Emmetts Garden

My wife and I love to get out into the country and visit country gardens like this one, though I was initially unconvinced about coming here. This National Trust property is clearly well-​cared for and is a great example of an exotic, opulent Edwardian garden, perched on the south slope of a hill with beautiful views across the energising Weald of Kent. It is, however, in the middle of nowhere and a car is a necessity.
The main pull is the landscaped woodland and the carpets of bluebells that come out in late April but I was impressed by the rest of the property too; the family-​friendly meadow, the serene Rose Garden and the interesting Rock Garden, which showcases many different varieties of plants. This being a National Trust property, you have an awesome tea room, with plenty of space inside and out, though you may need to share one of the picnic tables outside. I’m seriously in danger of being addicted to cream teas and their fruity scones were ridiculously fresh and baked on-​site.
It’s considered part of a day out in the area along with Quebec House and Chartwell but this is a very pleasant afternoon in its own right. Thing is, I’m a member of the National Trust so this was a relatively cheap day out for me. However, it may not be so impressive if you had to pay £6 per head. If you are a Trust member and want to make a real day of it down in this part of the world, this is well worth a visit.