The American Garden — Attraction in Folkestone and Hythe District

So glad that the owner decided to reply to a review from 10 months ago. I was about to myself but the owner did it so much better. The reviewer may not be a fan of the news but there is an international economic crisis caused by wars, global warming, scarcity etc. Costs and prices have everywhere gone up. A very few years ago the owners used to charge £3 entry to the garden. I was one of, doubtless, several people who told them this was ridiculously cheap. The reviewer, who seems to frequent cafes rather than gardens, should check other garden prices. Several private gardens in the NHS now charge £8. The writer would clearly have preferred the Folkestone Leas in the 50s with manicured grass and tulips and lobelia in regimented rows. A huge amount of work goes into maintaining the garden in the style presumably imagined by it's creators. They, like other plant hunters of the time, were trying to reproduce, in non mountainous Kent, the landscapes of the Himalayas and China where the plants originated. On a practical note and to comply with Google's request. They are happy to accept cards and cash. The "tea hut" is a small venerable pavilion common in many large houses of the time for those playing either croquet or tennis on the adjacent lawn. I would challenge you to find cheaper or friendlier tea coffee or cake in such idyllic surroundings. Yes, there are excellent rest rooms in another garden building. Very clean with hot water and lovely soap. For those who find the hill a challenge there is an easier side entrance from the car park. The garden offers season tickets, a...

This place is a hidden gem! In May my children and I come most weekends to spend time in the "Magical Forest" as they call it. The rhododendrons, azaleas, wisteria, together with the smell of damp earth and wild garlic all add to an amazing experience of walking down winding paths and hand etched steps, allowing to experience this deliberately "unkept" gardens from all the angles. The variety of plants is astounding too. It is impossible to feel unhappy while you're there. And the cakes served with a fresh brew of tea are just the...

Open weekends in May. Beware hefty entrance fee! A nostalgic sense of bygone family lives lingers across this rambling estate. Winding paths wend through a valley of exuberant rhododendrons, small streams, gunnera, Japanese knotweed. It's a relief to emerge onto a lawn with chairs, tables and a quaint, welcome tea hut. The 'garden' represents valiant attempts to tame this frankly neglected wilderness - American only in name. Previous clergy have cherished this place. It's sad to see it so...