The gardens at Kearsney Abbey are a delight, laid out as informal parkland around two ornamental lakes through which the River Dour flows. Demolished many years ago, only the west wing of the Abbey still remains and is used as a cafe for the many visitors to the park.

This is a very popular spot with both locals and tourists alike, especially in the summer months. The lawns are a perfect spot for picnics whilst the lower lake is ideal for model boating. There is a play area for the children making this an ideal venue for family outings.

Contrary to popular belief Kearnsey Abbey was never inhabited by monks, it was privately owned for many years, but it is steeped in history.

The last private owners were the Collier family. In 1937 the estate was listed as comprising of an area of over 27 acres, the Abbey itself containing a laundry area, dairy, orangery, stables and garage, 10 cottages, farm buildings and parkland. At that time the accommodation within the Abbey consisted of a hall, dining, drawing, breakfast and billiards rooms, a library, study, boudoir, 15 bed and dressing rooms and 4 bathrooms.

During the Second world war the Abbey was commandeered by the War Department and used as an operations establishment and H.Q. After the war Dover Borough Council bought the Abbey and 25 acres of land for the sum of £10,000.

In 1959 the advanced stages of dry rot were discovered in the house and it was demolished, except for the billiards room which now serves as the cafe.