Hole Park Gardens

Set within the beautiful Weald of Kent National Landscape on the Kent and Sussex border, Hole Park near Rolvenden is one of the South East’s finest privately owned gardens. A finalist in the prestigious 2025 Historic Houses’ Garden of the Year Awards and voted Best Public Garden in Kent 2025 by readers of Kent Life magazine, Hole Park offers visitors 15 acres of outstanding gardens with the addition of far-reaching views across classic English parkland and rolling Wealden countryside.

The gardens have been owned and cared for by the Barham family for four generations since 1911 and reflect the long-term vision, stewardship and attention to detail that characterise a family-owned estate. Developed between the First and Second World Wars by Colonel Arthur Barham as a place of peace, with room to roam and also sit and relax, the gardens continue to evolve while remaining true to their original design and character. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of formal, walled, woodland and meadow gardens, each offering something different throughout the seasons.

Hole Park is particularly renowned for its spectacular Spring displays, with carpets of bluebells flowering across the woodlands – one of the best places in the South East to see this natural wonder. The estate's popular website Bluebell Barometer helps visitors time their visit to enjoy this celebrated annual spectacle as it develops to his height, usually in late April/early May although this varies with nature from year to year.

This is quickly followed by equally stunning appearances of wild garlic, vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, and one of the area's most admired displays of Wisteria.

As the season progresses, colourful herbaceous borders, fine lawns, magnificent specimen trees and extensive topiary provide interest throughout the summer months. The beautifully redesigned former Rose garden, enhanced as part of preparations for the centenary of the opening of the gardens in 2027, offers a peaceful and fragrant focal point, while the long-established wildflower meadows support pollinators and local wildlife. Later in the season, hydrangeas, grasses and rich Autumn colour ensure there is always something new to discover.

After exploring the gardens, visitors can relax in the Coach House Tearoom, serving light lunches and snacks using local produce; homemade cakes and other refreshments. A plant stall is open during the main season, and estate produce, such as apple juice, is also available to purchase in the Coach House.

Groups are welcome throughout the year by prior arrangement, with guided tours available from Edward Barham or Head Gardener Quentin Stark.

The gardens are also notably dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the gardens and woodland walks, making Hole Park one of the few major gardens in the South East where visitors can enjoy the full experience alongside their four-legged companions. Covered outdoor seating and water bowls are available beside the Coach House Tearoom, and many visitors are delighted to encounter the Barham family's friendly Labradors, who are often on hand with a warm welcome of their own. Guide dogs are welcome in all areas.

Special events at Hole Park include: Bubbles & Bluebells evenings during the bluebell season; guided garden walks & history tours led by Edward Barham and garden workshops with Head Gardener Quentin Stark or his deputy Joe Archer. Full details can be found on the website.

Hole Park Gardens offers a warm and personal welcome from the Baham family, beautiful surroundings and a memorable day out in one of Kent's most cherished and tranquil private gardens.

Hole Park is located between Rolvenden and Benenden, just 4 miles west of Tenterden, on the B2086.