees as you walk around.

For the garden

Whatever size your garden, choose from our selection of peat-free plants, garden products, furniture, pots and wildlife houses. Look out for seasonal ranges which reflect the gardens at Emmetts.

Second-hand bookshop

The second-hand bookshop is open for you to browse a range of donated books including fiction, biographies, garden books and other specialist books.

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