It may be in the smallest county but Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland offers big rewards for visitors, who can pick up ideas and inspiration as they wander through the 38 individual gardens.
And throughout the seasons, whatever the weather, there’s always plenty to admire. The main attraction is the 8 acres of gardens, established 40 years ago by TV presenter and gardener Geoff Hamilton and thought to be the largest collection of individual gardens in Europe. They are now owned and run by his son Nick, who has developed and extended the site to offer ideas and inspiration at every turn.
Inspirational and achievable
Each garden is sized to be realistic, but large enough to showcase a number of design and planting ideas. With mature trees and shrubs amongst younger plants and seasonal growth, visitors get a true idea of how their garden might grow and can take home ideas for landscaping, planting and design.
The whole site is a showcase for organic and peat -free gardening and demonstrates what can be achieved without chemicals. Visitors can always find gardeners working, ready to answer questions and solve horticultural problems – and those with less interest in the practicalities of gardening can enjoy the colours, sculptures, flora and fauna.
Shopping and refreshments
Visitors can buy plants from the Chelsea Gold Medal winning nursery and browse the Gift Shop for a range of gardening, wildlife and country-related goodies. The licensed Helenium Tearoom has been recently refurbished and serves freshly prepared seasonal food, cakes and drinks. There is indoor seating for 120 plus the beautiful outdoor Tea Garden during warmer weather.
Open 363 days a year, Barnsdale Gardens is a fantastic destination throughout the year and offers ample open space and fresh air, making social distancing easy.
Offers for coach tours
Free refreshments voucher for drivers
Discounted entrance tickets for groups of 20+
Meet and Greet is offered to all coaches
Ample coach parking on site for pre-booked coaches
Guided tours by the head gardener or Nick Hamilton are an optional extra
The recommended stay is 3 hours
Opening times
Mar-Oct 9am-5pm
Nov – Feb 10am – 4pm
Last entry is 1 hour before closing
Closed Dec 24th and 25th
Easy accessibility
Most areas of the Gardens are easily accessible by wheelchair/mobility scooters and there is accessible parking and toilets, seating around the gardens plus free bookable wheelchairs and a mobility scooter.
Nearby attractions
Barnsdale Gardens is a few minutes from Rutland Water which offers walking, cycling, bird watching and boat trips on the Rutland Belle. The local market town of Oakham has plenty of independent shops, eateries and the old Castle, while the Georgian town of Stamford and Burghley House are just 9 miles away.
Book your visit
Find out more at www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
Email groups@barnsdalegardens.co.uk for a booking form or more information
Call Charlotte on 01572 813200 for more details or to book
Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH
