Hidden down rural pathways between Sandwich and Canterbury in leafy Kent are Goodnestone Park Gardens. Dripping in acclaim and awards, these gardens have developed over the centuries as the Fitzwalter family, who live in Goodnestone Park, have nurtured them and styled them with the fashion of the times, so that once they were a huge collection of formal gardens and at another time transformed into a landscaped park. They now cover around 14 acres, with a formal area around the house and a grand box parterre, planted to celebrate the millennium. There is also a gravel garden which was planted in 2003 that meanders onto the woodland garden beyond named the Golden Arboretum and planted in 2001 to celebrate the golden wedding of Lord and Lady FitzWalter. Take a leisurely saunter through the walled garden, smothered in roses, wisteria, clematis and jasmine, and go and investigate the relaxing water feature which reflects the view of the village church tower. Before you retire to for tea and cake, pop in on the kitchen garden where fruit, herb and vegetables flourish.
