Goodnestone provides a lovely base from which to explore the many attractions East Kent has to offer. There are a number of options for accommodation in and around the village, from the small and cosy, to the grand and luxurious.
The undoubted highlight of any visit to Goodnestone is the charming Park Gardens.
A stroll around the village is worthwhile as there are a number of interesting buildings. Head down Boyes Lane (at the far end of The Street from the Park Gardens). Part way down, go through a gap in the hedge on the left to visit the old cherry orchard, which is smothered in blossom in late April or early May.
For the more energetic, there are details of a varied 4 1/2 mile walk around the parish on the Explore Kent website.
A shorter alternative at just over two miles in length is the ‘Serpentine Walk‘, opened by kind permission of the estate. This takes in some lovely and varied scenery and includes views of the house and across the parkland. Abundant spring flowers include daffodils, bluebells, campions and anemones. In the autumn, a wide variety of interesting mushrooms and other fungi are visible along parts of the path. To find the Serpentine walk, start outside the pub and walk down the road away from the church. Just beyond the cottages, turn right onto the concreted track and head gently downhill. Go through the gate at the bottom to reach the field, bear right and follow the path towards the gate at the corner of the woodland. Beside the gate is an information board with a map marking the start of the Serpentine walk. Parts of the walk can be a little muddy after wet weather so boots are advised. Note that it is a footpath so horses, mountain bikes etc. are not permitted.
Chillenden windmill is usually open on Sunday afternoons in the summer from 2:30pm – 4:30pm from the end of May until the end of August. There is no charge to visit although donations are welcome. A local guide will be on hand to show you around the mill and explain the fascinating history of the building.
There is free parking at Goodnestone Park Gardens or along The Street. Please be considerate when parking, as it can get a little tight in places.
Goodnestone was selected as one of the ten most romantic places to visit in Kent according to Kent Life in February 2012 due to its connections with Jane Austen who often visited here.