Godinton House & Gardens
Godinton House & Gardens
4.5
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 6:00 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: 1st March- 31st October 1pm-6pm. Visit website for House and visitor Tearoom opening times.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
327 reviews
Excellent
239
Very good
72
Average
8
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Axelant
Vancouver, WA422 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.
Little H
Hedge End, UK1 contribution
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.
Emma B
Gillingham, UK4 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.
Julie M
17 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 £12.70? 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 £12.70? 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.
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.
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.
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, UK31 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.
Tracey G
Dymchurch, UK9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
15th July 2022
Our first visit to Godinton House despite only living 16 miles away.
Our first impressions as we drove past the parkland was of this gorgeous Jacobean mansion sitting graciously amidst sweeping Yew hedges.
After parking we received a warm welcome from Josh who booked us in.
The gardens are magnificent and beautifully maintained without being sheared within an inch of their lives.
We felt that the Trust manage the house and gardens with care and dedication and will visit again .
Our first visit to Godinton House despite only living 16 miles away.
Our first impressions as we drove past the parkland was of this gorgeous Jacobean mansion sitting graciously amidst sweeping Yew hedges.
After parking we received a warm welcome from Josh who booked us in.
The gardens are magnificent and beautifully maintained without being sheared within an inch of their lives.
We felt that the Trust manage the house and gardens with care and dedication and will visit again .
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
account2018
Nuku'alofa, Tonga159 contributions
Mar 2022
Always a please to visit this low-key house and gardens, but my favourite time of year is the early Spring when the woodland is full of a spectaular display of daffodils, fritillaries and crocuses. The kind of scene where you can spin round and round and lose your senses. One of the best spring displays in Kent, I enjoyed it more than Sissinghurst.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hiya833
London, UK11 contributions
Sep 2022
I was extremely disappointed on my visit to the gardens. I paid £7.00 entrance fee and a £15.00 taxi ride from Ashford International to this place. Was a waste of money. This garden is a rip off at £7.00. It should be free. Maybe I went at the wrong time as there was nothing worth seeing and no other visitors.
On the positive side the staff were lovely.
On the positive side the staff were lovely.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is it accessible for strollers?
GodintonHouse
Ashford, UK2 contributions
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.
PaulaFisher5
Folkestone, UK4 contributions
Is this accessible for mobility scooters?
Tangoj63
Leighton Buzzard, UK864 contributions
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.
Godinton House & Gardens (Ashford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Godinton House & Gardens
- Godinton House & Gardens is open:
- Tue - Sun 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Godinton House & Gardens:
- (1.86 mi) Travelodge Ashford Town Centre
- (4.01 mi) Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park
- (1.89 mi) Premier Inn Ashford North hotel
- (7.43 mi) The Big Cat Sanctuary Overnight Big Cat Experience
- (0.55 mi) Woodland Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Godinton House & Gardens:
- (1.86 mi) Amici Restaurant
- (1.82 mi) Trattoria Romana
- (1.80 mi) Footprints Cafe Bistro
- (1.84 mi) Cinnamon Spice
- (2.84 mi) Stubbs