Historic houses set in gracious grounds and glorious gardens, each with their own distinct character, can be found throughout the district of Sevenoaks
Historic houses set in gracious grounds and glorious gardens, each with their own distinct character, can be found throughout the district of Sevenoaks;
Chartwell -- Discover the personal passions of Winston Churchill in the home he created for his family and the impressive gardens designed and inspired by his deep knowledge of the local wildlife and his love of roses.
Hever Castle -- Dating from the 13th century, Hever was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn much enhanced and restored by the wealthy American William Waldorf Astor in the early 20th century. The varied gardens in the 125-acre castle grounds include a Rose Garden with more than 4,000 rose bushes, a Tudor Garden and an Italian Garden with fine statuary. Hever Lake and more informal trails reveal many delights for casual visitors and plant enthusiasts alike.
Penshurst Place and Gardens -- Ten rooms of this 14th century fortified manor house are open to the public including the medieval Baron’s Hall. There are 11 acres of Grade 1 listed formal gardens and many more acres of less formal parkland to explore.
Knole -- This is one of the grandest houses in the country with magnificent showrooms, fine art collections and historic tapestries. Gardens and a 1,000-acre medieval deer park offer great walking and leisure opportunities for all the family.
Lullingstone Roman Villa -- Brilliantly preserved luxurious Roman mosaics and wall paintings suggesting the remains of a significant and wealthy family with an early interest in Christianity.
Emmetts Garden -- Throughout the year there is always something new to discover and enjoy in this hillside garden with panoramic views across the Weald. The garden, started in the 18th century, features plants and shrubs gathered from across the world.
Penshurst Place and Gardens
Chiddingstone Castle -- Much developed since it was first established in the 15th century, today the castle showcases Japanese, Ancient Egyptian, Buddhist, and Stuart and Jacobite collections. The gardens, in the 35-acre grounds with views of the Greensand Ridge below the North Downs, include formal lawns, a rose garden and seasonal delights reflecting the castle’s collections and interests.
Lullingstone Castle and World Garden -- The grounds of this castle, one of the oldest family estates in England, features the World Garden created by modern-day adventurer and plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke. The plants he has gathered from around the world are creatively grouped in displays reflecting their original countries.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens -- Planting of these gardens was started in the 1840s by John Rogers, a friend of Charles Darwin and one of the first members of the Royal Horticultural Society. His enthusiasm for plants, trees and shrubs was continued in the 20th century by Colonel Middleton Rogers and his wife, Muriel. More recently Edward and Sarah Rogers have been restoring and improving the gardens to entertain all the family and garden enthusiasts alike.
Quebec House -- The Westerham childhood home of General James Wolfe recalling early 18th century domestic life and his military career which helped secure America for the British and his tragic death.
