Ashford & Tenterden

Time Out
Historic Houses & Gardens
At Beech Court Gardens you’ll find a true
‘garden for all seasons’ with an exceptional
collection of acers, firs, oaks and pines. Head
towards Ashford, pausing to admire the
Eastwell Towers, an impressive gateway to
the 300-acre Eastwell Park Estate.
Nearby at Godinton House there’s wonderful
carving, furniture and porcelain and 12 acres
of beautiful gardens set in tranquil parkland.
Smallhythe Place once belonged to
Victorian actress Ellen Terry and now houses
theatrical costumes and artefacts. There’s
also a traditional garden, barn theatre with
regular shows, and theatre tearoom. Discover
Hole Park, Rolvenden, where the garden
is a riot of colour, whatever the season.
Particularly spectacular are the endless carpet
of bluebells, the rich mauves of the wisteria
and the vibrant colour of the rhododendrons
and azaleas. At Great Dixter, near Northiam
there’s the ‘ultimate English Garden’ created
by gardening writer Christopher Lloyd.
Family Fun
Start in Tenterden and let one of the Kent &
East Sussex Railway’s steam trains take you
on a nostalgic round trip to Bodiam. Here
you can explore mediaeval Bodiam Castle
and re-enact historic battles. The railway
regularly hosts special events such as ‘A Day
Out With Thomas’.
Continue on to Woodchurch; there’s fun,
excitement and adventure at the Rare Breeds
Centre with friendly farm animals, falconry
and an exotic butterfly tunnel! Port Lympne
Reserve is home to Kent’s only authentic
safari experience where in 100 acres of
Kentish savannah giraffes, black rhinos
and wildebeest roam free – there’s also a
variety of onsite accommodation including
luxury glamping.
ASHFORD & TENTERDEN VISITOR GUIDE 2017 13