The historic family-run gardens are open throughout the spring and summer
The garden near Sevenoaks features a stunning woodland bluebell walking trail.(Image: Marathon/Wikimedia Commons)
Spring is now in full swing, bringing plenty of sunshine, warm weather and clear skies to Kent. That also means the first bank holiday of the season is just days away and with even more sunny weather expected in the run-up to the long weekend, it could not be a more perfect time to plan a refreshing outdoor walk.
If you are after a trail where you can wander amongst a sea of beautiful bluebells, then there is one destination in particular that you simply need to check out. The Riverhill Himalayan Gardens are found to the south of Sevenoaks, overlooking the breath-taking Weald of Kent.
These family-run gardens have been under the care of the Rogers family since the 1840s and offer a day out unlike any other. Comprising multiple distinct gardens each offering its own unique features to admire and take in the remarkable sights, Riverhill is the perfect spot for a family spring trip.
Having opened for the 2026 season on March 11, the site and its various gardens are available to explore 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday every week until November 1. Plus, the gardens are open on bank holidays, making them an ideal day out this weekend.
There are over 12 acres of gardens to get lost in at Riverhill, from the famous Walled Garden with its eye-catching fountains, to the colourful Rose Walk and the remarkable Edwardian Rock Garden which is carpeted with ferns. If bluebells are what you came to see, then the Wood Garden is where you need to head.
There is plenty of amazing plant life to spy around Riverhill.(Image: Oast House Archive/Geograph)
Blanketed with these stunning flowers during the spring months, this area is also home to Riverhill’s most prized rhododendrons and azalea. Follow the winding paths and discover the hidden spots throughout the garden as you enjoy some tranquil relaxation beneath the rustling leaves.
The early May bank holiday weekend is a perfect time to visit Riverhill as the attraction is hosting the Bluebell Festival and Craft Fair until Monday, May 4. During this time, the Artspring Gallery will be transforming the site’s Garden Room into an emporium of artworks and unique items, including ceramics, jewellery, glass work and fine art.
Riverhill’s most famous feature is perhaps the walled garden, featuring sculptural grass terraces, as well as water features and fountains created by renowned British sculptor, Julian Wild. The amphitheatre design is influenced by the cultivation terraces seen in the Himalayas and really comes to life during the venue’s summer theatre season.
This unique maze was designed by expert Adrian Fisher and the design is based on Tibetan carvings.(Image: Dave Croker/Geograph)
At the top of the terrace is the Himalayan Hut, made from traditional Kentish hop poles and wood from a cedar which was destroyed in the great storm of 1987. The Riverhill team describe it as: “A beautiful shady spot to stop and enjoy the view, it is alive with climbing roses and vines in the summer.”
Another unique feature for guests to see is the newly restored Edwardian Rock Garden which until recently had been completely inaccessible to visitors. Having been forgotten for sixty years, the team has poured a great deal of effort into re-opening the space and creating a peaceful haven of dappled light and gently cascading water.
In January 2018, head gardener Adam Roberts and his team began work on the project and now the rock garden is open for guests to spy the numerous varieties of fronds, admire the sculptural form of the wisterias at the end of the path and walk amidst the newly planted ferns as they take root. For the keen hikers, the Mini Everest viewpoint is well worth making the climb to reach, rewarding ramblers with panoramic views out across the Weald of Kent towards Tonbridge, Ashdown Forest and Hadlow.
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If you need some refreshments after your ascent, this makes a wonderful spot for a picnic and you can even spy the amazing Riverhill beehives while here too. At the bottom of the viewpoint is the distinctive Himalayan Hedge Maze which guests can take on and complete in both the clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.
Described as “fiendishly tricky”, it came from the mind renowned maze expert Adrian Fisher and the design is based on Tibetan carvings. You can also head over to the grand terraces for elevated views of Riverhill House, while the former Victorian Tennis Court is a popular spot for wedding marquees.
The venue team adds: “On the top terrace our fully restored Summer House is a wonderful spot for a relax and a read whilst looking out at the farm land and grazing cattle below. A wonderful pastoral scene.”
The Shed Shop has a range of quirky gifts and gardening products to browse.(Image: Michael Garlick/Geograph)
Be sure to check out the quirky shed shop which is stocked up with beautiful home and garden treats and gifts, from unique tea towels and gardening pots, to greetings cards and honey which is made on-site. Or if you need a little energy boost between garden walks, the award-winning Malabar Coffee House has you covered with its own blend of organic, Fairtrade coffee, loose leaf teas, locally-baked cakes and pastries, as well as hot toasties and paninis.
Alongside the upcoming Bluebell Festival, Riverhill will be hosting a National Garden Scheme Charity Open Day on May 6, followed by a new exhibition from Surrey Sculpture Society between May 13 and September 27. Entry to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens costs £14 per adult, £7.50 for children (ages four and over) and £39 for families (two adults and three children). Kids aged under four, wheelchair users and accompanying carers enter for free.
All tickets include free access to any of the family activities run by Riverhill. Visitors are advised that Riverhill is a cashless site and only accepts card payments for entry. Find the full details on visiting Riverhill and booking information on the website here.
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