Belmont House and Gardens (Kent)

“The focus of Belmont is the elegant 18th century house…commanding stunning views over the surrounding Estate and the rolling Kentish North Downs…one of the most prestigious historic houses in Kent and a great option for those looking for things to do in Faversham.” At the time of writing this (February 2025) a pop-up notice on the Belmont website says “Whilst we’re excited to welcome you back, please note that some areas remain inaccessible as we continue assessments and safety inspections, ahead of the slow task of rebuilding.” How much of that advisory applied to the Kent Hounds who were allowed to meet at Belmont House in February 2025 we may never know (the meet certainly wasn’t listed on the Events page), but West Kent Hunt Sabs found them there after receiving “tip offs thick and fast” adding that “You may remember this is the meet last year where Matthew Vater threw in the towel after just 1 hour hunting and left the hunt with the hounds leaving the field standing around bemused?” It was pretty much the same again and the headline of the sabs’ HIT Report “A MISERABLE DAY FOR THE KENT HOUNDS AT BELMONT” begs the question why the House risks reputational damage for such a notorious bunch when they are clearly on their way out…