Kent

KENT - The Garden of England
A stunning variety of landscapes await the visitor to Kent, from the eerie Romney Marsh was once entirely under water and the rolling splendour of the High Weald, to the beautiful gardens of the Garden of England's many castles and stately homes.

With an abundance of garden attractions open to the public, Kent offers a horticultural feast for every taste, including delightful gardens, such as Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest, the Japanese gardens of Mount Ephraim, and the 14 acres of 18th century parkland at Goodnestone Park Gardens, where Jane Austen frequently visited. Similarly Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and the natural beauty of Yalding Organic Gardens make for interesting days out in the county.

Kent has more castles and historic houses than any other English county, each with splendid gardens and grounds. From the "Loveliest Castle in the World" Leeds Castle, the home of six medieval queens and impressive grounds, to the Tudor gardens of Penshurst Place and Gardens, Kent's gardens are often set against the backdrop of some of the country's grandest buildings. Visit Hever Castle's yew and water mazes, Ightham Mote's lovely gardens and 14th century moated manor, or the Tudor style Walmer Castle including the late Queen Mother's garden in the grounds.

RIGHT: from top, Mount Ephraim Gardens, Groombridge Place Gardens and Penshurst Place & Gardens.