Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks Reviews 47

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.5

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

We attended the Children's NYE party event. The staff we interacted with were all professional and friendly, the young man on the gate explained the layout and where things were which was hel... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

can’t say enough good things about Simon and the entire team at Reuthe’s. Since DadSpace started in 2021, they have been one of our biggest supporters, generously allowing us to host numerous events... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I was booked as a stall holder for Paws in the Garden, they held recently. Unfortunately I was very poorly the night before and for a whole week after. I emailed to explain I wouldn’t be able to... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We just come home from a really lovely day at Reuthe's Lost Gardens in Sevenoaks. They've got a Halloween theme going on. I'm not usually a lover of Halloween but this was amazing. You walk throug... See more

Company replied

Company details

  1. Botanical garden

Written by the company

A magical 11-acre woodland,garden and nursery that hosts some of the country's specialist rhododendron collections. Since opening our gates in 2018, we’ve been proud to work with a great group of local talented individuals to put on engaging events for our visitors. Our events programme includes Alpaca Treks, Farmers and Craft Markets, Christmas Woodland Santa Experience and Market, Jazz Nights, Dining Experiences, Wellness and Spa Days, Open Mic events, Mini Festivals, Fitness classes, Children’s Survival Camps, Children’s Birthday Parties ( Adult birthday parties as well for that matter!), forest bathing, craft classes and seasonal school holiday clubs. We also have a trails for Easter and Christmas which is are perfect for little ones.


Contact info

3.5

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

47 reviews

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Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Promised much but under delivered …

We attended the Children's NYE party event.
The staff we interacted with were all professional and friendly, the young man on the gate explained the layout and where things were which was helpful as we hadn't been before.
The advert stated lots of activities and games for the children, however all we saw was one large connect 4 game and a free standing basketball hoop and ball. There were no other activities to keep the children entertained for the 3 hr event, apart from the DJ playing music in a open sided marquee and two wooly sheep in a pen.
It was an exceptionally cold day, which obviously isn't there fault, however more could have been done to compensate for this.
The marquee next to the cafe had two large free standing out door heaters in it, which would have been great. Only one of them didn't work, it wouldn't come on at all, so we and several other families were huddled under one heater trying to eat our food.
The food served at the cafe was very nice, albeit a bit expensive and we queued for 40 mins just to order it. Appreciate that the cafe cooking area is small so they can't have to many staff in there cooking, but maybe part cook the food in advance or have some sort of online order system for larger events?
The DJ marquee wasn't a closed in marquee, there were no sides to it, so ultimately provided no relief from the biting cold. There were tables in the middle with some overhead heaters attached to the top, however again they were not all working. In one row, none of them were coming on, and in the second row only one out of the 3/4 came on when we pushed the button. So there were lots of people trying to huddle under this one heater.
The DJ and music was great, played lots of kid friendly music and when the kids were dancing they were warm, but as soon as they had enough of dancing they got really cold and bored.
The Alpacas were not being brought out till 4.30pm, and by this point both my children, who had layers of clothing on, hats, gloves, boots etc.. were frozen and just wanted to go home.
If the outdoor heating had all been fully functional in the marquees and there had been more activities and games for the children, as advertised, we may have made it to the end of the event. As it was we left early feeling disappointed that the event didn't live up to the expectations we had based on the advertising we had seen.

31 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

bonfire event

bonfire event. badly run, staff completely lacked customer service skills. was all a shambles. very good marketing, just a shame the actual event was not good at all.

1 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Would give 0 stars if I could

Would give 0 stars if I could. You belittle the disabled. You treat them like a dog. You don't hold yourselves accountable for your actions. Have gone to the press. You vile people. Any self respecting business/manager with an ounce of empathy would contact to resolve. But no, you block us instead. Shows guilt doesn't it? I will see you soon .....

7 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

We are sorry that you were unable to access our historic 11 acre woodland paths on your mobility scooter. We are an outdoor hilly venue .
As we clearly stated where you purchased your tickets :
Please note access to our dog show, gardens and market is via a slope. Our gardens can be steep and rooty in places so unfortunately not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful experience

After visiting this place for an Alpaca experience. I was not at all impressed by what I saw. It appears this person “Simon” employs very young weekend staff who are unable to control these poor Alpaca which also appear not to like to be dragged around what appears to be overgrown bushes. There really wasn’t anything appealing about this experience. The place was a mess and the cafe area was not somewhere I would like to eat or drink. We paid £1.50 each person to feed the Alpaca, this was an insult due to the fact it was a few oats, soggy brown lettuce and mouldy strawberries I was gobsmacked by what they feed these poor animals. They’ve small kittens running about the area which is not safe considering cars drive close to where the kittens are running about.
These Alpaca are kept in a really dirty den, the smell is terrible and these poor animals should not be allowed to be kept in these awful conditions. I wouldn’t call this place a garden centre, the plants look half dead. We will definitely not be returning it’s just a shame these poor animals have to live in these terrible conditions. Shame on you!!!

The owner of this establishment knows I did infact book this alpaca experience however, his reply just shows what a child he is! He has tried a few times to get my review taken down 😂 sorry to disappoint you “Simon” but I have given enough evidence for the review to remain.

Let’s just hope that people take note of my review and avoid your dirty little place at all costs. Grow up you silly little man

Oh and my children aren’t old enough to work for you!!!!! Unless you employ 8 year olds?????

