The Pines Garden

This six-acre garden has many fine features including a specially-created grass labyrinth, a food growing Hugelkultur system, secret wildlife walkways, a bronze statue of Winston Churchill and a 17th century Facade rescued from a London building. There are extensive paths for buggy and wheelchair access and lots of seating to enjoy the picturesque views of the garden and the White Cliffs beyond.

The Pines Garden has been run organically since Spring 2002. This means far more than just avoiding herbicides and pesticides. It involves working in harmony with nature’s systems to restore biodiversity, composting and recycling waste materials, and using non-destructive methods of maintenance and pest control. The garden is signposted with information on the sustainable gardening practices used to help visitors learn how to make their own gardens more environmentally friendly.

Entrance to the garden is by donation, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.

The Pines Calyx

At the centre of the Pines Garden sits the award-winning conference, training and events centre, The Pines Calyx. The building is an exemplar of low carbon design, blending centuries-old construction methods with 21st century technologies. The Pines Calyx is also available for private hire.

Pines Tea Room

By the entrance to the garden, the welcoming and comfortable Pines Tea Room serves hot and cold drinks, freshly made sandwiches, lunches and delicious homemade cakes. The Tea Room is dog-friendly and offers gluten-free and plant-based options.

The Tea Room is also home to St Margaret’s Museum. The museum is full of interesting exhibits, local history displays, and a literary corner. Work on new exhibition space is expected to start in 2023/24..

The Pines Garden and Tea Room is open all year round, Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm.