Beech Court Gardens

Beech Court Gardens Description

Beech Court Gardens is one of those special places that you tend to find, in the fullest sense. There you are one day bowling along through the North Downs in the Heart of Kent when suddenly you are face to face with one of Kent's finest.

The first impression is one of friendliness, followed closely by unpretention and genuine concern for their visitors. Ten acres of informally landscaped gardens offer a wide variety of plantings amidst trees that, in their own right make a visit particularly rewarding. Every garden has its own favourite season, and May is certainly the right time to see Beech Court Gardens at their best. Later in the year the display of hydrangeas is spectacular too, but like so many favoured gardens in the South there is always plenty to see.

When it's time for a break, no matter whether or not you are visiting the gardens, bodily sustenance is to hand and the Tea Rooms seduce with wonderful home baking, scones, cakes, apple pies and locally made bread. Morning coffee, afternoon teas and voluptuous Cream Teas do not disappoint, and at lunchtime freshly made soup, ploughman's and light lunches help fill the gap that so often makes itself known around midday. All these are served in the Oast House Tea Rooms, or on the Terrace overlooking the Pond.

Afterwards a browse round the Art Gallery and Gift Shop may provide that little something you've been looking out for. Plant hunters can find a visit to the Plant Nursery stimulating and user friendly, whilst pet animals have learned the art of pleasing and enjoy attention every bit as much as some of their visitors.

Beech Court Gardens have just won a Disabled Silver Access Award, itself an assurance that all is as it should be for the less nimble visitors, for whom well kept and imaginative gardens have great appeal. The younger generation can do their own thing at their own pace round the Garden Trail, designed with them in mind.

A special events programme is part of the pull. If you are planning a group visit, as many do, be sure to check the events dates. Groups of up to 50 can be fed and watered comfortably, and can also visit out of normal opening hours by arrangement. Beech Court Gardens rates as a destination stop for the discerning, and a visit to the gardens is not obligatory for groups or casual visitors, but all other attractions are available.

Nearby is the 12th century church of St Cosmos and Damian, well worth a visit not only for its history but also its modern murals painted by John Ward and Gordon Davies, the most recent one completed for the Millennium. In nearby Challock there is a rural Collection, and Fred Hams will arrange for a visit.

Opening Times - 2012

• 17th March - 28th October: Saturday to Thursday (Fridays for groups only), 10.30 am - 5.30 pm

Admission Prices - 2012

• Adult - £5.00
• Senior - £4.50
• Student/Wheelchair User - £2.00
• Child (5-16) - £1.00
• Groups (15+) - £4.00 per person

Season Ticket:

• Adult - £10.00

The garden is fully accessible for wheelchair users except on very wet days.