Nestled in the picturesque village of St Margaret's Bay, The Pines Garden, Tea Room & Museum is a delightful hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and tranquility.
The garden itself is a testament to meticulous care and planning, with winding pathways that lead you through vibrant flower beds, lush green lawns, and charming nooks adorned with benches where you can sit and take in the serene surroundings. Whether you're a keen gardener or simply someone who enjoys a peaceful stroll, The Pines Garden is sure to captivate you with its beauty and serenity.
Adjacent to the garden is the Tea Room, a quaint and inviting space where you can indulge in a variety of delicious treats. From freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam to a selection of sandwiches and homemade cakes, the Tea Room offers a delightful menu that caters to every palate. Pair your choice with a pot of their excellent tea or coffee, and you have the perfect recipe for a relaxing afternoon.
The museum housed within The Pines provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area, with exhibits that highlight its maritime heritage and local culture. Whether you're interested in learning about the lives of fishermen who once called this village home or discovering the stories behind the artifacts on display, the museum offers a rich tapestry of local history that is both educational and engaging.
The staff at The Pines Garden, Tea Room & Museum are friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere of this charming destination. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or even solo, you're sure to leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the English countryside and its rich history.
In conclusion, The Pines Garden, Tea Room & Museum is a true hidden gem that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone in search of a peaceful retreat, a visit to The Pines promises an...
Read moreWe hadn't planned to stop at The Pines, but needing a refreshment from a sunny walk along the cliffs we thought it seemed a good idea. As we approached we were greeted by a chap who offered us, if we were not busy, a free family workshop where we explored the garden and made some food using items in the garden on an open fire.
Drinks and snacks first we went into the team room, a few options for drinks - and with it now into the afternoon I opted for a nice cider! We also got some Jaffa cake (very nice!) and kids got some juices. Inside the tearoom is plenty of seating and mixed into the team room is a museum, plenty of stuff to read about if you want to know more on the area. We opted to sit outside (again, plenty of seats, both next to the tea shop and also just across the lane in the gardens).
With snacks and drinks done we joined the workshop - this was primarily aimed at the kids, but with little to no knowledge of these things myself I got to know a few bits too. The garden has the original Winston Churchill statue which was rejected as he 'looked a bit grumpy' and also has a original mock up of Cheap Side following great fire of London (now being used as a flower bed!) We were told the garden is left to just do it's thing mostly, ie. there is no specific planting of random plants, albeit things do make their way in on the wind / birds etc.
We enjoyed our afternoon here, and it's worth a nose around if your passing! (Garden is based...
Read moreCharming little tearoom offering a nice selection of lunch options and traditional tea and coffee, with indoor and outdoor seating, situated in a sheltered setting opposite the Pines Garden and Calyx. The tearoom offers good value and is well placed for those looking to stop for lunch while walking the coast path between Kingsdown and the White Cliffs of Dover. After stopping for refreshments, visitors can take a look around the garden in return for a small cash donation. Come with the right expectations and you should enjoy a pleasant visit. The Pines Garden isn't about meticulously managed flowerbeds and ornamental planting. Instead, it's a wilder feeling environment with lots of long grass and trees, aiming to provide a haven for wildlife. There are a couple of more managed borders, and the Churchill statue looking down to the white cliffs is a distinctive feature. Look out for the façade of an old London building embedded into the ground in the upper part of the garden. The Calyx building with its green roof will appeal to those interested in unusual architecture, having been designed around sustainability and local materials. There's seating outside the Calyx and a few more benches located around the garden. There's a small amount of parking for visitors to the garden located along the road that borders the garden, and more paid public parking down the hill at St...
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