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Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden

Not to be confused with the Secret Garden nearby, this unique historic Grade II listed Regency private town garden is in a spectacular seaside setting. Enduring strong salty winds and thin chalk soil. The garden balances naturalistic planting and a more ordered look, relaxed not manicured. With several distinctive areas, this wonderful 5 acre garden combines open lawns, meadows, winding paths, trees, herbaceous borders, and a shaded woodland garden.

Owner Info

  • Jason Saul, Head Gardener
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden

About Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden

The garden celebrated its Bicentennial in 2023. It was designed by Henry Phillips in 1820s, the garden was a central feature of the Kemp Town Estate. Queen Victoria, Louis Philippe, exiled King of the French, and Edward VII all walked in these gardens. Lewis Carroll visited many times and the garden tunnel is said to have inspired the rabbit hole in ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Garden tours allow you to learn about these and many other prominent people who have walked in the winding paths and enjoyed the spectacular views over wide lawns to the sea, as well as to the surrounding Regency Crescent and Square.

Additional Opening Information:
Arrive by public transport. Bus route numbers 1, 1a, 7, 12, 12a, 14,, 14c, 27. Very limited car parking on meters.

Meet at West Double Gate – BN2 1FH. Garden closes at 5pm. Well behaved children welcome. No concessions.

Tours will be available on the day, there are no times for tours. Please arrive at the entrance (BN2 1FH), show your pre-booked ticket or purchase a ticket at the gate where you will be informed about the tours. The tours are about the history of the garden, the planning and planting in this wind swept seaside garden.
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Designed by Henry Phillips, the garden was a central feature of the Regency development of the Kemp Town Estate. Queen Victoria and Edward VII walked in these gardens.

Website:

https://www.kte.org.uk

Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden features

  • Cashless
  • Groups Welcome
  • Historical Garden
  • Roses
  • Town Garden
  • Wheelchair access
  • Wildlife Garden

Location details

Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden,
Brighton,
Sussex,
BN2 1FH

Directions to Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
2m from Brighton Stn. Bus No. 7, stop St Mary's Hall. M23/A23 to Brighton Palace Pier; L on A259. 5m S A27 on B2123, R on A259.

Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Pre-booked tickets preferred. Cash ideally on the day. Tours available. No refreshments, good coffee shops nearby.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 12:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Ramped gate entry. Gravel winding paths give access to most of the garden. Relatively steep slopes on main lawn and in the garden tunnel.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.