This year there are seven gardens and grounds in Tunbridge Wells for you to visit as part of the Hospice in the Weald Open Gardens scheme. The tour has been organised by Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom alongside Hospice in the Weald to help raise funds for both organisations. The admission fee is £10 (free for under 14s) and the ticket will include all gardens participating in the tour. Advance ticket purchase is advisable. Call TWBC on 01892 554031 to book tickets. Disabled access is limited at some gardens-please see details of each individual garden.
Against the backdrop of a beautiful house dating from the 14th century and with wonderful views across the Weald, the three acres of garden at Long Barn were laid out by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who lived here from 1915-1930 before moving to Sissinghurst Castle. At Long Barn they developed the style they would perfect at the world-famous gardens of Sissinghurst, transforming the sloping site into terraces, secret gardens with delightful planting schemes, rose arbours and classical groves. The origins of Sissinghurst are clearly present. A more recent addition is the very attractive vegetable garden.
Tickets can be bought on the day
Location: Natal house, Hight street, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 0EF
Admission: £5
Refreshments available: Yes
Wheelchair access: No
Dogs allowed: Dogs on leads
Description: This is an old village cottage garden of 1.5 acres. There are some spectacular trees including several giant redwoods, a Mulberry, interesting shrubs and informal herbaceous borders with a sculpture trail.
Tickets can be bought on the day
Location: 8 Kendal Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9SX
Admission: £5
Refreshments available: No
Wheelchair access: Yes
Dogs allowed: Guide and service dogs only
Description: This wrap around garden is located on an unusual corner plot and consists of arches covered with roses and clematis surrounding a circular lawn; two long herbaceous borders with mixture of flowering shrubs and wide variety of perennials; vegetable plots; statuary, decorative pots and garden furniture. Kendal Park is a cul-de-sac with very limited parking, street parking is available at Rydall Drive or Conston Ave.
This year there are three gardens in Bidborough for you to visit as a part of Hospice in the Weald Open Gardens scheme. Tickets can be bought on the day from any of the three gardens that are involved, and will allow you access to all the gardens which are participating. Admission is £6 (under 14s go free). There will be homemade teas at Boundes End, with gluten and dairy free cakes available. There is wheelchair access to the gardens and dogs should be kept on the lead.
