Sunset over the north garden at Emmetts Garden, Kent 

©National Trust Images/John Miller
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Emmetts Garden Sevenoaks

4.6
·2k reviews·Ide Hill, United Kingdom

A stunning Edwardian hillside garden with exotic plants, formal rose beds, and breathtaking countryside views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

See bluebells & tulips bloom

CrowdMedium
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Sunset over the north garden at Emmetts Garden, Kent 

©National Trust Images/John Miller

Emmetts Garden Sevenoaks

Best Time

Spring mornings

See bluebells & tulips bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Edwardian hillside garden with exotic plants, formal rose beds, and breathtaking countryside views.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful gardens, great views, and fun for the kids – a perfect National Trust day out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The garden is on a hillside with woodland paths; sturdy footwear is essential for exploring!

🚗 Parking Availability

Plenty of parking is usually available on sunny mid-week afternoons.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Edwardian Estate Gardens

Edwardian Estate Gardens

Ide Hill, Sevenoaks

Explore a hillside paradise with exotic plants, vibrant rhododendrons, and a formal rose garden.

Woodland Walks & Views

Woodland Walks & Views

Surrounding woodland

Wander through enchanting woodlands offering breathtaking countryside views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Seasonal Blooms

Seasonal Blooms

Various garden areas

Witness spectacular displays of bluebells, tulips, cherry blossoms, and roses depending on the season.

Family Fun & Picnic Spots

Family Fun & Picnic Spots

Picnic meadow

Enjoy family-friendly activities, garden games, and scenic picnic spots with stunning vistas.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hillside Charm

Emmetts Garden is a stunning hillside estate, so be prepared for inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the varied garden areas and woodland paths. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds, especially during peak bloom seasons.

National Trust Membership Perks

If you plan on visiting multiple National Trust properties, an annual membership offers excellent value. It covers entry for adults and children, and often includes access to special events and activities, making your visit more affordable and enjoyable.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
See bluebells & tulips bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy roses & garden games
Crowd
Medium
When
Mid-week, any season
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

MUST WATCH!!! Carolyn Bryant Donham has been spotted in KENTUCKY and there is new evidence connected to her role in the murder of #EmmettTill. Call 662-378-2105 and demand that DeWayne Richardson, the Attorney General for the Fourth Circuit Court of MS, bring charges against Carolyn Bryant Donham. #fyp #justiceforemmetttill #nomorehiding #justicemustbeserved
@marquise.hunt
1M likes • 7.7M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The garden is on a hillside with woodland paths; sturdy footwear is essential for exploring! Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Plenty of parking is usually available on sunny mid-week afternoons. Reddit

Emmett Till Memorial Dedication #blackhistorymonth #emmetttill #civilrightsmovement
@mamatheregoesthatband
788.4K likes • 3.2M views
🌟 WICKED (Sing-Along) Open-air Cinema Experience Under the stars! Belt every hit at the stunning Emmetts Garden. With golden-hour garden strolls 🌅, A fantastic live singer 🎤 Great food 🍔 & a full bar 🍸 📅 Sat 6 September 📍 Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks ⏰ Gates 6:30 PM 🎥 Film 8:00 PM (PG) Grab the family, partner or your best friends and get booking, by clicking on the link here - https://www.c...
cinestockuk
3 likes • 225 views

☕ Cafe & Refreshments

A tea room offers indoor/outdoor seating, with picnic benches and games available. Reddit

♿ Accessibility Notes

Woodland walks can be steep and uneven; a golf buggy may assist less mobile visitors. Reddit+1

Emmetts Garden Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA @emmettsgardennt 🧡 💰 Price: Free with NT membership. £13 adults, £6.50 children. Additional £3 for Fairies versus Ants -The Battle 🚗 Parking: Free on site with ticket. ⏰ Time spent: 4hrs 🌦Weather: Sunny 🗓 Month: Aug 👶🏻 Age: 2.5yrs 💬 National trusts are doing fantastic summer holiday activities this year. At Emmetts there’s Story-led tr...
where_dyougo
0 likes • 469 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The garden is on a hillside with woodland paths; sturdy footwear is essential for exploring! Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Plenty of parking is usually available on sunny mid-week afternoons. Reddit

☕ Cafe & Refreshments

A tea room offers indoor/outdoor seating, with picnic benches and games available. Reddit

