Kearsney Abbey Gardens - Image 1

Kearsney Abbey Gardens

Temple Ewell, United Kingdom•4.7(2.4k)•Botanical Garden, Country Park, Heritage Site

Explore three historic parks in the Kent Downs featuring serene gardens, woodland walks, a lake, play areas, and a café in beautifully restored surroundings.

Kearsney Parks comprises three interconnected historic parks—Kearsney Abbey, Russell Gardens, and Bushy Ruff—located in the Alkham Valley within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Recently enhanced by a £3.1 million National Lottery Heritage Fund project, the parks offer visitors a wonderful day out exploring scenic landscapes and heritage features. Families can enjoy a variety of activities across the parks, including woodland walks, a lake with radio-controlled model boat sailing, play areas for children, and peaceful garden spaces. Russell Gardens features distinctive horticultural displays including a lime avenue, grand borders, and orchards, while Kearsney Abbey showcases historic features and natural beauty. The parks are dog-friendly and pushchair-friendly, making them accessible for visitors of all ages from birth onwards. Visitors can refuel at Kearsney Café & The Billiards Room, which offers food and refreshments in newly renovated facilities overlooking the park grounds. The venue is well-connected by transport links and suitable for school groups, family outings, and community events. Private event hire is also available, making it an ideal destination for celebrations and gatherings.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 07:00 – 19:00
Tuesday: 07:00 – 19:00
Wednesday: 07:00 – 19:00
Thursday: 07:00 – 19:00
Friday: 07:00 – 19:00
Saturday: 07:00 – 19:00
Sunday: 07:00 – 18:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Kearsney Café & The Billiards Room

On-site café offering refreshments with adjacent billiards room facility

Hours: 10:00-16:00 daily (temporarily amended)

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Google Reviews

4.7(2.4k reviews)
M
Maxine White

Maxine White

3 months ago

Lovely park , free parking up to 4hrs ,had to lovely days with my grandchildren as you can tell from the photos ☺

J
Jade Frost

Jade Frost

3 months ago

My partner and I always have such a lovely time here. At this time of the year, the babies popping their heads out from the islands (or their mums backs in this case) is always a lovely sight to behold. I’m so glad we have these gardens reasonably local; they never fail to provide a nice, peaceful couple hours away from our usual busy lives.

L
Lorna Murphy

Lorna Murphy

4 months ago

Beautiful gardens, well kept and abundantly loved by staff and visitors. It has a lovely cafe with the most delicious scones ... it has peaceful and rugged walks and has pathed walks for the less able or mummies and daddies with little ones... dogs welcome and plentiful in park and cafe, leashed and unleashed areas for them too. One of Dovers' little gems for sure ✨️

L
Lizzy x

Lizzy x

5 months ago

Kearney Abbey is one of my favorite places to take my children or elderly parents! Playground, walks, rivers to play in, swans, ducks, ice cream, picnic areas, seating, toilets. What more could you want!

A
Anna L (Anna Lou)

Anna L (Anna Lou)

7 months ago

Kearsney Abbey is one of the best green spaces in Kent. Beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife. (You can even purchase bird food from the cafe to feed the swans and ducks!) It's always clean and tidy, plenty of quiet spots to relax and enjoy your surroundings. There's some great signage around to learn the history of the area. The café is reasonably priced and the choices of food and drink are lovely! There's a car park with free parking for four hours, too, that's a rarity these days!

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Kearsney Abbey Gardens

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Kearsney Abbey Gardens

Is Kearsney Abbey Gardens free to visit?

Entry to Kearsney Abbey Gardens is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Kearsney Abbey Gardens suitable for?

Kearsney Abbey Gardens is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Kearsney Abbey Gardens dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is there parking at Kearsney Abbey Gardens?

Kearsney Abbey Gardens doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Kearsney Abbey Gardens?

Yes — Kearsney Café & The Billiards Room is on site at Kearsney Abbey Gardens. On-site café offering refreshments with adjacent billiards room facility

Is Kearsney Abbey Gardens pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Kearsney Abbey Gardens is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Kearsney Abbey Gardens?

Kearsney Abbey Gardens is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Kearsney Abbey Gardens by public transport?

Kearsney Abbey Gardens is well-served by public transport.

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