Belmont House and Gardens
Belmont House and Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The beautiful Georgian house of Belmont, set in formal gardens and parkland, is a completely unspoilt and distinctive example of the work of architect Samuel Wyatt. The house was bought by General George Harris in 1801 with the prize money from his successful military career in India. Later, in 1815, he was created Lord Harris in recognition of his victory over Tipu Sultan at the battle of Seringapatam. Belmont contains fabulous mementoes of the family's history and travels - paintings, furniture, Indian silverware and one of the finest and most extensive collection of clocks in private hands in the country, assembled by the 5th Lord. The Gardens at Belmont are full of interest throughout every season. The Kitchen Garden has beautiful Victorian Greenhouses, along with figs, hops, soft fruits and traditional apple and pear varieties. The Walled Garden contains a pond and is adjacent to the Pinetum complete with grotto. Open Sat for tours at 2.15Pm and 3.15Pm, Sun & BH Mon for tours at 2.15Pm, 3.00Pm and 3.45Pm, tea room open for home-made cakes and cream teas from 1.Oopm at weekends. Wednesday tours are at 11.00Am and 1.00Pm,tearoom open Wednesday for light lunches.
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- Tina L1 contributionAn unexpected gemBelmont House and Gardens was an absolute surprise and delight. The House is really interesting and full of so many different clocks. Every member of staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The Park was full of magnificent mature trees, a delightful walled garden and several other interesting features. Finished off with a piece of cake and coffee in the old stables, a really lovely treat.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 May 2024
- sabatinitennisAshford, United Kingdom3,745 contributionsDelightfulThere are two good sized gardens to explore (one is walled) and it is also possible to arrange a tour around the house. The Cafe has staff on site Tues, Thurs and Sun and on other days it is self-service. There are a wide variety of well cultivated flowers to view and it is possible to buy plants too. A joy to visit.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 19 May 2024
- Plattypuss52858 contributionsA good day outThe house is far more interesting than I had imagined. I knew about the clock collection but didn’t appreciate how well the rest of the house was maintained and presented. The clocks are all so different and unusual. The room guides are excellent, informative and amusing. The gardens were well maintained and impressive. The cafe small but served a good variety of drinks and light lunches. It’s a shame that it is not open that often and certain tours have to be booked for in advance. The paying system is confusing and badly signed as I’m sure the house do not want you to wander the grounds for free.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2024
- Kelly MMaidstone, United Kingdom337 contributionsBelmont beauty!We went on a really wet and rainy day which turned out to be to our advantage! The garden were empty of people as we were the only ones there. We were lucky enough to see a fledgling blue tit, some huge land snails and a stag beetle which I am Sure we would never have found if it had been sunny and busy! The tea room was self Service today which was lovely as we managed a hot drink and snack in peace and I like the idea of honesty boxes for paying, giving that element of trust to the public which is sadly lacking due to the way people behave commonly these days. The staff that I did encounter were lovely and although the house was closed there are some Lovely sights and smells in the gardens and it is beautifully kept. We will definitely come back.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2024
- originalgrouchoUnited Kingdom100 contributionsVery enjoyable visit to Belmont House.We had an unexpectedly good visit to Belmont House and Gardens. During our visit we were guided around the house, by Sam a volunteer guide who was excellent. Our tour lasted 1.5 but could have been longer. Very interesting and homely house and unlike the national trust houses, the curtains were open so you could clearly see all the ornaments and paintings. After our tour a very good ploughmans lunch followed by a walk around the gardens. I would definitely recommend a visit, if you are in the area, but do try to get a guide.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2024
- Glynis98Canterbury, United Kingdom455 contributionsJust lovelyWe had friends visiting from Australia and we live very close by Belmont but had not been inside for years so we decided it would make an ideal visit. And it did. Starting with lunch in the stables we joined the pre booked entry time. We did not have a guided tour but every room had a friendly, engaging steward who was happy to answer all questions and who volunteered information. I thought they were all very helpful and knowledgeable. I am tempted to volunteer myself given it is so close to us and such an interesting place. After the house we explored the extensive gardens. We were last in the gardens here for an Easter egg hunt event with our French friends and their children a few years back and I was delighted that the experience was so enriching in a different way for our recent guests.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 July 2024
- Ancient-trekkersGillingham, United Kingdom106 contributionsVery pleasant outing to Belmont House & Gardens.We spent an extremely pleasant 3 hours wandering around the formal gardens, grounds and exploring the lovely very well appointed house. Plenty of easy free on-site car parking. Charming tea room with various snacks/cakes etc. We found the house itself very light and airy with plenty to see, including the vast collection of clocks. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about the history of Belmont and genuinely seemed to enjoy relating various stories. Would recommend. Well worth a visit.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 August 2024
- Ken R4 contributionsFascinating visitThis was guided tour and the tour guide was excellent. Very knowledgable but put over in very easy style. The interior is just as the occupants left and give a really good insight. The collection of clocks is amazing. The whole morning went so quickly.Well worth a visit.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
185 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
40
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
2
David M
Eastbourne, UK806 contributions
Oct 2020
My wife and I drove to this attraction and were the only people visiting on a windy and damp Saturday 3rd October. I nearly got stuck in the 1st car park which was very muddy! We walked around grounds and gardens for just over an hour. We were hoping the tea room might open but at 12.00 there was no sign of life. I like some of the produce on display in the large greenhouse and we purchased a plant for £4, cucumber, onion and some great cox' apples (6 for a pound). There is a honesty box to put your money in. A great place for a family to visit.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry L
Ashford, UK108 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
We had a super time exploring the gardens. Very relaxing and with abundant photo-opportunities. The clever display of willow sculptures enhances the gardens and is jolly good fun. The garden staff were friendly, welcoming and informative. Well done Belmont
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim B
Kent, UK226 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We had been meaning to visit for a while but wanted to wait until the house had reopened. It was an incredibly peaceful experience with only a handful of people visiting at the same time as us. The gardens are absolutely immaculate not to mention extensive. The house didn't disappoint either even though we had to complete a self guided tour. Having said that, there were several staff members dotted around the house who were able to give us comprehensive information about the house and contents. We highly recommend Belmont and will definitely be returning!
