Celebrate Summer at Hole Park with a Season of Events
Rolvenden in Kent
Hole Park, near Rolvenden in Kent, is inviting visitors to celebrate the height of summer with a varied programme of events, from the return of the historic Beating Retreat ceremony to a showcase of the estate's wildflower meadows and a series of guided tours offering unique behind‑the‑scenes experiences.
At the heart of the programme is Meadows Week (Monday 29th June to Thursday 2nd July): a four-day celebration of nature, wildlife and creativity as the estate's meadows reach their seasonal peak. The UK's meadows form the foundation of a complex and vital food web, supporting pollinators, wildlife and wellbeing, and visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in their beauty and biodiversity during this special week.
Set within Hole Park's renowned gardens, Meadows Week takes place in the run-up to National Meadows Day on 4th July and showcases these informal areas of the garden which are alive with colour, pollinators and the gentle rhythm of early summer.
Visitors can enjoy a curated programme of events designed to inspire and engage all ages, including a Butterfly Walk (guided by James Duncan of the Sussex Wildlife Trust), a Bumblebee Safari (with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust), a Dragonfly Walk and a creative Wildflower Ceramic Tealight Workshop with local ceramic artist Joanna Terry.
Daily informal meadow management sessions (2–3pm), led by Hole Park's experienced gardening team, offer practical insights into the techniques used to sustain wildflower habitats, from planting schemes to long-term care, and tips on developing your own wildflower space.
Each Meadows Week experience includes entry to the gardens for the remainder of the day, allowing guests to explore, relax and enjoy the estate at leisure.
Edward Barham, the fourth-generation owner of Hole Park, said:
"Summer is a particularly special time at Hole Park, when the gardens and wider estate come alive together. Meadows Week celebrates that seasonal richness – from the biodiversity in our meadows to the opportunity for visitors to learn more about how we care for these landscapes. Alongside this, events like Beating Retreat and our guided tours give a chance to experience different aspects of the estate, from its history and heritage to its ongoing role as a working rural landscape."
One of the season's highlights will be the return of Beating Retreat on Friday 26th June: a historic military ceremony and musical spectacle set against the backdrop of the gardens and its Queen Anne mansion.
Held in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Kent Branch, and in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the Lady Colgrain, this centuries‑old tradition features performances from the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Cranbrook Town Band. The evening begins with a reception, followed by the formal ceremony on the main lawn and concluding with the Last Post and the lowering of the flag at sunset — a moving finale steeped in military heritage.
Beating Retreat has a special resonance at Hole Park, reflecting the Barham family's long-standing military connections, with past and present generations having served in the armed forces.
Alongside these larger events, visitors can also enjoy a series of more intimate guided experiences with owner Edward Barham.
An Estate Tour on Saturday 20th June offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes perspective on the wider Hole Park Estate. The tour gives a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the estate, including its forestry work, Christmas tree plantations and English cricket bat willow cultivation. This private off‑road experience provides a unique insight into day‑to‑day running and concludes with lunch in the Coach House Tearoom, included in the ticket price.
A History Talk & Tour on Thursday 16th July invites guests to step back in time and discover the rich heritage of Hole Park. Through rare artefacts, portraits and personal stories, Edward Barham shares the evolving story of the estate from the mid-thirteenth century through to the Barham family's ownership since 1911. This includes anecdotes about the family's 1926 Rolls Royce which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and a century on the road serving one family.
With events that combine nature, heritage and hands‑on experience, the summer programme at Hole Park offers something for everyone — from wildlife enthusiasts and gardeners to families and those simply seeking a memorable day out in the beautiful surroundings of an award-winning garden.
About Hole Park
Nestled in 200 acres of classic English parkland, Hole Park is a hidden gem of the High Weald National Landscape. It has been owned by the Barham family for the past four generations, having been purchased as a family home by Edward Barham's great grandfather, Colonel Arthur Barham, in 1911. In the mid-1920s the Colonel made the bold decision to share the beauty of his recently created gardens, by opening them to the public: a tradition that is maintained to the present day. Over the decades, each succeeding generation has improved and innovated the layout and planting in the gardens. Current custodians, Edward and Clare Barham, moved into Hole Park with their three children and dogs in 2003. Since then, they have undertaken a comprehensive re-planting programme of the garden which reflects and enhances the Colonel's original plans from the 1920s. Edward and Clare both take an active role in managing the gardens. This includes public opening days, so they are often found selling tickets in front of the house, serving in the Tea Room or walking their dogs around the gardens.
Hole Park was a runner-up in the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award in 2025 and was also voted 2025 Best Public Garden by the readers of Kent Life Magazine.
