Godinton House & Gardens
Godinton House & Gardens
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
About
Discover a Jacobean house with a Medieval hall and lose yourself in the incredibly beautiful gardens and ancient parkland. Fabulous events and workshop programme throughout the year. Gardens open Tuesday to Sunday: 12th March - 13th October 12:30pm-5:30pm. Visit website for House and visitor Tearoom opening times.
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- Quiller810London, United Kingdom159 contributionsExceptional!This is probaby one of the loveliest houses I have visited courtesy of my Historic Houses membership. From the minute we turned into the drive and encountered flocks of sheep and baby lambs, I had the feeling this was going to be somewhere special. Sadly you cannot take any photographs once inside the house but it was beautiful. The wood panellling exceptional. We had a very interesting tour around the property and then a walk around the gardens. These are beautifully maintained by the largest number of gardeners I have ever seen in one property. There is an excellent tea room in the house and there are many events on there during the year. All of the staff are extremely friendly and it seems an idyllic place to work. It is certainly worth a visit but remember to book the tour of the house before you go.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- ameliebelgique50 contributionsbeautiful areathe park is majestic when you arrive among the sheep in large meadows with beautiful large isolated trees the castle was closed and it was raining but the walk in the garden was very beautiful there are beautiful mixed flower borders and a large vegetable gardenVisited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 18, 2024
- SJC94Ashford, United Kingdom223 contributionsNo Corporate Hard SellWe live locally but had only been to the gardens for outdoor theatre. Quiet gardens surrounding a well presented house with tours led by guides. Timed tickets for house tour which takes about an hour. Well scripted tour in small groups. No large bags allowed. Lovely tea room. There are some plants for sale but otherwise there is no upselling of membership, no expensive gift shop, no posters advertising cottages or do not touch, sit etc signs that the National charities put everywhere. Just enjoy the house and gardens.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 28, 2024
- happyramblerKent78 contributionsStunning Jacobean house with beautiful gardensFascinating guided tour of a stunning mainly Jacobean house with beautiful gardens. Guides helpful, interesting and entertaining. Rooms full of exceptional porcelain and furniture. Charming large bay windowed tea room - good value and staffed by courteous and friendly waitresses.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 6, 2024
- Nasinleeds68 contributionsA lovely placeReally loved this place. Beautiful and extensive gardens, with various places to sit and contemplate the world, enhanced at the time of our visit by many interesting sculptures. We didn’t get chance to tour the house, other than the tea room, but would certainly recommend that as well ! We’d urge you to visit.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 26, 2024
- DitsydodoKent, United Kingdom60 contributionsWhat a lovely hidden surprise and local too.Lived in Ashford for a while and knew about Godinton House but have never visited until now. Definitely recommend the house tour. Such a beautiful kept house. The tour guides were very knowledgeable, such lovely ladies. We learnt so much about the house and its many occupants. No photos allowed inside the house but to be honest I think it made you look at things more and take it all in rather than getting your phone out every few minutes to take photos! As for the gardens… they are beautiful. My husband and I came away with garden envy! The gardens are so vast that regardless of the amount of visitors there you didn’t feel like you were bumping into people. At times it was nice and peaceful walking round. Not sure personally if young children would find it that interesting. Also I would definitely recommend the tea room. The warmed scones with cream and locally made jam are delicious with a pot of tea! Reasonably priced too. Overall a beautiful afternoon visit.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 27, 2024
- LoisKent, United Kingdom100 contributionsA must see for garden and history lovers.Visited both house and gardens. The house and garden are both beautiful, the atmosphere as others have mentioned is very welcoming and deliberately not corporate. The house is held in trust and clearly much loved and cherished. The tour is well worth taking , no photos allowed but guide book available for a reasonable ÂŁ3. There is a lot of history to cover, the building is full of original features , interesting furniture and family history. The guides very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Tea room is traditional style , beautifully decorated with William Morris wallpaper and family portraits . Cream tea at ÂŁ6.50 is homemade with local ingredients and excellent value. Gardens are varied, vast and very interesting. Tour of the house lasted just under 1.45 hrs. My only criticism would be that it might have been just a little bit too long for such a warm day. Throughly recommend a trip here , we used our Historic House Membership for entry, otherwise it is ÂŁ8 for gardens or ÂŁ15 for both house and gardens.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2024
- AJB T20 contributionsSpectacular and great value.This is a truly spectacular garden, overseen by head gardener Sarah Lane (who I chatted too briefly) who has really got a grip of this place. Her team of full time gardeners were very positive about her and also very friendly to visitors. The gardens are absolutely stunning, set in beautiful countryside, the attention to detail is first class. Some of the best hedge care and topiary I have seen anywhere in the world. Superior to Great Dixter and Sissinghurst in my view. Nice glasshouses, great kitchen garden and Italian garden too. Superb sculpture and vistas. Accessible wildflower meadow walks and immaculate lawns.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
348 reviews
Excellent
257
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74
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8
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6
Terrible
3
Mouldilocks
York, UK21 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We only visited the gardens and tearoom, but were impressed by both. The garden admission is good value for the sheer variety within a fairly compact area. All the gardens are superbly maintained, and staff, from the reception area to the gardeners, are all very friendly and approachable.
