Top ten gardens to visit in Northamptonshire
If you don’t have tickets to Chelsea Flower Show this year, don’t despair. Northamptonshire has a diverse range of some of the most beautiful gardens in England. So, whether you’re a garden enthusiast or simply want a destination day out in the country, the following gardens in Northamptonshire are all well worth a visit:
Coton Manor Gardens
Coton Manor Gardens in the picturesque village of Guilsborough has 10 acres of unforgettable gardens which include wildflower meadows and woodland areas, plus a romantic walled garden, which promises colourful displays every month of the year. Homemade cakes are a must at the tea room, and there’s also a plant nursery if you’re inspired to take a piece of the garden home.
Open: March to October, Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 5:30 pm, and on weekends and bank holidays from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Canons Ashby
Canons Ashby, a National Trust property near Daventry, has a beautiful Jacobean garden with flower beds, intricate topiary, and peaceful arbours all combining to create an enchanted garden that will take you back in time. The formal garden is dotted with sculptures and surrounded by ancient walls, offering a peaceful retreat from everyday life.
The property was once owned by the Dryden family and is famously associated with the poet and playwright John Dryden.
Open: March to October, Wednesday to Sunday, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Althorp House
Althorp House was built in 1508, by the Spencers, for the Spencers, and is where Princess Diana grew up. Spanning over 500 acres of parkland in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside, highlights include the lakeside views, rose-bordered paths, and the Island Arboretum, bursting with a variety of trees and shrubs. Following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, she was interred on a small island in the middle of the ornamental Round Oval lake. A Doric-style temple with Diana’s name inscribed on top, situated across from the lake, is a tourist attraction when the house and estate are open to the public.
Open: May to September, Tuesday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens
Kelmarsh Hall is a Palladian mansion with meticulously restored gardens showcasing a perfect balance between formal design and natural landscapes, Highlights include herbaceous borders, woodland walks, and the sunken garden, complete with lily pond. Over the years Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens have been home to famous figures including Nancy Lancaster, an influential interior decorator.
Opening times vary, so check the official website when planning a visit.
Lamport Hall and Gardens
Lamport Hall and Gardens, near Kettering, is a Grade I listed country house surrounded by formal gardens with elegant terraces, impressive herbaceous borders, and an arboretum housing a collection of rare and exotic trees. Lamport Hall and Gardens have associations with famous architects John Webb and Robert Adam.
Open: April to September, Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm.
Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens
The perfectly manicured gardens surrounding this Queen Anne-style house will impress garden enthusiasts and amateur gardeners alike. Make sure you leave enough time to take in the formal gardens, water features, walled garden and rose garden. Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens are closely connected to the Brudenell family, famous for the 7th Earl of Cardigan of Charge of the Light Brigade fame.
Open: April to September, Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 5:30 pm.
Castle Ashby Gardens
Castle Ashby Gardens, surrounding Castle Ashby House, offer a mix of formal gardens and natural landscapes. The Italian Gardens feature grand fountains and elegant terraces, and the peaceful Butterfly Gardens offer a sanctuary for a variety of butterfly species.
Open: April to October, Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Holdenby House Gardens
Holdenby House Gardens, near Northampton, are made up of formal elements, such as the Renaissance Garden, and natural areas, including the woodland walks. There are also endless herbaceous borders and a sunken garden.
Opening times: Vary, so do check the official website when planning a visit.
Fawsley Hall Gardens
Fawsley Hall Gardens, situated near Daventry, are a hidden gem for nature lovers. This medieval manor house offers visitors the chance to explore its beautiful gardens, including the Italian Garden with its ornate sculptures, the quaint Rose Garden, and the serene Lakeside Walk, the perfect spot for views of the surrounding countryside.
Open daily from dawn until dusk.
Sulgrave Manor Gardens
Sulgrave Manor near Banbury is the ancestral home of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and the gardens here reflect the Tudor period. There is a famous knot garden showcasing intricate designs, a traditional apple and pear tree orchard, and fragrant lavender and herb borders.
Open: April to September, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm.
