Visit to Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham

Tuesday 26th June 2012

Price: £13.00 per person for the House (1hr 15/30min) and Gardens (at own pace). Cream tea is included, following the tour of the house.

The focus of Belmont is the elegant 18th century house (designed by Samuel Wyatt) commanding stunning views over the surrounding Estate and the rolling Kentish North Downs. Steeped in history, this unique house contains mementos of the family's history and travels. The house was built in 1769 by Edward Wilks, store-keeper at the nearby Faversham Powder Mill. Extensive views and its elevated position gave Belmont its name.

The present layout of the grounds dates from the 1790s, though the planting has been altered over the past two centuries. The gardens consist of a walled garden, pinetum, wooded areas, formal lawns and a large kitchen garden.

The maximum number that can be accommodated on this visit is 30, so we will have to take members and guests on a first come basis, and establish a waiting list, in the case of members and/or guests dropping out.

Address: - Belmont, Belmont Park, Throwley, nr. Faversham, Kent, ME13 0HH. Belmont is tucked away down some very narrow country lanes, but the way is well signed from the A251.

Directions: - From Faversham / M2, exit junction 6. Turn onto the A251 heading South in the direction of Ashford. Pass successively through the villages of North Street (2 miles) and Sheldwich (3 miles), before reaching Badlesmere (4 miles), turn right and follow the brown tourist signs for Belmont; a further 1.5 miles.

Assemble in car park at 12.50 pm for a tour starting at 1pm.

Lunch is available at Belmont, but must be pre-booked by ringing Sandy the cook on 01795 890 202 at least one week prior to our visit.

To reserve a place please contact Tony Bendrey on 364321 or by email on bendrey@btinternet.com