Brogdale Farm

Brogdale is less a garden than a living library of fruit. The farm holds the National Fruit Collection, one of the largest collections of fruit trees and plants in the world, spread over about 150 acres of orchards just south of Faversham. If you grow fruit, or want to, there are few better places in Britain to see how many varieties exist and how differently they grow.

The orchards are the main attraction. Walking among them, you can compare tree shapes, blossom and fruit across many varieties of the same crop, which is a great way to decide what to plant at home. Look at how each tree is trained and spaced, and note the varieties that catch your eye so you can look for them later. Expert talks during the farm's fruit festivals help explain what you are seeing.

Brogdale runs fruit-themed events through summer and autumn, traditionally including a cherry festival, a cider festival and an apple festival, when visitors can explore the orchards and hear from specialists. Check the official listings for this year's dates. The Faversham miniature railway has also been based here since 2001, which adds appeal for families. Orchards can be muddy, so wear suitable shoes, and bring a notebook to jot down the names of varieties you like. That list will be useful the next time you buy a fruit tree from a nursery or garden centre.