Mount Ephraim
The Japanese Bridge
The Lake
The Rose Garden
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An atmosphere of tranquillity and beauty; the nine acres of gardens at
Mount Ephraim Gardens have a wonderful atmosphere of peace and charm and are set at the heart of an 800 acre estate comprising the house and gardens, a progressive fruit farm and grazing.
Home to the Dawes family for over 300 years, the splendid late Victorian mansion was built in 1870 on the site of the original house.
It commands magnificent views over the parkland and the Swale and Thames estuary, and is a lasting monument to a more graceful and leisurely age.
Near the house is an unusual topiary and a wide herbaceous border richly planted to give a wealth of colour and interest throughout the seasons.
Rose terraces enclosed by yew trees slope down to a lake set against a woodland backdrop.
The rock garden based on a series of pools and ornamented with a Japanese stone bridge and lanterns is a place of tranquillity and renewal while the water garden, which was developed and planted in 1989, is a new and exciting addition.
The shape and sweep of the trees on the slopes leading to the lake provide a natural theatre for a number of theatrical and musical events held during the year.
These include open-air jazz and classical concerts, performance of Shakespeare and seasonal events, such as the popular Autumn Garden Festival and Apple Sunday.
Mount Ephraim Gardens also have an added attraction in the form of an ancient labyrinth known as a Mizmaze.
Woodrose, a licensed Restaurant and Tea Garden, offering hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches, salads, cream teas, high teas and homemade cakes. Hot meals available with pre-booking.
Opening Times
Easter to the end of September on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
- 11am to 5pm
- Groups welcome at all times by arrangement
- Hot and cold refreshments are available from Woodrose Restaurant
- The nature of the gardens makes disabled access to some areas difficult.
How to find us
Mount Ephraim Gardens is approximately one mile from the end of the M2 at junction 7 and is located between the villages of Boughton and Hernhill. Follow the brown and white tourist signs from the A2 and A299.