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Parks #14 in Dover

The Pines Garden & Tea Room

4.7 · 481 reviews
Serene, educational, and environmentally focused.
The Pines Garden & Tea Room, Beach Rd, St Margarets Bay, Dover CT15 6DZ, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The garden contains a statue of Sir Winston Churchill, who lived in the adjacent house for several years.

2

The onsite tea room prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and environmentally friendly food practices.

3

The property includes a museum that documents the local history of St Margaret's Bay and the surrounding maritime landscape.

4

The garden was originally established in the early 20th century and has been transitioned to entirely chemical-free, organic maintenance.

5

The site hosts a series of interconnected ponds that are part of a closed-loop system designed to support local wildlife.

Overview

The Pines Garden is a six-acre, sustainably managed organic garden situated on the cliffside in St Margaret's Bay. It features a diverse collection of native and exotic plants, a large lake, and an award-winning tea room. The grounds are managed by the Bay Trust, a charity dedicated to sustainability and environmental education. The garden is noted for its dramatic views of the English Channel and the nearby White Cliffs of Dover. Visitors can explore a series of interconnected ponds, a medicinal herb garden, and woodland trails. The site promotes biodiversity and functions as a model for environmentally conscious land management.

Photo spot

The viewpoint overlooking the lake with the English Channel and the white cliffs in the background.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the terrain includes slopes and woodland paths.

Check the Bay Trust website for event listings, as the garden occasionally hosts workshops on sustainable living.

Plan to visit the small on-site museum before exploring the grounds to gain context on the historical significance of the bay.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk down to the beach via the cliffs; use the designated public access points nearby.

Good to know

The garden and tea room are typically closed during the winter months; check for mid-week closures outside of the peak summer season.

Etiquette

Casual, respectful of the organic nature of the gardens; refrain from picking plants.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to see the meadow flowers in bloom and enjoy the coastal weather.
Address
The Pines Garden & Tea Room, Beach Rd, St Margarets Bay, Dover CT15 6DZ, United Kingdom
51.149, 1.383
Get directions
Details
Garden FeaturesOrganic meadow, medicinal herb garden, and ornamental lake
AmenitiesSustainable tea room and local history museum

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to see the meadow flowers in bloom and enjoy the coastal weather..

The viewpoint overlooking the lake with the English Channel and the white cliffs in the background.

Close by you'll find South Foreland Heritage Coast, National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse, Dover Castle.