Summer at Reuthe’s, the lost gardens of Sevenoaks

The lost gardens of Sevenoaks are a cool haven during the hot summer months and school holidays. Open 7 days a week throughout the season Reuthe’s is family friendly with free entrance and free parking and is fantastic to go exploring with children and taking your dog for a walk. Reuthe’s is set in 11 acres of ancient woodland just off Seal Chart Road, part of the horticultural miracle that is the Green Sand Ridge in the Weald of Kent. The woodland gardens contain over 300 varieties of rare species rhododendron, rare trees, shrubs, azaleas and camellias. New for this summer is an enchanting fairy trail created by local artist Tracey Johnson. Tracy is an up and coming self-taught chainsaw carver and is making a name for herself as one of the UK’s most innovative and exciting wood sculptors. Tracey has also created beautiful wire fairy and woodland animal sculptures including a rabbit and an owl which children will spot on their adventures. At Base Camp café there is a daily changing menu of grilled and chilled sandwiches, warm baked sausage rolls, crumpets, seasonal soups and salads. Everything is handmade using local ingredients, including many grown on site in the vegetable potager, such as salads and herbs. Reuthe’s honey is for sale and will soon be followed by seasonal jams and preserves. Sevenoaks family roaster Corban Coffee supplies the beans for excellent flat whites and lattes with a wide choice of milk alternatives, alongside cakes and bakes made by local baking talent Julie Friend. The new terraced area outside Basecamp Café is alive with the sound of buzzing bees and butterflies happily meandering through the wildflower bank. Peruse the garden nurseries potted specimens for your own garden while the children have an ice cream from award-winning local company Taywells. Two newly erected stretch marquees are perfect to hire for large or small events such as children’s birthdays, private alpaca treks, parties, private dinners, weddings and corporate events. Children can explore the Lost Gardens for the day with Reuthe’s qualified Forest School Leader. Suitable for children aged 5-10, these limited availability classes are £40 per child, per day, including lunch. Each session teaches woodland essentials like campfire building, whittling and making leaf crowns and wands. Book your child’s place round the campfire online at www.reuthes.com Monday - Friday | 9am-6pm Saturday - Sunday 10am-4.30pm Sevenoaks Road | Seal Chart | Kent | TN15 0HB www.reuthes.com Instagram @reutheslostgardens