Find Spring delights at Hole Park Gardens
Although it might not seem like it right now, Spring is just around the corner, and the first signs of the season are already appearing at Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden, Kent, which will open to visitors for 2025 on Tuesday, 1st April.
Just a short drive from the historic market town of Tenterden and near the charming town of Cranbrook, these 16 acres of private gardens are starting to come alive with vibrant Spring colours, both in the formal garden areas and the surrounding wild landscapes.
Spring colour will abound across the gardens
Photo by Alison Miles
In Spring, visitors will be treated to a stunning array of sights at every turn – from pink magnolias and blossoming trees to vibrant tulip beds, lawns sprinkled with crocuses and daffodils, and banks of graceful fritillaries. Beyond the formal gardens, the woodlands come alive with colourful azaleas and rhododendrons.
Nestled in the heart of the Weald of Kent National Landscape, these dog-friendly and expansive gardens are a hidden horticultural gem. They not only showcase seasonal colour throughout the year but also offer a rare sense of tranquillity – a feature often praised by those who visit.
There is plentiful seating from which to admire the view or simjply relax
Photo by Alison Miles
There is plenty of space to wander as well as ample seating thoughtfully placed for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of the gardens and the stunning views of the surrounding parkland. This reflects the gardens’ original purpose as a place of peace and reflection for their creator, Colonel Arthur Barham, the great-grandfather of the current owner, Edward Barham, who sought solace here after the hardships and personal losses of the First World War.
The first bursts of colour can be found in the Centenary Walled Garden, located next to the main house. This area was redesigned in 2023 to celebrate 100 years since the gardens first opened to the public.
From here, wander across the lawns towards the Egg Pond and Yew topiary walks to find daffodils, crocuses and tulips emerging as well as camelias in bloom and plentiful tree blossom in the meadow that slopes towards the woods.
The woodland garden at Hole Park will burst into life with vibrant swathes of blue scillas, while the surrounding acres of woodland will be blanketed with wild primroses and wood anemones – the early heralds of the garden’s famous annual Bluebell Spectacular.
This enchanting event draws hundreds of visitors each year, eager to witness one of nature’s most breath-taking displays as the woodland floor transforms into a sea of violet-blue from mid-April to mid-May.
The Hole Park website will feature a ‘bluebell barometer’ with regular updates on the progress and peak bloom of the bluebells. It will also include important guidance on how to protect these delicate native flowers.
As Head Gardener Quentin Stark explains:
“When bluebells are in full bloom, it can be very tempting to step into the midst of them for that perfect photo. However, trampling these fragile plants not only spoils the view for others that year but can also cause long-term and potentially irreversible damage to the bulbs beneath the soil due to compaction from repeated footsteps.”
To help preserve the bluebells and ensure the stunning display continues for years to come, the team at Hole Park has identified the best vantage points for capturing spectacular photos without harming the plants. Details will be available on the website and at the garden entrance.
A special ‘Bluebells and Bubbles’ evening woodland tour, led by Edward Barham, will take place at the height of the display. The tour concludes with a glass of English sparkling wine and canapés. This popular annual event tends to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.
As the bluebells begin to fade, two new displays take centre stage. First, the woodland valley is transformed as Wild Garlic comes into bloom, filling the air with its distinctive scent. Shortly after, Hole Park’s magnificent wisteria bursts into flower, adorning the walls beside the house and the curved Vineyard Garden. The blooms drape beautifully over the pergola walk and the impressive Standard Wisteria trees, creating a breath-taking spectacle.
This year, visitors can also witness the ongoing transformation of the Millennium Garden beside the house. The Hole Park gardening team is overseeing the redesign, which will feature a new planting scheme around the Italian-style pond. The project will also improve access to the tropical border walk and the adjacent wildflower and orchid meadow, which comes into full bloom in early Summer.
After exploring the gardens and woodlands, visitors can relax at the Coach House Tea Room, open from 11am on all garden opening days. The tearoom offers a tempting selection of light refreshments, lunches, and afternoon teas, all made using locally sourced produce.
In addition to the Bluebells and Bubbles evening, several other special Spring events are planned. These include a propagation workshop led by Head Gardener Quentin Stark, a Summer Plant Fair on 1st June, and a guided history talk by Edward Barham, who will share insights into the estate's fascinating past and the Barham family’s stewardship since 1911. Personal and group tours are also available by prior arrangement.
For full visitor details and discounted day tickets, visit www.holepark.com. Alternatively, consider purchasing a season ticket for just £35 per adult, allowing unlimited visits until the gardens close for the year in October.