Old Buckhurst Garden, Kent

Markbeech, Near Edenbridge TN8 5PH
01342 850 825

Directions: 4 miles South East of Edenbridge B2026, at the Queens Arms Pub turn East to Markbeech.
In approximately 1½ miles Old Buckhurst is the first house on the right after leaving Markbeech.

Home page

Reasons to visit

About the gardens

Press & TV

Photos

Opening dates

How to find us

Local amenities

Visitors' comments

Need advice for your own garden project?

Send this link to a friend

A visitor on Sunday 27 July 2008 said the following in our visitors book: "You have created a most beautiful, idyllic haven. Thank you for sharing it. I believe that we are here on earth to make a difference; to make an improvement and you have certainly have done this here in creating this place of beauty as an inspiration to others and for the benefit of future generations." (New Zealand).

Jane and John Gladstone pay particular attention to harmonious colour, texture, scent and shape when planting and tending their garden at Old Buckhurst in Markbeech. Planted with trees, shrubs, shrub roses and a wide variety of herbaceous plants – including Campanulas, Daylilies, hardy Geraniums, Grasses, Irises, Lilies, Poppies, Paeonies and Penstemons – the 15th-century farmhouse's one-acre garden is a tranquil and quintessentially English cottage garden tended with an enthusiast's passion. Climbing roses and a wide range of clematis festoon the garden's walls while a range of climbers clamber over arches and a pergola. There is a small fruit and vegetable garden and many of the variety of plants grown in the garden are available for purchase in the Gladstones' adjoining small plant nursery.

The farmhouse (not open), thought to have been built around 1500, may be the oldest house in the village of Markbeech but the gardens were created from scratch by Jane and John some 20 years ago. The gardens have lovely views of the surrounding South Downs and if you are taken by the idea of bringing your own picnic to enjoy the view, then the paddock has plenty of room for you to sit and savour the views. (Please be sure to take all your litter home to avoid damaging sheep/cattle in the surrounding fields.)

GROUPS ARE WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT (minimum of ten).
Prices available by calling Mrs Gladstone on 01342 850 825. A tour includes a short talk (if required) by the owner, refreshments (if required) and a tour of the garden on a private day.

The three tour options are as follows:

Coffee/Tea in the morning includes Shortbread and home made Flapjacks.

Afternoon Tea/Coffee includes Flapjacks, Hungarian Chocolate Biscuits and Meringues: ALL HOME MADE.

Alternatively, tours are welcome to bring their own picnic to eat in our paddock, without refreshments being provided by us. A short talk by the owner is still included.

We open for the National Gardens Scheme Charity frequently during the summer season. In addition we open privately on a number of occasions for tours. Please see our opening dates page for details.

The garden is maintained by the owners John and Jane Gladstone with occasional help and ideas from their daughter Claire Gladstone NH Hort. (Dist) - see 'need advice for your own garden project' page.

Many of the plants grown in the garden are available for purchase in the small plant nursery.

Look at reasons to visit! Featured on TV and in garden magazines

Access
Regrettably, due to a few steps and some narrow paths, part of the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs. Guide dogs and their owners are welcome.