Russell Gardens
A charming, well-maintained park in Temple Ewell featuring serene water gardens, floral borders, and picturesque bridges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Russell Gardens
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, well-maintained park in Temple Ewell featuring serene water gardens, floral borders, and picturesque bridges.
"Small but very attractive and nicely maintained park, with water gardens and colourful floral borders."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Consider bird-healthy food for ducks! :dog:
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking is available across the road, but it gets busy. Arrive early or late for a spot. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Water Gardens
Main garden area
Tranquil pools, picturesque covered bridges, and vibrant floral borders create a peaceful oasis. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Bushy Ruff Lake & River
Across the road from main gardens
A larger lake with a short river, offering a different natural landscape and a chance to spot wildlife.
Play Area for Little Ones
Adjacent to main gardens
A dedicated space for children to play and burn energy, making it a family-friendly destination.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Explore Beyond the Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Consider bird-healthy food for ducks! :dog:
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking is available across the road, but it gets busy. Arrive early or late for a spot. :car:
☕ Cafe Break
Grab a coffee or snack at the cafe located in the old Billiards Room across the road. :coffee:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens offer lovely reflections and picturesque scenes, perfect for photography enthusiasts. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Consider bird-healthy food for ducks! :dog:
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking is available across the road, but it gets busy. Arrive early or late for a spot. :car:
☕ Cafe Break
Grab a coffee or snack at the cafe located in the old Billiards Room across the road. :coffee:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens offer lovely reflections and picturesque scenes, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of benches and seating areas make it ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch amidst nature. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Russell Gardens to be a small, attractive, and well-maintained park with beautiful water gardens and floral borders. It's praised for its peaceful atmosphere, dog-friendliness, and family amenities like a playground and toilets. While parking can be an issue when busy, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a lovely spot for relaxation and gentle walks.
"On a beautiful Friday on a cold November, Russell Gardens was a very nice place to visit in the amazing village of Temple Ewell. There's a lot of cold water in the long pool with useful bridges. The Bushy Ruff Lake is a large lake with a short river near the long pools. At the very end of Bushy Ruff, there's a nice place to walk in the very dark blue lake. There's even a long, colourful building that's still privately owned on a long, high hill."
BC24-Ties
"Small but very attractive and nicely maintained park, with water gardens and colourful floral borders overlooked by a grand house on the hillside. It's an easy walk along level paths with only a few steps to cross over the picturesque covered bridges.
Free parking is available on the opposite side of the road, though it does get busy during the day, so best to arrive earlier or later if you prefer a quieter visit.
The park continues across the road, with a small lake, some impressive large trees and a café in the old Billiards Room."
Andrew Thomas
"A great place to walk the dog, take your kids, have a picnic, feed the ducks or relax for a while on the many benches and seating areas. The gardens are well maintained, dogs must stay on the leads here, and should you wish to feed the ducks they ask you to purchase the well priced bird healthier food provided in the shop for the health."
Ben
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Russell Gardens is located in Temple Ewell, near Dover, Kent. It's accessible by car, with free parking available across the road. Public transport options might involve local bus routes to Temple Ewell.
Yes, there is free parking available on the opposite side of the road from the main gardens. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times.
If you are in the nearby village of Temple Ewell, walking is a pleasant option. For those coming from further afield, driving or local bus services are more practical.
The nearest train stations are likely to be in Dover or Folkestone, from where you would need to arrange onward travel by bus or taxi to Temple Ewell.
Russell Gardens is situated in the village of Temple Ewell, making it relatively easy to locate if you are familiar with the area or using GPS.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Russell Gardens is described as a park with free parking, suggesting it is generally free to enter and enjoy the grounds.
Specific opening hours are not detailed, but as a public park, it's likely accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the gardens.
As it appears to be a public park, advance booking of tickets is generally not required for Russell Gardens.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Otherwise, general park etiquette applies.
Yes, it's a small but attractive park, perfect for a short, relaxing visit or a brief stop during a day out.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a walk through the water gardens, cross picturesque bridges, relax by Bushy Ruff Lake, visit the playground, and have a picnic.
Absolutely! There's a play area for kids, and they often enjoy seeing the ducks and swans. The paths are also easy to navigate.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Russell Gardens, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Yes, there are toilets available within Russell Gardens, which is convenient for families with children.
Expect beautifully maintained water gardens, colourful floral borders, a lake, and a river, all overlooked by a grand house on the hillside.
📸 📸 Photography
The water gardens with their reflections, the picturesque covered bridges, and the floral borders offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the combination of water features, greenery, and the hillside house provides a lovely backdrop for landscape shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquil beauty of the gardens.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire with park management before flying a drone.
Look out for reflections in the water, the colourful flowers, the unique architecture of the bridges, and any wildlife like ducks and swans.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Peaceful Escape in Temple Ewell
Beyond the main garden area, the park extends across the road to include a small lake and impressive large trees. A cafe is also conveniently located in the old Billiards Room, offering a place to rest and refuel. The gardens are well-maintained, and visitors often praise the tidiness, noting the absence of rubbish.
It's a popular spot for dog walkers, families with children who enjoy the play area and wildlife, and anyone looking for a quiet place to picnic or simply relax on one of the many benches. The combination of natural beauty and thoughtful upkeep makes Russell Gardens a worthwhile stop for a peaceful few hours.
Family Fun and Dog-Friendly Adventures
For those with canine companions, Russell Gardens is a great choice. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a lead, allowing them to enjoy the fresh air and explore the grounds alongside their owners. The park's well-maintained paths are easy to navigate, making it suitable for a leisurely stroll with your pet.
Practical amenities like toilets are available, adding to the convenience for families. The option to purchase bird-healthy food for feeding the ducks (from the shop) is also a thoughtful touch that enhances the visitor experience.
Photography Opportunities
The best times for photography are often during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon. These times offer softer light, fewer crowds, and can create stunning atmospheric shots. The contrast between the lush greenery, the water, and the grand house on the hillside provides a diverse range of photographic possibilities.
While the gardens are the main draw, don't overlook the area across the road with Bushy Ruff Lake and its impressive trees, which can also yield interesting photographic compositions. Capturing the reflections in the water is a popular theme among visitors.
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