Groups Visits 2019 - There's so much to discover at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
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The gardens at Riverhill were first established in 1840 by John Rogers, Ed’s great-great-great-grandfather, he was one of the first members of the Royal Horticultural Society, a contemporary of Charles Darwin and a patron of the plant collectors of the day. Rare species of plants were brought back to Riverhill from the Himalayas by the great plant collectors and many still thrive today. The gardens are renowned for their fine collections of rhododendron, azaleas and specimen trees as well as the woodland bluebells, The Rose Walk and sensational views to the Weald of Kent. The restored Walled Garden is a bold and contemporary design with grass-sculpted terraces, reminiscent of the Himalayas, a formal kitchen garden, borders containing summer flowering hydrangeas, peonies, allium, and perennials and an impressive water feature. Sculpture by world-class British artists, set against many striking natural backdrops, can be found throughout the gardens. The Edwardian Rock Gardens have been rediscovered having lain forgotten for 70 years. Admire the recent restoration as we re-open these atmospheric pathways amongst 200 tonnes of local stone transported here by horse and cart over 100 years ago. Riverhill continues to be home to four generations of the Rogers family. We are all passionate about Riverhill, its history and the restoration, so be assured of a warm and personal welcome!
YOUR VISIT Explore the gardens at your leisure or pre-book a tour with the Head Gardener. To enjoy all Riverhill Gardens has to offer, allow approx 3 hours. Head Gardener Tours Book a tour of the garden with our Head Gardener and learn about the history of the gardens and discover more about the work that goes on today to conserve, maintain and restore the gardens as well as the exciting new projects. Should your group have a particular horticultural interest, or would prefer to enjoy the flatter areas of the gardens, we can create a bespoke tour for you. Tours are available Wednesday - Friday and last approximately 1 hour, and must be booked in advance. Shopping & Plant Sales Enjoy browsing our shop which has a wonderful selection of products – from plants, decorative garden items, local food and drinks, to china, gifts and mementos of your visit to Riverhill. The Riverhill Cafe Our licensed cafe serves excellent coffee and our specially blended loose leaf teas, along with a delicious selection of homemade cakes, light lunches and cream teas, in the grounds we have an ice cream kiosk serving Solley’s Farm ice cream, all of which you’re welcome to visit independently. Alternatively you may wish to choose one of our entrance packages which includes either tea or coffee and a selection of cakes, or our very popular cream tea option. If you choose one of these packages then, for larger groups, we will reserve our ‘Garden Room’ for you which seats up to 56 guests. For smaller groups we will reserve an area in the cafe for you or, weather permitting, outside on the cafe terrace overlooking the gardens.
RIVERHILL HIGHLIGHTS We are always asked ‘when is the best time to see...?’ So here are our recommendations for when to catch the Riverhill highlights (no guarantees of course!) Bluebell Festival 24th April - 6th May Book during our Bluebell Festival and not only will you enjoy walking amongst our carpet of Bluebells in the Chestnut wood, you’ll also be able to visit our Arts and Craft Fair in the Garden Room, with works inspired by our bluebells. Or you may wish to take advantage of our Bluebell Private Viewings, this special package gives your group time on you own amongst our Bluebells, perfect for enjoying the sheer beauty and tranquility of our bluebell woods, don’t forget your camera! Arrival at 9:15am for private viewing, followed by tea, coffee and cake in our cafe at 10am. You’re then welcome to enjoy the rest of the gardens at your leisure. £15 per person. Minimum Group Size 12 Rhododendron & Azalea Extravaganza 8th - 26th May These weeks should be a great time to come and view our historic collection of Rhododendron and Azaleas in full bloom. First planted in the 1850s, some varieties are now over 150 years old. Walled Garden Weeks 5th - 21st June A chance to see the Walled Garden in full bloom. Book during these weeks for your chance to enjoy the forest of Allium and/or our magnificent peony border with over 27 varieties, herbaceous beds and vegetables in our traditional Kitchen Garden and of course the amazing sculptural terraces and water feature.
M26 A25 M25 Sevenoaks Westerham A21 A25 A225 Oxted Shipbourne Crockham Hill SEVENOAKS, KENT Edenbridge A21 Tonbridge HOW TO FIND US: If you are using a SATNAV system our post code is TN15 0RR Riverhill Himalayan Gardens are easily accessible from major roads and motorways. We are 2 miles south of Sevenoaks on the A225. From the M25 Exit the M25 at Junction 5 and go south on the A21. Take the second exit marked ‘Hildenborough’. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A225 towards Sevenoaks. Continue up the hill. The entrance is on your right. There is ample free parking in our car park, disabled parking is available by Riverhill House. Please note that Riverhill Himalayan Gardens cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents whilst you are parked on site. Coach parking Coach Parking is in front of the house, and is provided free of charge, but there is limited availability so please talk to us about this in advance. Important information for coach drivers Please note that coaches can only access our entrance coming downhill from Sevenoaks (i.e. Heading South from Sevenoaks on the A225). Please do not attempt to turn right from the A225 into our entrance. Please call us on 01732 459777 if you need clarification.
SEVENOAKS, KENT OPENING TIMES Open Friday 22nd March - Sunday 27th October 2019 Monday, Tuesday: Closed (except Bank Holidays) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Open 10:30am - 5pm GROUP PRICES 2019 With Head Gardener Tour Admission to the gardens and head gardener tour £11 Admission to the gardens, head gardener tour, coffee/tea and a selection of homemade cakes £15 Admission to the gardens, head gardener tour and a cream tea £16 Without Head Gardener Tour Admission to the gardens £8 Admission to the gardens, coffee/tea and a selection of homemade cakes £12 Admission to the gardens and a cream tea £13.50 When you visit as a group the total cost must be paid in a single payment and group rates can only be applied if your group comprises of 12 people or more, and you all arrive in the grounds together. Our maximum group size is 56 people. We accept all major debit and credit cards, cash and cheques (payable to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens). We offer free admission and refreshments to your coach driver. fb.com/riverhillgardens @RiverhillGarden T: 01732 459777 | E: info@riverhillgardens.co.uk www.riverhillgardens.co.uk
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