♿ Accessibility Notes

Woodland walks can be steep and uneven; a golf buggy may assist less mobile visitors. Reddit+1

🌸 Seasonal Highlights

Visit in spring for bluebells, tulips, and blossoms, or summer for roses. InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities

Look out for summer holiday activities and a wild play area for kids. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Emmetts Garden for its beautiful, well-maintained gardens and stunning countryside views. The variety of seasonal blooms, from bluebells to roses, is a major draw, and families appreciate the dedicated play areas and activities. Some note that the hillside terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

"Beautiful Garden, which I am sure we did not see all of. As we found it a smaller garden.
We did the autumn trail which was really fun.
I was very excited to see a toadstool.
There appeared to be only one female toilet? Or that is what I was told waiting at the back at a very long queue. I did not wait and left the queue.
I had a delious flap jack and my husband had a brownie, which we enjoyed whilst we waited for our children to finish the graffiti workshop.
This workshop started half an hour late, as the tutor had not turned up, but the staff kept us informed of this and it was not a problem."

Emma

"A brilliant place to visit to see lots of types of mushrooms including amanitas and devils fingers! You can have a good walk round the garden and see all the different types of trees too. A really good outdoor play area for the kids in the woods and a quaint little cafe serving good food. Well worth a visit and dog friendly too."

Marion Bines

"Routes through the forest are well sign posted and vary in length. The gardens are well maintained and pretty. The park looked fun for the kids and there's a cafe too! Several benches are avaliable for rests when coming back up the hill 🙂"

Ruthy T.

What People Like

Beautiful gardens and views
Seasonal floral displays
Family-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Steep and uneven paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Emmetts Garden is accessible by car, approximately 24 minutes from London Bridge via Sevenoaks. Instagram Public transport options involve train to Sevenoaks station, followed by a bus or taxi to Ide Hill. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, free on-site parking is available with a ticket purchase. Instagram On sunny mid-week afternoons, parking is generally plentiful. Reddit

While driving is the most convenient, you can reach Emmetts Garden via train to Sevenoaks station. From there, local bus services or a taxi can take you to Ide Hill. Instagram

The nearest train station is Sevenoaks. From there, you will need to arrange onward travel to the garden. Instagram

Emmetts Garden is located in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, Kent. Follow signs for the National Trust property once you are in the local area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees are approximately £13 for adults and £6.50 for children. Instagram A National Trust membership grants free entry. InstagramReddit

Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events like open-air cinema. Check the National Trust website for the most current ticketing information. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for Emmetts Garden for the most up-to-date information on opening times. Instagram

Yes, National Trust members receive free entry to Emmetts Garden. InstagramReddit

Consider a National Trust membership for cost savings if you plan multiple visits. InstagramReddit Gift Aid options may also be available at the entrance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Emmetts Garden offers a wild play area, garden games, and seasonal trails like the fairy trail, making it great for kids. Instagram+2

Yes, there are well-signposted routes through the woodland, varying in length. Reddit Be aware that some woodland walks can be steep and uneven. Reddit+1

The garden is known for its exotic shrubs, formal rose garden, and seasonal blooms like bluebells, tulips, and cherry blossoms. Instagram+1 You can also find various fungi species. Instagram

The hillside terrain and woodland paths can be challenging. A golf buggy service may be available to assist visitors between the entrance and tea room. Reddit

Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas with benches and beautiful views. Reddit Garden games are also available for free. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a tea room with indoor and outdoor seating. Reddit+1 It can get busy, especially on cooler days. Reddit

The cafe offers refreshments, and while specific menus vary, it's a good spot for a break during your visit. Reddit+1

Yes, picnicking is encouraged, with dedicated areas available for visitors to enjoy their own food. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is best confirmed directly with the venue or by checking their current offerings on the National Trust website.