The tearooms deserve special mention in that respect, as the staff were patient, cheerful and helpful, even at a very busy time (about 3pm if you want to avoid the crowds). The quality of the refreshments is impressivetoo; even a gluten-free cake option is offered - a plus for me!
The tearooms deserve special mention in that respect, as the staff were patient, cheerful and helpful, even at a very busy time (about 3pm if you want to avoid the crowds). The quality of the refreshments is impressivetoo; even a gluten-free cake option is offered - a plus for me!
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Axelant
Vancouver, WA430 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This was an amazing home. We saw it on a guided tour with two excellent guides and only one other couple. The wood carvings throughout were the best we've seen, and we've we've seen a lot. We really enjoyed the stories about the previous owners and families. The house is cared for now by a trust. It's frustrating not to be allowed to take photos of the beauty that one sees. A souvenir book isn't a handy momento for travelers. As Americans, we love seeing the history and lifestyles of lovely England. The tour was covered by our Historical Houses membership, which is a plus. The gardens are quite lovely. At the time we visited, the kitchen garden was bursting with delphinium, a favorite. Although we didn't go to the tea room, it was very pretty! A definite thumbs up for a visit.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little H
Hedge End, UK6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We discovered this gem during the covid lockdown and have now made several visits. Although regular visitors to the Ashford area we never knew it existed!
On every visit the staff have been welcoming and helpful and the gardens have been a delight!
Today was the first time we visited the house. We were extremely fortunate to have a private tour as no-one else was booked on our time slot! The two guides were very informative and clearly knew the history of the house. We had chance to ask questions and were made to feel very relaxed throughout the tour which lasted an hour, although it didn't seem that long.
After we headed to the tearoom which offered a good assortment of drinks and homemade cakes very reasonable priced.
Then back to the garden to spend some more time enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside!
All in all a very enjoyable and educational afternoon!
On every visit the staff have been welcoming and helpful and the gardens have been a delight!
Today was the first time we visited the house. We were extremely fortunate to have a private tour as no-one else was booked on our time slot! The two guides were very informative and clearly knew the history of the house. We had chance to ask questions and were made to feel very relaxed throughout the tour which lasted an hour, although it didn't seem that long.
After we headed to the tearoom which offered a good assortment of drinks and homemade cakes very reasonable priced.
Then back to the garden to spend some more time enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside!
All in all a very enjoyable and educational afternoon!
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew S
11 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The garden is beautiful, but not a family friendly location. You can only picnic next to the car park (outside of the venue, which is a little embarrassing and not a pleasant experience), also there are no picnic benches in the picnic area, so no where to put your food. The garden has plenty of space for a picnic area inside the gardens, hidden round by the pond, but clearly families are not welcome. Also there is no life ring next to any of the ponds, which is a big health and safety no,no.
Also no activities on site for families such as a climbing frame or anything. They could install some in the woodlands area, that wouldn't disturb anyone. Also, no proper food on the menu, very limited drinks options (tea/coffee/water or over priced lemonade. Hold on, there is another restaurant to eat, but you can only access that restaurant if you pay an entry fee to go in the house, whether you want to see the house or not. Also staff jump on everything, e.g don't go on the grass, don't go in that room as it's private (even though there was no sign), don't sit on the floor in the picnic area, don't smile, don't have a nice time. Don't come back. But do spend your money on your visit and do tell others how wonderful the house is. Wow, terrible experience.
Also no activities on site for families such as a climbing frame or anything. They could install some in the woodlands area, that wouldn't disturb anyone. Also, no proper food on the menu, very limited drinks options (tea/coffee/water or over priced lemonade. Hold on, there is another restaurant to eat, but you can only access that restaurant if you pay an entry fee to go in the house, whether you want to see the house or not. Also staff jump on everything, e.g don't go on the grass, don't go in that room as it's private (even though there was no sign), don't sit on the floor in the picnic area, don't smile, don't have a nice time. Don't come back. But do spend your money on your visit and do tell others how wonderful the house is. Wow, terrible experience.
