Barnsdale Gardens offers 8 acres, 38 unique gardens, a nursery, shopping and licensed tearoom…
Set to the north of Rutland Water, it’s been called a ’theme park for gardeners’ but is a wonderful place for non-gardeners too. The main attraction is the 38 different gardens, established 40 years ago by TV presenter 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 gardens to cover 8 acres and offer ideas and inspiration at every turn.
The intention has always been to inspire visitors with realistic ideas that they can apply to their own gardens, so they are sized to reflect the average garden and 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.
The paths and lawns allow visitors to wander from the Japanese Garden to the Mediterranean Garden via the Allotments and Woodland Walk, taking inspiration from the huge variety of planting and design ideas while enjoying the plants, sculptures, flora and fauna.
As well as the gardens there is a Chelsea Gold Medal winning nursery for plant purchases and a Gift Shop offering a range of gardening, wildlife and country related goodies. The licensed tearooms serve freshly prepared seasonal food and hot and cold drinks and afternoon teas can be ordered in advance. There is indoor seating for 120 plus the outdoor Tea Garden during warmer weather.
Open 363 days a year, Barnsdale Gardens is a fantastic destination whatever the season and offers ample open space and fresh air, making social distancing easy.
Opening times
Mar-Oct 9am-5pm
Nov – Feb 10am – 4pm
Last entry is 1 hour before closing
Offers for coach tours
Meet and Greet is offered to all coaches
Visitors are given a map and a guide to the highlights
Ample coach parking on site for pre-booked coaches
Guided tours by the head gardener or Nick Hamilton are an optional extra
Free refreshments voucher for drivers
Discounted entrance tickets for groups of 20+
The recommended stay is 3 hours
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.
Contact details
Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH
Tel: 01572 813200
Email: groups@barnsdalegardens.co.uk
