Historic Gardens

Historic Gardens

From sweeping vistas to organic vegetables, English Heritage cares for a number of historic gardens and landscapes around the country.

Find beautiful gardens to visit and learn more about the history of gardens through the ages, including those created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown - the 18th century pioneer who radically changed the world of landscape gardening.

View our Top 10 Gardens

Witley Court in autumn with brown leaves framing the house

Autumn Garden Highlights

As the weather cools, our gardens transition into a vibrant autumnal colour palate of yellow, orange and brown. Keep cosy and enjoy wandering through our historic gardens where you'll discover the stories behind our leafy woodlands, decorative flower beds and seasonal kitchen produce. Here's our pick of the most impressive gardens of the season. 

Find a garden

Gardens to Visit

From rolling parkland and stunning vistas to elegant parterres and working kitchen gardens, we look after some of the most magnificent gardens in the country.

If you're looking for inspiration, we've picked out some of our favourites here.

Inspire me

  • Wrest Park

    Enjoy over 90 acres of beautiful gardens, including landscapes remodelled by Capability Brown.

  • Audley End

    Wander the tranquil gardens created by Capability Brown, and enjoy stunning views across the Essex countryside.

  • Eltham Palace

    Explore a rare example of a 1930s Arts and Crafts garden during a visit to this stunning Art Deco home.

  • Down House

    Visit the site of great scientific discovery at Down House, the home of Charles Darwin.

  • Osborne House

    Enjoy the glorious terraces and stunning bedding made possible by the mild climate at Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight home.

  • Walmer Castle

    Look out for spring blooms on Walmer’s woodland walk, and vist the tearoom to sample produce from the organic kitchen garden.

  • Witley Court and Gardens

    Discover elaborate parterre gardens and monumental fountains then find your way through enchanting woodland to the unique adventure play area.

  • Carisbrooke Castle

    Enjoy the charming period planting, water features and orchard, from the ground level and from the battlement walk.

  • Kenilworth Castle

    Walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I in Kenilworth Castle’s restored 16th-century garden.

  • Brodsworth Hall

    Explore this 15 acre garden connected by tunnels, bridges and pathways, including a fern dell built in the 1860s.

  • Mount Grace

    Perfect for a relaxing and peaceful day out. Discover the reconstructed monk’s cell and herb plot.

  • Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

    Explore the medieval castle, the Grecian inspired Hall and acres of impressive gardens.

RE-DISCOVERING WALMER'S PLEASURE GROUNDS

In a £2.3m project at Walmer Castle, English Heritage is taking action to revive and reunite gardens begun by William Pitt the Younger, assisted by his niece, Lady Hester Stanhope.

Read on to find out how we are going to recover these lost features, re-unite them into the pleasure grounds, and re-present them for future generations to enjoy.

Find out more

HISTORIC GARDEN BLOGS

How to Make Soup

Watch as Mrs Crocombe, the Victorian cook, shows you how to make a light soup the Victorian way using rhubarb from the kitchen garden at Audley End House. You can discover more of her recipes by visiting our YouTube Channel.

Visit our channel

More to explore

  • Shop Gardens

    From an elegant new piece of furniture to decorative birdhouses, or even a practical caddie to hold all of your gardening tools. We've got just the thing to help you make the most of any outdoor space.

  • Days out with Dogs

    Enjoy a great day out with your dog at an English Heritage property. There are plenty of dog-friendly sites across the whole of England for your furry friends to enjoy.

  • Become a Member

    Start a year of adventure. An English Heritage membership offers an unlimited annual pass to over 400 historic sites across the country.

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