The Salutation & Walmer Castle & Gardens

For more details telephone 07788 562703 or email Nick Hagon for this event.

PGG Visit to The Salutation (The Secret Gardens of Sandwich) & Walmer Castle & Gardens

The Salutation – The Secret Gardens of Sandwich

Originally designed by Lutyens, the gardens have now been transformed, keeping some of the original ideas, but adding several more features to the 3.5 acres of glorious grounds providing inspiration for many who visit year after year.

Steve Edney and his team have worked tremendously hard to overcome many hurdles, including flooding by the nearby tidal stream, to produce displays of colour and interest throughout the year. We will see their efforts, in particular the exotic tropical borders and the well know display of dahlia’s, set in the walled garden within the idyllic and tranquil setting of Sandwich.

Also visit Sandwich and be memorized by the gentle movements of the stream as it gently flows down or upstream depending on the tide.

Visit www.the-salutation.com/the-gardens for more information and pictures.

Walmer Castle and Gardens

Set within eight acres of magnificent gardens and woodland, the castle sits above providing excellent views of the gardens and the coastline. Rich in history, the recently restored herbaceous borders explode into colour fronting a beautiful cloud yew hedge, while the kitchen gardens is full of fruit, vegetables, glasshouses and cut flowers. Also visit the Queen Mother’s Garden for a tranquil and peaceful moment viewing the exotic flowers and water features. Much of the colour and planting schemes is inspired by the influential Gertrude Jekyll.

While you are here, have a stroll to the beach, only five minutes away to enjoy a moment or two, perhaps dip your feet into the gentle waves of the sea.

Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/walmer-castle-and-gardens/ for more information and pictures.

Programme

09.30am: Arrival at The Salutation. Head Gardener, Steve Edney will welcome us with an introductory talk before we embark on a tour of the gardens. Steve has kindly waived the admission to allow us to visit the gardens free. Refreshments can be found at the garden café nearby or help yourself to the tea and coffee house, donations welcome.

1.30pm: Arrival at Walmer Castle and Gardens. Head Gardener, Mark Brent will welcome us with an introductory talk before we embark on a tour of the gardens. Mark has kindly waived the admission to allow us to visit the gardens free. Wonderful selection of refreshments can be found at the castle restaurant.

Directions

The Salutation
Take the M2 towards Dover, exit at Junctions 7 on to the A2 signed for Dover and Canterbury. Exit the A2 on to the B2046 towards Wingham. At Wingham, continue straight ahead on to the A257 towards Sandwich. At the roundabout, go straight over heading into Sandwich and onto Strand Street, where you will eventually come to a T-junction in front of The Bell Hotel. Turn left and then immediately right onto the Quay and the entrance gate to the gardens are in the far right hand corner of the car park.

Alternatively Take the M26 which leads into the M20. Exit the M20 at Junction 7 on to the A249 which will lead you to Junction 5 of the M2. Head towards Canterbury and Dover and exit the M2 as per the directions from the North.

Be aware Sat Navs are prone to take you down one way systems in Sandwich.

Walmer Castle and Gardens
Walmer can be found on the East Kent coast, just follow the A258. If coming from the north, come off junction 13 of M20 or from the M2 to Deal. Sat Nav details are CT14 7LJ

Postcode for Sat Nav: CT14 7LJ.

Cost

Both venues have kindly waived admission so entrance to the gardens is free, refreshments can be found within the grounds of both venues (self pay).

For more details telephone 07788 562703 or email Nick Hagon for this event.