Goodnestone Park
The family seat of Julian, 22nd Lord FitzWalter, with connections to Jane Austen.
Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1PL
Facilities
- Cafe / restaurant
- Free parking
- Garden only
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Pet friendly
- Picnic area
- Shop
for the latest information.
Goodnestone Park was built in 1704 by Brook Bridges who had recently purchased the estate. The date of the house is scratched onto a brick on the main front.
During the early 18th century the house was surrounded by extensive formal gardens recorded in a view by William Harris. These disappeared later in the 18th century when Sir Brook Bridges, the 3rd baronet and great-grandson of the builder, replaced the gardens with a landscape park in the fashion of the time
Formal terraced gardens, with recently planted ‘Millennium’ parterre, surround the house which Jane Austen frequently visited, and overlook 18th century parkland. In 2014 the 18th-century Serpentine Walk was reinstated, following the route familiar to Jane Austen on her visits to her brother who lived at Goodnestone.
Three walled gardens with mixed borders redesigned since 1960 give long vistas. The site also features an arboretum with a lime avenue and mature woodland.
2022
The gardens are open all year, 10am to 4pm.
The Old Dairy Cafe is open Thursdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
From Wednesday to Sunday, Historic Houses members’ details will be recorded as usual. On Mondays and Tuesdays we would be grateful if members could leave a note of their names and membership numbers in the honesty box.
Adults: £7
Family: £15
Annual Season Ticket: £20
Coach parties are most welcome but please book in advance.
for the latest information.
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