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris T
5 contributions
Sept 2021
As a kid i grew up a few miles from Belmont but never actually got to visit it, but now I finally did and well worth it. There are some lovely grounds, magnificent trees and the Victorian greenhouse and kitchen garden is well worth a look - I've never seen such huge onions! I particularly liked the Komodo Dragon , double life size, carved out of a fallen cedar bough. The tea room is totally self service, ie a kettle, cups and teabags with an honesty box - there are cakes [coffee and walnut, carrot, Victoria sponge etc] very nice but nothing substantial for a proper lunch so take your own - plenty of picnic tables and benches dotted around.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HMN19
London, UK176 contributions
Aug 2021
A very enjoyable visit to a smaller historic house and gardens and ideal for a quiet stroll when the more famous commercialised places are so busy. The house itself was not open (it is not large and is a family home) when we went but we could wander around outside to appreciate the buildings and there was a display to explain its history. The gardens are varied and when we went the woodland walk with hydrangeas in full bloom in the dappled sunlight below the trees was especially lovely. The vegetable garden is still in use and we were able to buy produce at very reasonable prices. Like everything there, this was done with an honesty box which suited the gentle atmosphere; how wonderful to find this is still possible.
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plattypuss52
Sevenoaks858 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The house is far more interesting than I had imagined. I knew about the clock collection but didn’t appreciate how well the rest of the house was maintained and presented. The clocks are all so different and unusual. The room guides are excellent, informative and amusing. The gardens were well maintained and impressive. The cafe small but served a good variety of drinks and light lunches.
It’s a shame that it is not open that often and certain tours have to be booked for in advance. The paying system is confusing and badly signed as I’m sure the house do not want you to wander the grounds for free.
It’s a shame that it is not open that often and certain tours have to be booked for in advance. The paying system is confusing and badly signed as I’m sure the house do not want you to wander the grounds for free.
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben B
37 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Beautiful house and gardens…let down by two members of staff.
Filthy, disgusting water bowls (pictured) with mold left out dogs on a Sunday morning.
When my wife pointed this out, a man in the cafe told her, ‘you can wash it yourself.’
Also male guide for the 1pm house tour (1hr 20 mins plus), wouldn’t give his name before the tour began, saying: “I’ll tell you when the tour starts.”
Not good at all.
Filthy, disgusting water bowls (pictured) with mold left out dogs on a Sunday morning.
When my wife pointed this out, a man in the cafe told her, ‘you can wash it yourself.’
Also male guide for the 1pm house tour (1hr 20 mins plus), wouldn’t give his name before the tour began, saying: “I’ll tell you when the tour starts.”
Not good at all.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam G
5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We came here on a cycle tour just for coffee and cake. Both exceeded our expectations in a STUNNING setting. Amazing freshly bake fruit tarts and Victoria sponge accompanied tasty cafetière coffee. Absolutely dreamy. I think they only just started this service in April this year, long may it continue.
My friend travelling with us is a professional Kitchen Gardener and commented how beautiful the gardens are too.
Only note is that they should add “tea room” to the sign by the entrance as we couldn’t find out for sure it existed until we cycled down the drive!
My friend travelling with us is a professional Kitchen Gardener and commented how beautiful the gardens are too.
Only note is that they should add “tea room” to the sign by the entrance as we couldn’t find out for sure it existed until we cycled down the drive!
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ancient-trekkers
Gillingham, UK106 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We spent an extremely pleasant 3 hours wandering around the formal gardens, grounds and exploring the lovely very well appointed house. Plenty of easy free on-site car parking. Charming tea room with various snacks/cakes etc.
We found the house itself very light and airy with plenty to see, including the vast collection of clocks. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about the history of Belmont and genuinely seemed to enjoy relating various stories.
Would recommend. Well worth a visit.
We found the house itself very light and airy with plenty to see, including the vast collection of clocks. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about the history of Belmont and genuinely seemed to enjoy relating various stories.
Would recommend. Well worth a visit.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cudowna8758
Maidstone, UK16 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Have lived in Kent for over 40 years and never knew about this little gem. Saw it on the Antiques Road Show. The grounds are wonderful. Lots of places to walk around. Beautiful views of the house and grounds. The shop/cafe has lovely coffee and home made cakes. Unfortunately I think the venue relies heavily on volunteers so the house was not able to be open until after 1pm. Will have to go back for that experience. On a warm day it would be perfect for a picnic and very very good value for money.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are open times today please.
What is the entrance fee to go in the house and is there just self service cafe or cafe in the house as well.
Written 28 May 2018
Opens 10am daily. There is a self service cafe in the stable block..nothing in the house
Written 21 August 2018
The house is available to view by guided tour only and this costs £10.00pp or £8.00pp as a concession, including entry to the gardens.The Gardens only admission price is £5.00pp,
Admission prices and opening times are all available to view on our website
Written 3 April 2018
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