Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent
A family-run hillside garden south of Sevenoaks, planted from the 1840s with newly introduced Himalayan rhododendrons, now restored with a contemporary walled garden and wide views over the Weald of Kent.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Riverhill Himalayan Gardens?
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is a family-run hillside garden on the southern edge of Sevenoaks, with sweeping views across the Weald of Kent. It has been home to the Rogers family since 1840, and the name has nothing to do with water: it comes from rither, a Saxon word for hill. The garden was planted by a Victorian botanist who chose the site for its sheltered slope and lime-free soil, ideal for the rhododendrons and azaleas then arriving from the East.
A walk round takes in several restored areas. The Walled Garden is the showpiece, redesigned from 2011 by Mark Watts and Diana May with terraces inspired by Himalayan cultivation terraces, a water feature, traditional vegetables and a Himalayan hut roofed with cedar shingles from trees lost in the 1987 storm. The Rose Walk, restored in 2010, runs along an old fruit wall with a fig tree and lavender, and there is also a Rock Garden, a Wood Garden and terraces. Look out for cedars planted in the 1840s and a Turkey oak grown from an acorn collected in Russia during the Crimean War. The Chestnut Woods are a favourite with children.
Gardeners on acid soil will find plenty of rhododendron and azalea ideas, and the Walled Garden shows how a traditional space can be given a bold modern design. Riverhill is dog friendly, family friendly, has the Malabar Coffee House and shed shops, and is a cashless site, so bring a card. Paths are on a slope, and some areas have limited access for wheelchair users.
What to see
- Explore the Walled Garden, redesigned by Mark Watts and Diana May with Himalayan-style terraces.
- See the Himalayan hut, roofed with cedar shingles from trees felled by the 1987 storm.
- Walk the restored Rose Walk with its fig tree, lavender and views over the Weald.
- Find the 1840s cedars and the Turkey oak grown from a Crimean War acorn.
- Wander through the Rock Garden, Wood Garden and Chestnut Woods.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens through the year
- spring
- Rhododendrons and azaleas, the plants that drew John Rogers to the site, give the main spring display.
- summer
- The Walled Garden and Rose Walk are in full flower, and the terraces are at their most productive.
- autumn
- Autumn colour spreads through the woods, and the season usually ends with a pumpkin festival.
- winter
- The gardens, café and shop close from early November until March, so check the official site for reopening dates.
The story behind the garden
The oldest part of Riverhill House was built in the early 18th century on the site of a Tudor farmstead. In 1840 John Rogers, a botanist, founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society and friend of Charles Darwin, bought the estate for its views, sheltered hillside and lime-free soil, and from 1842 he planted newly introduced trees and shrubs, especially rhododendrons and azaleas.
Later generations kept adding to the garden, but by the late 20th century lack of money and family tragedy had left large areas overgrown. Mrs Evelyn Rogers opened the gardens to the public in the late 1970s so that restoration could begin. In 2009 the family featured on Channel 4's Country House Rescue, and since then they have restored the Rose Walk, rebuilt walls and commissioned a new Walled Garden design. Three generations of the family still live on the estate and run the gardens.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Rhododendron fans, families with children and dogs, and gardeners interested in how a historic garden can be restored with a modern twist.
- Getting there
- Riverhill is on the southern edge of Sevenoaks in Kent, just south of Knole Park and near the villages of Sevenoaks Weald and Underriver.
- Before you go
- The garden is cashless and parts of the Walled Garden sometimes close for weddings or events. Check the official site's daily calendar for current opening times and tickets.
Questions about visiting Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Can you take dogs to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens?
Yes. Riverhill welcomes dogs and has visitor information for dog owners on its website. Check the official site for any rules on leads before you visit.
Why is it called Riverhill if there is no river?
There is no river at Riverhill. The name comes from rither, a Saxon term for hill, which suits the garden's hillside position above the Weald of Kent.
When is Riverhill Himalayan Gardens open?
Riverhill opens seasonally, usually from March to the start of November, and closes over the winter. Opening days vary through the week, so check the official site's calendar before you travel.
Is Riverhill good for children?
Yes. Riverhill runs family activities for all ages, and the Chestnut Woods and trails are popular with children. Tickets include free access to family activities run by Riverhill, subject to availability.
Who created Riverhill Himalayan Gardens?
The garden was started in 1842 by John Rogers, a botanist and founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society, who bought Riverhill in 1840. The Rogers family still own and run it.
Garden features
Location
Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent
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