If you’re looking for a dog friendly day out, convenient for Surrey and Kent, I’ve got a little treasure to share with you.

Nestled within the Kent countryside, Emmetts Garden is a wonderfully peaceful place to enjoy a gentle countryside walk with your dog, discover beautiful views and wander amongst an ever changing environment filled with seasonal blooms. Whether you’re heading there for a fresh springtime ramble, a sunshine shot of fresh air, or a calming autumn/winter wander, Emmetts is the kind of hidden gem that keeps you returning.

Described as an Edwardian hillside garden with year-round features, you’ll find Emmetts Garden at Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA.

A lovely walk for big people, little people and dogs

Emmetts Garden is perfect if you’re searching for a dog friendly walk in Kent countryside. You’ll find peaceful paths, sweeping views and fresh air, which make it perfect for a half-day adventure or a relaxed afternoon out.

Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the garden and walkways. The routes aren’t too steep, but as a bonus as it’s really high up you’ll have some brilliant opportunities to view stunning landscapes where you can pause, take in the views and breathe in that countryside peace.

If you want to make your walk a little longer there are woods to walk through and the bluebells are said to be stunning in the springtime.

One of the nice things about visiting here is how friendly and welcoming the staff are – they’re so lovely and always happy to say hello – to us and the dogs.

Views and scenery

One of Emmetts Garden’s biggest draws is the landscape. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy far-reaching views across the Kent countryside, perfect for photos, picnic stops or simply letting dogs explore the scent-rich grass and hedgerows (on a lead of course.) They preserve beautiful wild flower meadows but have kindly mown the grass between them so you can enjoy walking through these patchwork carpets in nature. I can’t wait to see this when it’s in full bloom!

Spring is especially beautiful here – daffodils, tulips and early blossoms bring a soft, bright welcome to the year, and there’s a fresh green sparkle to the garden that makes every path feel newly discovered. Don’t you just love it when signs of spring start to appear – new growth and new life, after the sometimes dull January landscape it just makes everything feel fresh and alive again!!

Snow beautiful

Talking of January, I must tell you this as it is such a magical memory – we visited last January and it was like Emmetts had its own little microclimate. At home we didn’t really have any snow, but as soon as we were meandering through the Kent countryside and the tree-lined country lanes, it was as if we had been magically transported to a winter wonderland.

By the time we arrived, the garden was covered in snow, quite deep in places, softening the landscape and making everything feel calm and almost enchanted. Picture a Christmas cake smothered in white icing with fir trees, a little house and a little Father Christmas figure – that’s how my lovely Mum used to decorate our childhood Christmas cakes and I used to think they were so wonderful! The paths crunched gently underfoot, the trees stood bare and beautiful, and the views across the valley felt even more dramatic against the pale winter sky. Ellie was in her absolute element!

It was one of those unexpectedly special dog walks – quiet, peaceful and completely different to the everyday. Even with the cold air, it felt invigorating rather than harsh, and our dogs loved sniffing along the frosty paths and digging in the snow. It’s moments like these that really stay with you and remind you how magical a winter visit to Emmetts Garden can be.

If you’re lucky enough to catch it after snowfall, Emmetts offers a completely different experience – proof that this is a place worth visiting in every season, not just spring and summer.

I don’t know about you but I think there’s something so magical about going out in freshly fallen snow. Everything is brighter and lighter, and it feels like there’s a stillness and peacefulness that you don’t often experience. It’s almost as if the snow is acting like some kind of insulation against all the usual sounds so it muffles it all and brings about a sense of serenity.

Is Emmetts Garden dog friendly?

Emmetts Garden is a three pawprint rated National Trust attraction. Three pawprints shows the very best places you can visit for a day with your dog(s). You’ll be able to take your dog(s) to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. You can expect clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences.

Dogs on short leads are welcome in garden and in the back seating area of the Old Stables Tea Room.

(Taken from the National Trust website.)

Personally I think that’s brilliant news – as a dog owner it’s nice to know I can sit inside to enjoy a drink or lunch and not be banished outside in the cold during the winter!!

What you need to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to plan your dog friendly visit to Emmetts Garden:

• Emmetts Garden is just over the border between Surrey and Kent, the closest towns are Westerham and Sevenoaks. Pop TN14 6BA into your satnav.
• Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the garden.
• Most areas are accessible via paths, although you can choose to go ‘off path’ if you wish to.
• Views – there are some stunning views across the countryside – perfect for photos, or just admiring.
• Seating and rest spots are dotted around.
• In the summer don’t miss the stunning rose garden with its ornate fountain.
• You’ll find a small gift shop, which stocks gifts, as well as a few essentials – such as gloves and dog treats!!
• There is a Tea Room, although this is closed for renovations at the time of writing, please do check the National Trust website to ensure this is open on the day of your visit.
• There are toilets onsite for customers.
• There is a play area for the kids and during school holidays child-friendly events are held.

Would I recommend Emmetts Garden?

Yes I absolutely would! Emmetts Garden is a lovely dog friendly garden and walk near Surrey and Kent, blending scenic landscape, welcoming atmosphere and a relaxed pace that works for families, couples and dog walkers alike. Whether you’re exploring seasonal blooms in spring, admiring views in summer or enjoying the quieter months of autumn, it’s a place that feels like a breath of fresh country air.

If you’re in the area why not take a look and see what I wrote about Chartwell – a dog friendly day out