Hole Park Opens for the New Season

Hole Park Opens for the New Season on 1 April 2024

A riot of Spring colour awaits visitors to one of Kent’s most celebrated private gardens on April 1st, when Hole Park, in Rolvenden, opens its gates for the 2024 season.

The magical bluebell event attracts hundreds of visitors each year, eager to see one of Nature’s most impressive shows as the woodland floor becomes a sea of violet-blue from mid-April to mid-May. The Hole Park website’s bluebell barometer will provide regular updates on when the bluebells are reaching their peak.

From the first day of opening, the 16-acres of gardens, which lie a short drive from the pretty market town of Tenterden, will be bursting with Spring delights both formal and wild – from pink magnolia and cherry blossom and beds full of brightly coloured tulips to lawns dotted with crocuses and daffodils and banks of nodding fritillaries.

A variety of new garden and wellbeing events have been introduced to the existing events programme at Hole Park for all to enjoy during the opening season from 1 April to the end of October.  Choose from educational workshops with the gardening team and enjoy nature and wildlife events such as the Bumblebee experience.  Take part in art and yoga days and learn about the fascinating history of Hole Park with owner Edward Barham.   Events can be booked via the website www.holepark.com

This year will also be the first opportunity for visitors to see the impact of the impressive planting scheme in the new Centenary Walled Garden, following the completion of its hard landscaping last year.  The formal space, adjacent to the main house, has been created in celebration of 100 years since the founder of the gardens, Colonel Barham, the Great Grandfather of the current owner Edward Barham, first opened the gardens to the public.

Meanwhile Hole Park’s 10 acres of woodlands will be carpeted with wild primroses, wood anemones and bright blue scillas: the precursors to the emergence of the garden’s renowned annual Bluebell Spectacular.

As the bluebells fade, the woodland valley is filled with a new spectacular sight – and scent – as the Wild Garlic comes into flower.

The gardens and tearooms are open daily from 1 April to 30 June before opening on Wednesdays and Thursday until the end of October.  The gardens will also be open on Sundays in October.  Opening hours are 11am to 6pm.

The circular network of hard paths enables visitors of all ages, including those who require a wheelchair, to enjoy the gardens.  Wheelchairs may be reserved free of charge and there are full disability WC facilities.

Light lunches and delicious homemade cakes are available in the coach house and local apple juice, beer and homemade jam and honey can be purchased.  There is also a small plant stall next to the Coach House during Spring opening.

Admission in advance through the website: £11 prebooked for adults £12 on the gate and £2.50 for children (5 to 17).

Adult Season ticket £30 each.  Child Season Ticket £8.

There is a dedicated tearoom for groups, free parking for cars and coaches and conducted tours can also be arranged for groups by prior arrangement.  Groups can request a Guided Garden Tour for £4pp (£40 minimum fee applies).

Hole Park is situated 4 miles west of Tenterden on the B2086 between Rolvenden and Benenden.

For further information about Hole Park can be viewed on www.holepark.com  Group enquiries to [email protected]  01580 241 344.