Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Cranbrook, Kent

Hole Park, Cranbrook

Hole Park

Rolvenden
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 4JA
Tel: +44(0)1580 241344
Email: click here
Hole Park online: information and bookings

A GARDEN FOR ALL SEASONS

Hole Park Gardens are situated on the edge of the picturesque Weald village of Rolvenden. A family owned estate Hole Park has been owned by the Barham family for the past four generations.

The gardens reflect the care and long-term planning that is unique to family owned estates. It also manages to combine formalised gardens with true woodland elements.

For the gardening enthusiast, the Weald of Kent provides a rich seam of truly stunning gardens which are open to visitors. A weekend planned to take in Hole Park, and some of its neighbouring gardens, is one that will be remembered for some time, and will inspire a return visit in the not too distant future.

THE GARDENS
The gardens at Hole Park cover a total of some 15 acres and were laid out and planted by Colonel Barham, the great grandfather of the present owner, in the years between the two World Wars. Much of their beauty is owed to the great variety which they offer throughout the year from the first flowers in January to the last autumn colours in October, and also a contrast between classic form on the one hand and flowering shrubs in a woodland setting on the other.

Formal gardens surround the house. The walls and yew hedges, which are a particular feature of Hole Park, shelter broad expanses of lawns. Clipped entirely by hand, it is claimed that nowhere in the county can yews be seen trimmed to greater precision. The fountain and swimming pools, egg pond, walled rose garden, herbaceous borders and wrought iron gate all contribute to make a series of gardens within a garden united by the lawns, whilst outwards there are lovely views of the Weald over the surrounding 220 acres of finely timbered parkland.

At the rear of the house beyond a beech hedge measuring six feet thick and twelve feet high lies the Policy massed with daffodils in April with its heathers, flowering trees and shrubs, banks of rhododendrons and azaleas. Amongst the trees can be seen collections of birch, juniper, cupressus and fine oaks. Rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and primulas are all here in quantity and further plantings are now being made to adjoining woodlands.

When the bluebells are in flower in late April/early May, visitors may walk for several hundred yards, through a carpet of blue, down into the woodland beyond the garden boundary. Here, as elsewhere, birds sing and a peaceful atmosphere prevails, adding so much to the charm of the place.

The house, which is not open, was largely reconstructed in 1959 and is now little more than a quarter of its previous size. It resembles the house as it used to before additions in the Elizabethan style were built in 1830.

Hole Park, Cranbrook

Facilities
• Gardens
• Tea Room
• Picnic Area
• Children
• Car Park
• Private Group Tours
• School Tours

Opening Times
Hole Park gardens are open every Wednesday and Thursday and at all other times by appointment.

Light lunches and homemade teas served in The Coach House

Directions
Hole Park estate is situated on the edge of the pretty Kent village of Rolvenden.

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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Apple Tree B & B, Cranbrook
The Vicarage B & B, Rolvenden
The Star & Eagle, Goudhurst
Green Cross Inn, Goudhurst
The Bull at Benenden, Benenden