Kearsney Abbey
This beautiful park with children's play area and ornamental lake is situated on the Alkham Valley Road leading out of Dover towards Folkestone and is a very popular venue for family outings and picnics.
Contrary to popular belief Kearsney 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 area of over 27 acres, the Abbey itself, laundry, 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 a café.
The café serves hot and cold snacks throughout the year and is open daily form April to October, and at weekends in the autumn/winter months.
Please see downloadable menu and price list below.
For full details of opening times please call Dover Leisure Centre on 01304 201145
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