By 1763 a walled garden had been created, incorporating walls from an earlier enclosed orchard. Records from 1763 also described a Wilderness garden, later incorporated into a Lawns and Walks garden. Today’s Lime Avenue and associated arboretum are situated on the part of the land occupied by this garden.
Further improvements to the gardens between the wars included the creation of a woodland pool and associated rockery. Many notable trees growing today were planted at this time.
Sadly, the gardens went through a period of neglect during the Second World War when the army requisitioned Goodnestone Park. In 1955 Brook and Margaret Fitzwalter inherited the estate. Lady Fitzwalter and her head gardener John Wellard undertook the massive task of restoring and developing the garden. They were both instrumental in creating the gardens that we recognise today, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Kent.
Head gardener Paul Bagshaw now manages the gardens with a team of gardeners and volunteers. Visitors to Goodnestone Park enjoy the gardens for private functions, weddings, and wellness retreats. It is ideally situated not far from London, in the heart of the Kent countryside.
