Kearsney Abbey Gardens
Temple Ewell, East Kent
Image: Kearsney ParksKearsney Abbey is one of three historic parks in the Alkham Valley near Dover, alongside Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff, with lakes, the River Dour and a landmark Cedar of Lebanon. Stroll the grounds, explore the restored Russell Gardens, let children loose in the two play areas and stop at the Kearsney Cafe in the renovated Billiards Room. It suits families, dog walkers and anyone wanting an easy, free outing.
Highlights
- Lakes and the River Dour
- Russell Gardens with its bridges, lime avenue and grand border
- Two children's play areas
- Kearsney Cafe and the Billiards Room
- Radio-controlled model boat sailing on the lake
Good to know
- Dogs are welcome but must be on leads in some areas
- Barbecues are not allowed in the parks
- Drones and fishing are not permitted
Getting there
Kearsney Abbey Gardens, Alkham Road, Temple Ewell, Dover, Kent, CT16 3EBParking: Main car park on Alkham Road (CT16 3EB) and Blue Badge parking by the cafe (CT16 3DZ). Kearsney station is a 5-minute walk.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against kearsneyparks.co.uk, kearsneyparks.co.uk, kearsneyparks.co.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Dover Transport MuseumDover Transport Museum
Dover Transport Museum is a volunteer-run charity museum near Whitfield with two large halls of vintage vehicles and recreated street scenes of old Dover. Alongside cars, buses and motorcycles there are shop fronts, ferry memorabilia and a large model railway that visitors can operate. It makes an easy family outing of an hour or two.
Roman Painted House
The Roman Painted House is a Roman building from around AD 200, discovered in Dover in 1970 and part of the town's Roman military site. It is known for its painted wall plaster and underfloor heating, and is often described as the finest Roman house on show in Britain. It is free, takes under an hour and suits anyone curious about Roman Britain.
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
Dover Museum in Market Square tells the story of Britain's historic port town through local history and archaeology. Its star exhibit is a prehistoric boat around 3,500 years old, found in Dover in 1992 and shown in its own gallery. It suits families and history fans, takes an hour or two and is free.