Welcome to Belmont

The focus of Belmont is the elegant 18th century house (designed by Samuel Wyatt) commanding stunning views over the surrounding Estate and the rolling Kentish North Downs. Steeped in history, this unique house contains mementos of the family's history and travels. The grounds of the estate amount to more than 3,000 acres which contain the house, gardens, cricket pitch, orchards, and surrounding farmland and woodland.

Within the house itself lies three exciting collections: the armoury, collected by five generations of the Harris family (Lords of the estate for 200 years); the Cazabon collection, the finest collection of Cazabon paintings in Britain; and the Clock Museum, an extraordinary horological collection created by the 5th Lord Harris.

The house was built in 1769 by Edward Wilks, store-keeper at the nearby Faversham Powder Mill. Extensive views and its elevated position gave Belmont its name.

“Belmont house is one of Kent’s

“hidden gems”

and is a must!”

Explore

The House

Belmont is of interest for three main reasons. Architecturally, it is an unspoilt example of Samuel Wyatt's work. One of the most progressive architects of the late 18th Century, the house is a fine testimony to his understated neo-classical style. Historically, the house is important for its well-preserved records of a family who played a leading role in the development of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Successive Lords Harris served as soldiers and colonial governors. The house still contains many mementos of their careers. Lastly, Belmont is distinguished for the collection of clocks created by the 5th Lord Harris. It is reputedly the finest collection in England.

The Gardens

The present layout of the grounds dates from the 1790s, though the planting has been altered over the past two centuries. The gardens consist of a walled garden, pinetum, wooded areas, formal lawns and a large kitchen garden. You can find out more about the history and design of the gardens on our regular Meet the Head Gardener tours.

“A great house and gardens to

visit anytime

of the year”

The Tea Room

Located in the Courtyard beneath the Clock Tower, the Tea Room is open all year round on a self-service basis.

During the season, homemade cakes are served on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends from 1.00pm.

Latest News

You’ll find the latest news and events happening at Belmont House here.

Gold for Belmont Gardens

We are delighted to share the very exciting news that Belmont House and Gardens has won a Gold Award for the South & South East in Bloom ‘Heritage Garden’ of the year as well as…

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Woodfest & Country Fair 2021 Success

It was great to see the return of our annual Woodfest & Country Fair event and what a weekend it was. Visitors enjoyed a variety of traditional woodland demonstrations including horse logging, pole-lathe turning, hurdle…

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Guided House Tours

We are excited to announce that guided house tours are back on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2.15pm & 3.15pm. Join one of our expert guides and experience the fascinating history of Belmont House. Belmont…

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Keeping Our Visitors Safe

Behind the scenes, our staff will continue to keep Belmont a safe place for all our visitors. From 19 July, when England moves to step 4 of the roadmap, please continue to act carefully and…

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Visit Us

Plan Your Visit

There’s always lots going on at Belmont throughout the year, from spring fairs to open air theatre productions and seasonal events. The Gardens are open throughout the year from 10am until dusk.

The House is open from April until the end of September. Self-guided tours are available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Guided house tours are available on Saturday, Sunday and BH Monday.

We look forward to welcoming you to Belmont!