Goodnestone is a quintessential rural estate village with history dating back hundreds of years. It is located in the heart of the Kent countryside between Canterbury and Sandwich about 2 miles south East of Wingham (Google Maps Link to a map of Goodnestone).
It includes many period properties with their unusual arched ‘Dering’ windows, the pretty and welcoming Fitzwalter Arms pub in the centre of the village and its characterful church, which also hosts regular concerts as detailed on the Goodnestone Music Website.
Historical connections include Jane Austen, who frequently visited the village and M.R. James, who was best known as an author of ghost stories, and lived in the vicarage.
Today it is best known for Goodnestone Park Gardens where a delightful 14 acre garden surrounds an early 18th century stately home. The gardens are open on most days throughout the year (check the website to confirm opening dates). Goodnestone Park also hosts outdoor theatre in the summer and a Christmas fair.