Secret Gardens of England
Belvoir Castle Rose Garden
Belvoir Castle located in the county of Rutland; the castle is home to a lovely 19th century rose garden known as the Duchess Garden. In the Victorian days, it was known as the Spring Gardens due to the natural springs in the hills surrounding the castle. The roses seen today were planted by Emma, the current Duchess of Rutland.
On the day we visited, there was hardly a soul around. It left us to imagine we lived in the castle and were roaming the garden as if it were our own. We happened to visit when the roses were at their best. The scent was intoxicating as we wandered the footpaths that led us around the garden. Had we more time, we’d spent time exploring the expansive grounds.
The original garden plans drawn up by Harold Peto have only recently been rediscovered in the Castle archives. These reveal that the Rose Garden is shaped like a boat, with the Chinese horse at the bow, and the circular seat at the stern – classic hallmarks of Peto.
The roses you’ll see in the garden today were planted by Emma, the current Duchess of Rutland. And if you look over the low yew hedge, you’ll see two box parterres with the initials ‘D’ and ‘E’ in the middle, for ‘David’ (the 11th and current Duke) and ‘Emma’.
SITE INFORMATION
Castle Open – 11am – 4pm, Last Entry 3pm. Book your ticket before arrival to guarantee entry into the grounds.
Grantham, Leicestershire, England, NG32 1PD
Entrance fee Adult Castle and Gardens £15.00, Gardens only £8.00
Rousham Garden
Tucked away on the edge of The Cotswolds sits the elegant yet understated Rousham House & Gardens. Rousham is one of the purest example of an Augustan landscape garden, designed by William Kent in the 1720s. As you make your way along narrow single track lanes winding through sleepy villages, it’s easy to miss the turn into this unassuming estate. Slowly driving up the tree-lined road, rare long-horn cattle graze in the nearby pasture.
First, you’re not sure if you’re permitted to enter through the stately archway where chickens free range like they own the place. There’s no one to see you to the car park or usher you to a ticket counter.
Ready to explore you set off in search of a path or signs to point you in a direction. The impressive house stands at attention; it has a presence of its own. Watchful. Passive. It can’t be bothered.
So far, nothing holds your attention beyond the occupying statues. As you round the backside of the house, the path stops. A tunnel through the hedge appears. Of course you’re drawn to this space. At first, you are captivated by the twisted limb in the hedge.
And then.. a towering brick ivy-covered wall and an ornate faded iron gate comes into view. Is it unlocked? Pushing open the gate you’ve transformed into Mary Lennox discovering her Secret Garden. Pushing past the gate, summer’s bounty reveals herself in splendid glory. Welcoming you into her fold.
“Rousham is restful, spacious, time-worn and beautifully paced. Whatever season you visit, the garden always reveals something afresh. It is a magical landscape, an exercise in restraint and classical narrative, where anything seems possible. It has been hugely influential.”
- Dan Pearson, garden and landscape designer
SITE INFORMATION
Rousham Gardens is open to visitors every day of the year from 10am with the last entrance at 4:30pm. The cost is £8 per person via a ticket machine by the car park. Children under 15 are not allowed, but picnicking is. There is no gift shop or tea room. There are public toilets available.
Rousham House is only open by prior arrangement. The cost is £15 per person, with a mimimum fee of £150. Please contact Charles Cottrell-Dormer to book a tour.
Children under 15 will not be admitted unless by prior arrangement. No dogs are allowed in the gardens.
Rousham House and Garden
Bicester, Oxfordshire OX25 4QU
Tel 01869 347110
Easton Walled Garden
I only learned of this garden recently. To my surprise, it wasn’t far from me. At the time of my first visit, lockdown restrictions were just being eased after months of being confined to our homes. I welcomed a road trip and to explore a new place. The history behind this garden is worth learning about.
July is the best month to view the sweet peas, of which they have a wide variety growing. I also loved their kitchen garden as well as their cut flower garden.
The second time I visited, it was wet, misty and moody. The flowers were heavy with water which made for wonderful photographs. Though they’re now closed for the season, I look forward to my return in the spring.
“a dream of Nirvana...almost too good to be true.”
- President Franklin D Roosevelt
SITE INFORMATION
Easton Walled Gardens
Easton
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG33 5AP
01476 530063
THE GARDENS ARE NOW CLOSED AND WILL REOPEN FOR SNOWDROPS ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2021.
The Courtyard Shop at Easton will be opening Wednesday to Sunday from 14th October to 20th December, 10am - 4pm for Christmas shopping & gardening gifts.
