Newsletter sign up

UK / South East / Kent

Goodnestone Park Gardens

The Street, Goodnestone, Canterbury, CT3 1PL

Goodnestone Park is a vast, privately-owned estate located in the heart of the stunning Kent countryside, just an hour and a half from London.

The large, grand house was first built in 1704 and is steeped in a rich history, including frequent visits from the famous novelist Jane Austen. Our magnificent grounds have undergone many impressive changes making Goodnestone Park among the top choice of gardens to visit in Kent.

The Gardens
Goodnestone Park Gardens covers roughly fifteen acres of the Estate and includes a large variety of trees, plants and shrubs. All of the areas are open to visitors who will be able to appreciate the seasonal colours and scents, and many of the plants are available to buy in the Nursery.

The Old Dairy Cafe
Housed in one of the estate’s original dairies and beautifully converted in 2017, the Old Dairy Café blends historic charm with modern comfort. Run by chef Chris Larman and manager Didier, it offers fresh, seasonal dishes, homemade cakes, and a full range of hot and cold drinks.

There’s plenty of indoor seating and a sunny courtyard for warmer days. From hearty breakfasts and light lunches to indulgent afternoon teas (bookable in advance), the café is the perfect spot to begin or end your visit to the gardens.

Stay With Us
The grand house is ideal as a luxury wedding location or for corporate events. Perfect for all sorts of occasions. While Bonnington Cottage is a picturesque and quintessentially English beamed cottage that was recently converted into a rental property.

Visit Website

Opening Times

Gardens open daily

10.00 - 17.00

(last admission)

16.00

Old Dairy Cafe

Open Wednesday - Sunday

10.00 - 16.00

01304 840107 – office@goodnestone.com

01304 695098 – olddairy@goodnestone.com

What3words: For garden and cafe parking

///signs.twinkled.exhales

Prices

Adult

£7.00

Child (6-16)

£3.00

Family (2 adults + 2 children)

£17.00

Student

£4.00

Facilities

Baby Changing

Café

Car Parking

Disabled Access

Dog Friendly

Picnic Site

Toilets

Offers

Goodnestone Park Autumn/Winter Special Offer – 30% off Gardens prices – October to February 2026!

Goodnestone Park is offering 30% off their prices from October to the end of February 2026.

View offer

Other things to do nearby

21st - 22nd Feb

February Half Term – Dockyard Deckhands at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

This February half term, families are invited to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for Dockyard Deckhands – a hands-on adventure where children can step into the shoes of a real Dockyard worker.

View event
28th Mar - 31st Aug

Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Experience the ocean like never before at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it hosts the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.

View event
5th - 6th Apr

Family Fantasy Festival at Fort Amherst

On Easter Sunday and Monday, the historic tunnels of Fort Amherst will be transformed into a child friendly fantasy world of make believe and science fiction.

View event
14th - 22nd Feb

Chinese Zodiac Hunt at Fort Amherst

To celebrate the year of the horse, Fort Amherst brings you a brand new interactive hunt around the grounds.

View event
1st Mar - 31st Oct

Call The Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

If you’re a fan of the hit series and you’ve been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

View event
2nd May - 19th Sep

Spare a Fort for Bees at Fort Amherst

Join us for a unique experience meeting the Fort Amherst bees.

View event
5th Dec - 5th Sep

Ghost Tour at Fort Amherst

Enjoy a spooky night time tour around one of Kent’s most paranormally active locations and hear tales of strange occurrences in the 300 year history of Fort Amherst.

View event
6th Dec - 31st Aug

Spirit Investigation at Fort Amherst

Experienced guides will help you investigate the paranormal potential at Fort Amherst – with plenty of spooky stories of the unexplained happenings here.

View event

Latest News

Top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch

The UK is home to some fantastically colourful, elusive and rare species. To celebrate their numerous species, we have put together a list of top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch.