Snowdrops are signalling the new year and spring flowers are soon to follow, meaning there’s no better time to get out and start exploring Kent’s glorious open gardens.

This year, the National Garden Scheme has many new gardens to see across the county so, with homemade teas and free entry for children at many locations, why not book a visit? Below are five standout picks from this year’s new gardens…

APPLECOTE, near Ashford

What was once an old chalk pit and farmyard has been transformed into a romantic garden with three unique areas. There’s the gravel garden, the middle garden filled with mixed planting beds, and a natural area, which is linked back to the previous space by a charming rose arch. There are also steep banks on either side of the garden that you can explore, and an array of shrubs, topiary, perennials and more.

Details: Monday, May 5 to Thursday, June 19 by arrangement only. Adult entry costs £10. Find out more here.

FAVERSHAM OPEN GARDENS

More than 20 small and large gardens across the town will be coming together for a one-day community-led showcase. There will be a garden market in the heart of the town with pots and plants for sale, while a number of gardens will be open to the public. The spaces range from courtyards and family spaces to wildlife-friendly gardens and community projects, created by both expert and amateur gardeners.

Details: Sunday, June 29 from 10am to 5pm. Adult entry costs £7. Find out more here.

HURST HOUSE, Tonbridge

This Victorian walled garden has been under restoration since 2021 and now, after four years, it’s finally being unveiled to the public. The new garden features the restored 1902 Thomas Messenger vinery and glasshouse, a beautiful formal garden and an orchard. There are spectacular views of the surrounding area, and there’s also a wildflower meadow, however, this is an ongoing project that is not yet completed.

Details: Saturday, May 10, Sunday, May 11 and Sunday, September 7 from 10am to 4.30pm. Adult entry costs £10. Find out more here.

WALMER CASTLE, near Deal

English Heritage has teamed up with the National Garden Scheme to create a unique event that will delight green-fingered guests and history buffs alike. You will meet the castle’s head gardener and set off on a guided tour of the grounds where you’ll get an insight into what it’s like to build and maintain these gardens and learn about the rich heritage of the site. The castle will be closed to the public during the event.

Details: Tuesday, July 1 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Adult entry costs £20. Find out more here.

THE WOODMAN, near Canterbury

The Woodman is comprised of two adjoining gardens, shared across two properties, that have blended together. Both gardens have sloping grounds, colourful borders, wildlife ponds and water features. If you stand towards the top of the slopes, you’ll get fantastic views of the Elham Valley.

Details: Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 from 10.30am to 5pm. Adult entry costs £7. Find out more here.

You can find more information, including all of Kent’s gardens, opening dates and prices, on the National Garden Scheme website. You can also pick up the free 2025 booklet from garden centres, local libraries, plant fairs and open gardens.

The full list of new gardens opening in Kent this year is below:

1 Barnfield Cottages, ME9 0TU

1 Elses Cottages, TN14 6QR

12 Bounds Oak Way, TN4 0UB

16 Park Avenue, CT5 2DD

160 West Street, CT14 6DY

20 Spanton Crescent, CT21 4SF

25 Oakwood Drive, CT5 1NW

26 Offham Road, ME19 6RA

4 Southview Cottages, TN8 5QG

61 Graystone Road, CT5 2JX

7 Brookhurst Gardens, TN4 0UA

Applecote, TN25 4EX

Brookfield, CT5 3EL

Faversham Open Gardens, ME13 7AG

Finch’s, ME9 0RA

Hurst House, TN11 8AG

Hythe Gardens, CT21 5UF

Kenfield House, CT4 5RN

Lisbon Cottage, CT21 6EU

The Woodman, CT4 6QD

Walmer Castle, CT14 7LJ