The Gardens

The gardens are a wonderful place to unwind. Visitors can explore topiary squares sitting amongst classic herbaceous borders, an unusual ornamental vegetable garden, rose parterres and a mini arboretum. Relax in cleverly positioned vistas, where you can take in the spectacular views across the lake, or simply spend the day playing rounders on the lawns, which are ready-made for summer picnics.

Visit the Gardens

The Grimsthorpe formal gardens can be accessed with a Park and Gardens ticket, or, if you would like to visit more than once, consider buying a Season Ticket. This is an idea option for dog walkers, families and couples alike.

 

The Gardens are open to the public from 30th April – 30th September 2026 | Sunday – Thursday | 10am – 5pm | last entry 4:30

Dogs are allowed in the formal gardens, however we ask that they are kept on a lead and do not enter the kitchen garden. Thank you.

Gardens Gallery

History of the Formal Gardens

We are certain that there’s been a garden at Grimsthorpe since the early 1500s and maybe even before that.

 

The photograph to the right shows how the lawns were cut before the introduction of small petrol engines. The horse would have worn leather slippers to ensure that no hoof marks were made on the newly mown grass.

 

There are no records left of the Tudor gardens, but a housekeeper’s book from the 1560s does mention payments made to part time female gardeners, called in to weed the ‘inner courts’. Early indications of how the gardens looked comes from a painting of c1700.

18c painting