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United Kingdom Dover Kent park

Kearsney Abbey Gardens

Kearsney Abbey Gardens
About

Kearsney Abbey Gardens, located just outside Dover in the Alkham Valley, form part of the wider Kearsney Parks and are among Kent’s most picturesque historic landscapes. Once the grounds of a grand 19th‑century mansion, the estate was designed in the style of a country house park, with sweeping lawns, ornamental lakes, and tree‑lined avenues that remain a delight to explore today. The River Dour flows through the gardens, feeding the lakes and creating a tranquil setting that attracts swans, ducks, and kingfishers. Though the original abbey house was largely demolished in the 1960s, its Gothic revival ruins still stand as a romantic focal point within the park. Recent restoration projects have enhanced the gardens, improving paths, planting, and visitor facilities while preserving their historic character. Popular with families, walkers, and picnickers, Kearsney Abbey Gardens also host community events and seasonal activities, making them a year‑round destination. As part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the gardens combine heritage, wildlife, and recreation, offering a peaceful retreat that reflects both history and natural charm.

Dover United Kingdom
Location

Kearsney Abbey Gardens is located just over two miles northwest of Dover town centre in the Alkham Valley, within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The gardens are laid out as informal parkland centered around two ornamental lakes fed by the River Dour, featuring swans and other wildlife. Nearby is Russell Gardens, a formal landscaped park with modern facilities and a natural play area, and Bushy Ruff, a popular open space with a large lake and footpaths. The gardens are close to the village of Temple Ewell and offer a tranquil escape with woodland walks, picnic areas, and a café. Not far from Kearsney Abbey Gardens are Dover Museum, Dover Castle, and the scenic White Cliffs of Dover, making it a peaceful complement to the area's historic and natural attractions.

Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery Dover Dover Transport Museum Dover Transport Museum Dover PWRR & Queens Regiment Museum PWRR & Queens Regiment Museum Dover St Margaret's Museum St Margaret's Museum Dover Roman Painted House Roman Painted House Dover The Booking Hall The Booking Hall Dover Maison Dieu Museum Maison Dieu Museum Dover The White Cliffs of Dover The White Cliffs of Dover Dover Samphire Hoe Samphire Hoe Dover Dover Castle Dover Castle Dover National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse Dover Clock Tower Square & Marina Curve Clock Tower Square & Marina Curve Dover Secret Wartime Tunnels Secret Wartime Tunnels Dover Western Heights Of Dover Western Heights Of Dover Dover Dover Beach Dover Beach Dover Dover Pier Dover Pier Dover Connaught Park Connaught Park Dover Russell Gardens Russell Gardens Dover Annexe Level - THE UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL Annexe Level - THE UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL Dover The Great Tower The Great Tower Dover Pencester Gardens Pencester Gardens Dover Shakespeare Beach Shakespeare Beach Dover The Grand Shaft The Grand Shaft Dover Constable's Tower Constable's Tower Dover

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