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina M
Kent, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The entire garden is kept in magnificent order, both asthetically pleasing, but also embracing all of nature and allowing the garden a sense of freedom. It was a shame the tea rooms were closed, but another time perhaps. Staff and gardeners were friendly/polite. Lovely lovely lovely.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma B
Gillingham, UK6 contributions
Aug 2022
Lived in kent almost 50 years and can't believe we have never visited or even heard about it. We went to see the sculptures and what an idilic way to show them off. The gardens are beautifull and suprisingly accesable with a wheel chair, my ownly small gripe would be that map showing an accesable route would be handy. We rounded the trip off with a visit to the tea rooms not only was it 10/10 for quality and portion size but it was very good value for money. All the staff are friendly and so helpfull making it one of the nicest days out we have had in a long time we will definatly be visiting again.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
15 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Lovely building. We did the tour of the house which lasted an hour and was interesting and informative, the only down side for me was that you can’t take photos in the house. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming.
This was followed by a mooch around the gardens which were beautiful and in full bloom. The hedges are very impressive as is the lily pond.
You can purchase some of their plants by the main entrance.
We stopped in the tearoom. This is a definite must! I had a cream tea and the scones were big, warm and the best I think I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a fair few!) along with a pot of coffee.
My friend had coffee and walnut cake and a pot of coffee. These are all homemade and they certainly taste it. I think the cost was ÂŁ12.70? We have paid a lot more for inferior quality!
They only do cake, there are no savoury items.
The staff in here are also very friendly and welcoming.
We were here for about 3 hours in total ! Worth a visit
This was followed by a mooch around the gardens which were beautiful and in full bloom. The hedges are very impressive as is the lily pond.
You can purchase some of their plants by the main entrance.
We stopped in the tearoom. This is a definite must! I had a cream tea and the scones were big, warm and the best I think I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a fair few!) along with a pot of coffee.
My friend had coffee and walnut cake and a pot of coffee. These are all homemade and they certainly taste it. I think the cost was ÂŁ12.70? We have paid a lot more for inferior quality!
They only do cake, there are no savoury items.
The staff in here are also very friendly and welcoming.
We were here for about 3 hours in total ! Worth a visit
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Latte Lover
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
There are surprises around every corner. The family particularly liked the sculptures and the beautiful ornamental lily pond that rivals RHS Wisley. The children loved exploring. Keen gardeners like myself will be enthralled by the large kitchen garden & wide flowering borders. This house & park is in a truly idyllic spot. We had a wonderful day out. The takeaway refreshments were lovely too. A real antidote to Lockdown!! The gardening team and reception staff are a real credit to the House.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jskinner930
Bury St. Edmunds, UK10 contributions
Sep 2020
We had an enjoyable circular, lead walk with dogs. However, dogs are not welcome in the gardens, house or tea shop. On arrival my friend and I were even told to move to outside a gate when we were waiting for 2 members of our party to ask for information at a reception area. Apparently our being only 10 yards inside the banned area would upset resident’s dogs. Be aware that if you are visiting alone with a dog, you would not have access to a toilet. Dog walkers can visit for an estate walk but don’t expect a welcome or facilities.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am glad you enjoyed the circular walk around Godinton with your dog. It is the Trust’s policy not to allow dogs in the gardens or around the ticket office and takeaway tea area. Sadly, in the past we have had problems with dogs on the premises, and although most dog owners are responsible, we made the decision to make the gardens dog free to allow visitors and children to enjoy the gardens without fear of treading in something nasty or having dogs taking a dislike to each other. The car park, toilets and refreshment area at Godinton are available to all visitors who purchase tickets for the garden, or the house when open. I hope you are able to visit again and enjoy the gardens.
Written September 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol M
Greater London, UK30 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Back for our annual visit to Godington to see the Sculptures in the Garden exhibit. Glad to report that the gardens are looking better than ever and it was nice to enjoy some culture outside. If you are looking for somewhere to forget about Covid this is the place.While sensible precautions are put in place for toilets and entrances once inside you are free to wander at will and will probably barely see another person let alone have to concern yourself with social distancing. Cake and tea now being served Fri to Sunday to consume in the open air. Art was wonderful especially the horse's head made out of a bicycle! Great for wildlife spotters too.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have clearly marked accessibility routes with seats around the garden. You can use the paths or grass and we have many visitors with strollers, scooters and wheelchairs.
Written July 29, 2019
Is this accessible for mobility scooters?
Written April 30, 2019
I’m do not think you would be able to use one in the house.
Also there would be limited access to the gardens as there are steps down to part of the gardens and some of the paths are grass ones. I am not sure if they have ramps in the gardens, I didn’t see any when I was there. You could check their website or telephone them for more information on this.
Written April 30, 2019
Between April and the beginning of October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays you can also visit the House (which costs 10 pounds including the gardens) and the Tea Room is open.
Written October 26, 2018
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