2 February 2025
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

This is a fake review by the mother of a member of staff who worked for us for a couple of days before being let go as they weren't suitable for the role. This person did not visit reuthes or take part in and alpaca experience, or indeed ever visit us in any capacity. This review has been flagged to trustpilot but apparently making malicious accusations of animal cruelty is not against their rules. We strongly encourage Charlotte Williams to immediately contact the RSPCA & Police and make a formal report of the the "neglect " of our animals and give them her evidence. We welcome any inspection by any relevant authority at any time. We would point out that by making a false report , that she would be committing an offence...so we know she won't make a report, which is a shame , but that's how internet review sites work these days, anyone can say anything they like with no consequences....

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant venue for a networking event

Brilliant venue for a networking event; delicious afternoon tea with the addition of meeting the resident alpacas! All attendees thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and we will definately be using them again!

10 October 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thanks for the lovely review, we are glad you enjoyed your visit

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Perfect Afternoon Tea

I booked an Afternoon Tea for five of us and it was perfect! We had a gorgeous time, the food was lovely and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I’d definitely book again. Afterwards we had a walk around the gardens which are beautiful.

29 September 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thank you for the lovely review. We are delighted you enjoyed it and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Whilst walking the Alpacas was…expensive

Whilst walking the Alpacas was enjoyable, I did not think it was great value for money at £50. There was no feeding them, grooming or anything - it was just walking around a short loop with the Alpacas stopping to eat vegetation.

21 August 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

We are sorry you felt that the Alpaca experience wasnt value for money ( it's the first time we have had that feedback after hundreds of private treks). In order to put on a private trek we have to bring in a special member of staff for at least three hours. Minimum wage in the UK is over £11 an hour , so once wages have been taken out , we are left with £17 to cover food and welfare and equipment for the Alpaca , let alone other facilities such as a toilets , car park maintenance etc. Our prices are similar to other venues offering the same types of experiences. Not may places where up to 6 people can have a private experience for £50

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our second family event at here and yet…

Our second family event at here and yet again has not disappointed. Staff very friendly. Children had a great time. Thankyou and we look forward to our next visit!

17 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thanks for the lovely review

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

can’t say enough good things about…

can’t say enough good things about Simon and the entire team at Reuthe’s. Since DadSpace started in 2021, they have been one of our biggest supporters, generously allowing us to host numerous events and helping us raise valuable donations. I truly can’t thank them enough.

The venue itself is in such a beautiful setting, and I highly recommend anyone to visit.”

17 August 2024
Unprompted review
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thanks for the lovely review - it's always a pleasure for us to support local charities who do so much for our community

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely place

Lovely gardens
Children loved walking with scratch and nuzzle
Great food
Would recommend

1 August 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thank you for taking the time to review us Vanessa, we are really pleased you enjoyed your visit

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

What a disappointment

Passed it for years on way to work and eventually went today. How disappointed was we. Dirty, smelled of bad grease, tables chairs, if you could call them that. Thick dirt and dust, never seen anything like it, the ground around the seating area needed a good sweep and clean, my feet thick dirt from having sandles on. Lady behind counter, not welcoming, after serving coffee to us left the counter and joined a guy who worked there and sat on the benches chatting, what is wrong withem tidying the area up and cleaning, which badly needed doing, the outback in Australia is far better. I am surprised it has a licence to serve food. The toilets consist of a small tin shed, even worst. No hygiene there, really dirty. I would never use their facilities, as really not good. Not recommended at all. There was no greeting their customers or a goodbye, 2 lazy employees. Put a broom and cleaning cloth in their hand

31 July 2024
Unprompted review
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Hi Linda, sorry you didn't enjoy your visit . As an outdoor woodland venue it's quite hard for us to sweep up all the dust. As to hygiene, our cafe is regularly inspected by the local council and receive the maximum 5 star hygiene rating every time we are inspected.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Staff were welcoming and helpful

Staff were welcoming and helpful. Nice afternoon tea for 8 of us with plenty of food. Too wet to visit the garden so fed the alpacas instead. Covered seating area with heater and lots of outdoor seating. Would recommend.

10 June 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thank you for the review Luisa , we are really pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit and afternoon tea. We look forward to welcoming you back, and hopefully with better weather, so you can enjoy the gardens to their fullest.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

I was booked as a stall holder for Paws in the Garden, they held recently.

Unfortunately I was very poorly the night before and for a whole week after. I emailed to explain I wouldn’t be able to make it due to sickness and asked for a refund of my stall due to the cost of the stall being a lot of money for my small business.

I was told they don’t offer refunds, the day after the event. I understand not offering refunds of people don’t turn up, but unfortunately being poorly is something completely out of my control & I gave them as much notice as I could (as soon as my health declined the evening before)

27 May 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Hi Lucy, unfortunately we are a small business ourselves and incur the same costs irrespective of whether people show up. Because you were booked for the stall slot, we couldn't offer that pitch to another stall holder at such short notice. We would recommend taking out insurance for your business so that should you need to cancel at the last minute you can seek reimbursement through that.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful venue, very natural

The venue was absolutely lovely, very chilled.
We would definitely visit again.

27 May 2024
Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks logo

Reply from Reuthes -The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

Thank you for taking the time to review us, we are delighted you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back again soon

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