Bluebell Spectacular at Hole Park Gardens in Kent

Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden, Kent will reopen on 1 April 2023.  Visitors at this time of year can enjoy all the glorious spring colour around the extensive sixteen acre garden and additional ten acres of woodlands.

Take the circular walk through the gardens which are laid out in a series of rooms and divided by immaculately trimmed yew hedges.  Interesting sculptures and water features add to the enjoyment of visiting Hole Park Gardens. Dog owners are welcome to bring their dogs into the gardens but must be kept on a short lead only at all times.

A Centenary Walled Garden is nearing completion at Hole Park Gardens in celebration of 100 years since the founder of the gardens, Colonel Barham, the Great Grandfather of the current owner Edward Barham, first developed, laid out and planted the gardens.  Visitors can enjoy the tapestry of colour that will establish in this garden throughout this season.

Beecome a Conservation Hero at Hole Park with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on Friday 7 April 2023.  Book in advance at www.holepark.com to enjoy this special experience where everyone can learn more about the types of bees that are found in our home county, how to identify the different species that will already be resident in your garden and get tips about which flowers and plants you can grow at home to encourage the bees.  The event will include a tour of the gardens to see the many bee species found at Hole Park – including some of the most endangered bees!  The event is included with admission to the gardens (£10 in advance) and takes place at either 11.15am or 1.45pm.  Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

During Hole Park’s ‘Bluebell Spectacular’ from mid-April to mid-May 2023 visitors can admire one of nature’s most impressive shows as a magical carpet of bluebells transform the woodlands into an incredible sea of violet-blue.  The Hole Park website will have a bluebell barometer with updates on when the bluebells are at their peak. In addition to the bluebells, wild orchids, scillas and primroses, the spring gardens have impressive magnolias, camelias, wisteria and rhododendrons.  The circular pathway also leads visitors past a bear family carved out of a fallen tree and a renovated solar powered icehouse.

The gardens and tearooms are open daily from 1 April to 30 June before opening on Wednesdays and Thursday until the end of October.  The gardens will also be open on Sundays in October. Opening hours are 11am to 6pm.

One of the Seven Wonders of the Weald; the garden was also crowned Kentish Garden of the Year in 2016 by Visit Kent and Kent Life Magazine.

A circular network of hard paths enables visitors of all ages, including those who require a wheelchair, to enjoy the gardens.  Wheelchairs may be reserved free of charge and there are full disability WC facilities. Light lunches and delicious homemade cakes are available in the coach house and local apple juice, beer and homemade jam and honey can be purchased.  There is also a small plant stall next to the coach house.

Admission in advance through the website: £10 for adults and £2.50 for children (5 to 17).  On the gate £11 for adults and £2.50 for children. Adult Season ticket £30 each.  Child Season Ticket £8.

There is a dedicated tearoom for groups, free parking for cars and coaches and conducted tours can also be arranged for groups by prior arrangement.  Groups can request a Guided Garden Tour for £3.50pp (£50 minimum fee applies). Hole Park is situated 4 miles west of Tenterden on the B2086 between Rolvenden and Benenden.