Three years ago in mid-April we took a trip to Hole Park Gardens, it's about an hours drive away from us - in a pretty little village called Rolvenden in Kent. It has been in the Barham family for five generations. I am re-sharing tis post as we would love to go back in May this year. All these photographs were taken on my old phone and I'd love to take some with my DSLR.
The 200 acres of parkland and woodland is beautiful, the bluebells, although not quite at their peak were starting to blanket the woodland.
Visitors can roam as they please, or follow the yellow arrows, there are tree swings for the children to play on.
There are so many areas to explore. Secret walled gardens with lovely flowers, ponds, woods, meadows with bright pink camellia, daffodils and tulips. In May wisteria will be blooming in the vineyard.
The woodland garden, has large oak trees, azaleas, tree peonies and Japanese maples. Here you'll find another pond, surrounded by blossom, primroses and the first swathes of bluebells.
Next the bluebell woods - these are wild, native English bluebells, which thrive in coppice woodland, and are said to be one of the best displays in England. I can see why! Our pictures don't do it any justice, the area they cover is huge!
You will also see, and smell, the valleys of wild garlic growing, it tastes a lot like spring onion, we often pick it locally and use it in our cooking. We strolled through Brick Kiln Wood and reached the Ice House, which stored ice gathered from the ponds in the winter, to be used in the summertime.
Along the Pine Walk we reached the huge Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia tree) it was planted back in 1928.
This will lead you down to the Dell Pond where you'll see a pretty Monet style bridge, and prehistoric looking plants and palms. The meadow area has lots of wildflowers and a large weeping hemlock. It really is a beautiful place!
Opposite the house, is a beautiful fish pond with fountains and in the distance you can see Rolvenden windmill. There are picnic benches by the car park, but there are also homemade teas and lunches in the Coach House, and a chance to buy a few plants in the little nursery.
