Start our journey with two remarkable sites that are quintessentially Kent's horticultural heritage: Sissinghurst and Westgate Gardens.

Sissinghurst is one of England's most famous and revered gardens. Founded in the 1930s by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, the garden is a true masterpiece of landscape design. Sissinghurst is famous for its series of 'garden rooms,' each with a unique character and atmosphere. Of particular note is the White Garden, which has inspired gardeners around the world. The garden surrounds a picturesque castle, adding to the historic charm of the place. Sissinghurst offers visitors not only beautiful views, but also tranquility and inspiration. It is an ideal place for families who want to combine education with relaxation in nature. Note that the garden is managed by the National Trust, which guarantees a high standard of maintenance and service.

Westgate Gardens in Canterbury, on the other hand, is an example of an urban garden with a long history. Located along the River Stour, just outside the city's medieval walls, it offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Canterbury. The gardens are among the oldest public green spaces in England, with a history dating back to Roman times. Westgate Gardens are famous for their beautiful flower beds, majestic trees and picturesque paths along the river. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll. A special attraction is the oldest plane tree in Britain, more than 200 years old.

When comparing the two places, it's worth noting that Sissinghurst offers more elaborate and formally designed gardens, ideal for gardening and history enthusiasts. Westgate Gardens, on the other hand, are more accessible and offer a more casual atmosphere, ideal for a spontaneous getaway. Both locations are family-friendly, but Westgate Gardens may be a better choice for families with young children due to its easier access and less formal atmosphere.

As for prices, admission to Sissinghurst is charged (check the National Trust website for current prices), while Westgate Gardens is free. Both venues offer parking, but it may be more limited at Westgate Gardens due to its central location in Canterbury.

Both Sissinghurst and Westgate Gardens are open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall, when the gardens are in full bloom. It's worth remembering that Sissinghurst can be more crowded during peak season, while Westgate Gardens offer a more tranquil atmosphere even during periods of higher tourist traffic.

Continuing our tour of Kent's most beautiful gardens, we can't leave out two remarkable sites: Kearsney Abbey Gardens and Goodnestone Park Gardens. Each offers a unique experience, combining historical heritage with a modern approach to gardening.

Kearsney Abbey Gardens, located near Dover, is a picturesque landscaped park that delights with its atmosphere and diversity. Established in the early 19th century, this park is a fine example of the English landscape style. The centerpiece of the garden is a lovely lake, surrounded by lush vegetation and majestic trees. Of particular note is the impressive Lebanese cedar, which is a real highlight of the park. Kearsney Abbey Gardens is the perfect place for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll. The park offers flat, easily accessible paths, making it friendly for families with young children or the elderly. The grounds also feature a cafe in a former billiard room, where visitors can relax and enjoy the view of the park.

Goodnestone Park Gardens, on the other hand, is an example of a private garden with a rich history, dating back to the 18th century. The gardens are known for their diversity and beauty in all seasons. Particularly noteworthy are the walled gardens, which are stunning in their richness of color and fragrance. Goodnestone Park Gardens are also famous for their beautiful arboretum and scenic walking paths. This place is of special interest to lovers of literature - Jane Austen often visited these gardens and is said to have written parts of her novel 'Pride and Prejudice' here. The gardens also offer a charming teahouse where you can relax after a walk.

When comparing the two places, several aspects are worth noting. Kearsney Abbey Gardens is a more extensive park, ideal for longer walks and active recreation. It is a more public and accessible place, often visited by the local community. Goodnestone Park Gardens, on the other hand, offers a more intimate atmosphere and is a paradise for gardening enthusiasts, who will appreciate the carefully designed beds and rare plant species.

As for accessibility, Kearsney Abbey Gardens are open year-round and admission is free. Goodnestone Park Gardens have seasonal opening hours and charge an admission fee (check the garden's official website for current prices and opening hours). Both places offer parking, but in the case of Kearsney Abbey it may be more limited on weekends and holidays.

For families with children, Kearsney Abbey Gardens may be a better choice due to its larger play space and easier pathways. Goodnestone Park Gardens may be of more interest to older children, especially those interested in botany or history.

Both gardens are most beautiful from late spring to early fall, when the vegetation is in full bloom. However, each season offers a unique experience, from spring flowers to autumn leaf colors. It's worth planning a visit to both places to fully appreciate the diversity of Kent's gardens.

To conclude our tour of Kent County's most beautiful gardens and parks, we can't leave out the true gem that is the National Trust's Emmetts Garden. This is a place that uniquely combines natural beauty with horticultural artistry, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

Emmetts Garden, located in picturesque Ide Hill near Sevenoaks, is an Edwardian garden known for its breathtaking views of the Kent and Sussex countryside. Established at the turn of the 20th century, this garden is a prime example of how natural terrain can be used to create extraordinary garden spaces. Emmetts Garden is famous for its extensive collection of exotic trees and shrubs, which create a fascinating contrast to the native Kent vegetation.

One of the highlights of Emmetts Garden is the spectacular fields of flowering bluebells (bluebells), which form a magical blue carpet in the spring. This phenomenon attracts photographers and nature lovers from all over England. In addition, the garden offers a variety of terrains, from formal rose gardens to wild meadows and woodlands, making each visit a new discovery.

Emmetts Garden is especially family-friendly. The National Trust hosts many seasonal events and activities for children here that combine fun with nature education. The garden's paths are well-maintained, although some areas may be more difficult for those with limited mobility due to the hilly terrain.

When comparing Emmetts Garden with the previously discussed gardens, several aspects are worth noting:

1. diversity: Emmetts Garden offers a unique variety of landscapes and vegetation, from formal gardens to wild meadows, which sets it apart from more stylistically uniform gardens like Sissinghurst and Westgate Gardens.

2 Views: Its hilltop location provides Emmetts Garden with spectacular views of the countryside, something that the other gardens in question do not offer to the same extent.

3. Seasonality: While all of the gardens in question have their seasonal attractions, Emmetts Garden is particularly known for its spring fields of bluebells, making it a unique springtime destination.

4. Management: As owned by the National Trust, Emmetts Garden, like Sissinghurst, offers high quality maintenance and service, as well as regular educational and cultural events.

5. Accessibility: Compared to Westgate Gardens or Kearsney Abbey Gardens, Emmetts Garden may be less accessible to those with limited mobility due to its hilly terrain.

As for prices and opening hours, Emmetts Garden, like Sissinghurst, is managed by the National Trust, which means that admission is charged (you can check current prices on the National Trust website). National Trust members have free admission. The garden is open most of the year, but opening hours may vary depending on the season.

All in all, Emmetts Garden is a place that offers a unique experience for nature lovers, photographers and families. Its unique location, abundance of plants and seasonal attractions make it a must-see on the Kent gardens map. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to contemplate nature or want to provide an educational adventure for the kids, Emmetts Garden is sure to meet your expectations.

A visit to Emmetts Garden, like the other Kent gardens discussed, is not only an opportunity to admire the beauty of nature, but also to immerse yourself in England's rich horticultural history and culture. Each of these gardens has its own unique history and character, making Kent County a true paradise for nature and gardening enthusiasts.