Hawkinge Gazette columnist, Dana Wiffen  gives the trains a miss this week and discovers Mount Ephraim,  a hidden gem in the Kent Countryside.

I thought you might like to visit this hidden gem in the Kent Countryside at Hernhill  between Faversham and Canterbury.

I spotted the sign on the way to the East Kent Railway near Dover and when my wife wanted to visit some gardens, I suddenly thought let's go there.

The Edwardian Gardens offer 10 acres of walks complete with a bridge, fountains, a lake, plus topiary, rock gardens, roses and an arboretum.

What is obvious apart from the relaxed atmosphere is the charm and tranquillity.

Pretty gardens near the lake  Photo Dana Wiffen

It's not buzzing like some National Trust places, these are superb gardens and they offer visitors that something special together with peace and quiet.

The 800 acre Estate owned by The Dawes family for over 300 years, opens its gardens to visitors for 6 months of the year (April-September).

The superb Tea Rooms offer quality food. We had  a cream tea, and they alone could be our reason for returning again before the gardens close on 30th September before re-opening in April 2012.

My thoughts are another visit late September for some autumn colours.

The lovely stone bridge  Photo: Dana Wiffen

The gardens were laid out in the early 1900s, but after wartime neglect were substantially restored by Mary and Bill Dawes from the early 1950s.

Mary Dawes was involved in the day-to-day running of the gardens until she died in 2009, at 93.

Mount Ephraim has never been a 'professionally' maintained garden, but Mary had always lovingly tended it.

Although comparatively small, Mount Ephraim has a personal charm so often lost in larger gardens.

Today, the gardens continue to be cared for by two full time gardeners and some occasional part time and volunteer help under the instruction of Lesley Dawes, who has taken over the overall management of the gardens from her mother-in-law.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©