Some special events, like the open-air cinema, may offer a full bar. Instagram General cafe offerings typically focus on non-alcoholic beverages and food.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant floral displays, panoramic countryside views from the hillside, and the charming woodland paths. Instagram+2

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for landscape and garden photography. Instagram Mid-day sun can be harsh, but can also highlight vibrant colors. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific site's drone policy before flying. Instagram

Emmetts Garden is ideal for landscape, garden, macro (for flowers and fungi), and family photography. Instagram+2

Yes, the woodlands and gardens are home to various wildlife, offering opportunities for nature photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Emmetts Garden is a great choice for a family day out, with a dedicated wild play area and garden games to keep children entertained. InstagramReddit Look out for seasonal fairy trails and other family-friendly activities organized by the National Trust. Instagram+1 The picnic meadow is perfect for a relaxed lunch, and the cafe offers refreshments. Reddit Be mindful that some woodland paths are steep, so consider carrying younger children or sticking to the main garden paths. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For those who love to walk, Emmetts Garden and its surrounding woodlands offer well-signposted trails of varying lengths. Reddit The hillside terrain provides a good workout, and the panoramic countryside views are a fantastic reward. InstagramReddit Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Toys Hill for an extended exploration of the beautiful Kent countryside. Instagram Remember to wear sturdy footwear due to the uneven and sometimes steep paths. Reddit

🌸 Garden Enthusiasts

Emmetts Garden is a horticultural gem, celebrated for its exotic shrubs and formal rose garden. Instagram+1 Visitors can marvel at the stunning seasonal displays, from spring bluebells and tulips to summer roses. Reddit+1 The dedication of the gardening team ensures the garden is a vibrant spectacle year-round. Reddit Don't miss the unique fungi festival if you're interested in botanical diversity. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Gardens and Blooms

Emmetts Garden is renowned for its Edwardian hillside design, featuring a diverse collection of exotic shrubs and a meticulously maintained formal rose garden. Visitors are treated to a spectacular display of seasonal blooms throughout the year. In spring, the garden bursts with color from bluebells, tulips, rhododendrons, and azaleas, creating a breathtaking spectacle. InstagramReddit As the seasons change, the cherry blossoms add delicate beauty, followed by the vibrant hues of the roses in summer. Reddit The garden's layout encourages exploration, with winding paths leading through different themed areas, each offering unique visual delights. Instagram

The fungi festival is a unique event that highlights the diverse mushroom species found within the garden and surrounding woodlands, appealing to nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Instagram The gardeners and their team are praised for their dedication, ensuring the garden remains a beautiful and vibrant destination year-round. Reddit The combination of curated planting and natural beauty makes Emmetts Garden a must-visit for any garden lover. Instagram+1

Key takeaway: Emmetts Garden offers a dynamic floral experience, with distinct beauty in every season. Plan your visit to coincide with your favorite blooms, or embrace the surprise of what nature has on display. Instagram+1

Woodland Adventures and Countryside Vistas

Beyond the formal gardens, Emmetts Garden offers extensive woodland walks that provide a contrasting yet equally captivating experience. These trails are well-signposted and vary in length, catering to different fitness levels. Reddit The woodlands feel like a step into another world, with some describing them as reminiscent of the 'Lord of the Rings' landscapes. Instagram The elevation of the hillside means that many of these walks reward hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Kent countryside, stretching for miles. InstagramReddit

These natural areas are not only beautiful but also offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, adding an element of discovery to your exploration. Instagram While the woodlands are a significant draw, it's important to note that the terrain can be steep and uneven, making them potentially challenging for those with mobility issues or very young children. Reddit+1 However, for those who enjoy a good hike and stunning natural scenery, the woodland trails are a highlight. Instagram+1

Pro-tip: Combine a visit to Emmetts Garden with a walk through the adjacent Toys Hill for an extended countryside experience. Instagram

Family-Friendly Fun at Emmetts Garden

Emmetts Garden is a fantastic destination for families, offering a range of activities designed to engage younger visitors. The wild play area is a particular hit, providing a space for children to explore and burn off energy in a natural setting. Instagram During school holidays, the National Trust often organizes special trails and activities, such as the popular fairy trail, which adds an element of magic and adventure to the visit. Instagram+1 The availability of garden games in the picnic meadow also ensures that there are plenty of ways for families to have fun together outdoors. Reddit

While the gardens themselves are beautiful, the hillside nature of Emmetts Garden means that some of the woodland paths can be quite steep and uneven, which might be a consideration for families with very young children or those with strollers. Reddit+1 However, the main garden areas and the picnic meadow are generally more accessible. The on-site cafe and picnic facilities make it easy to spend a full day here, with refreshments and a place to rest. Reddit+1

Family focus: The combination of natural play spaces, organized activities, and beautiful surroundings makes Emmetts Garden a memorable day out for families. Instagram+1

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