The garden at Stoneywell

With four acres of garden and 11 acres of woodland, Stoneywell's grounds were designed to produce colour all year round, so there's always something bright to discover as you explore. Find interesting garden features, seasonal highlights and wildlife to spot in the garden here.

Stoneywell is now closed for winter

Stoneywell is now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring 2025.

During the winter months, the woodland becomes a blank canvas as the bracken dies down and the leaves are strewn across the paths. Below the tree top canopy you can see the sessile and pedunculate oak, silver birch, beech, larch, sweet chestnut, rowan and sycamore trees.

Winter wildlife

Look out for a squirrel’s nest (known as a drey) or rook’s nest; these will be piles of sticks and leaves wedged into branches and you might see an occupant if you're lucky.

Muntjac deer, badgers or foxes make the woodlands their home; you're more likely to see their tracks or hear them from their hiding places safely amongst the trees. Keep an eye out for signs of the wildlife that passes through both the garden and woodland as the damp ground and bare trees make this the easiest time to identify our woodland friends.

The bird feeders at the backdoor of the cottage and behind the stables often have birds nibbling on the tasty snacks left out for them. They can find natural food aplenty at this time of year, with the berries from the rowan and holly, beech nuts, acorns and fungi.

Migrating birds

Winter migrants like the redwing and fieldfare are found in the garden during winter. Similar in appearance to the thrush, the fieldfare has a grey head whereas the redwing is easier to identify in flight when you can see their standout patch of red hidden beneath the wing. Usually flying in groups, both birds will remain here until early spring before they make the return trip home.

Bluetit perched on witch hazel in the trees at Stoneywell, Leicestershire — A bluetit perched on witch hazel at Stoneywell | © National Trust Images / Susan Guy

Winter colour

Colour can still be found this time of year, as long as you know where to look. The aptly named midwinter rhododendron is in flower and keep an eye out for berries and fungi peeping out from beneath the leaves, waiting for the wildlife to find them.

Spot a cobweb sparkling with dew on frosty mornings, and crunch through the piles of fallen leaves to remember the carefree days of childhood. If there’s has been a sprinkling of snow, the woodland is the perfect place to make your own tracks in the fresh white powder left behind.

Wrap up warm and take time to soak up sights, sounds and tranquillity as the garden and woodland take on a slower pace this winter, relaxing and recuperating for new growth to begin again in spring.

A view of Stoneywell from the garden, with a footpath in the foreground and the cottage framed by trees and hedges — A view of Stoneywell from the garden | © National Trust Images/Susan Guy

What else is there to see?

Stone fort

At the highest point of the garden sits a stone fort, built by Basil Gimson. It provides spectacular views of the city of Leicester and the surrounding countryside, including Bradgate Park with its tower and memorial. Have a peek into the stone fort on your next visit.

Tennis court

As you stroll around the garden, pause a while on the neatly kept tennis court, built in 1903–1905. Sydney Gimson was a keen tennis player and had the court built by blasting the rock, levelling it several times, then seeding and erecting the fencing.

Today the tennis court is a great place for a spot of boules, or a picnic on a sunny day.

Guided garden tours

Learn more about Stoneywell’s colourful garden on a guided tour with our passionate team of garden volunteers, who have a wealth of knowledge and passion for Stoneywell.

Enjoy a 45-minute stroll through the four acres, taking in the sights and scents of the plants and trees. To enquire about garden tours, please call before booking your visit.

A view of the north end of Stoneywell, an Arts and Crafts cottage, with a sloping lawn on the right and a bare tree in front of the house on the left

Book your visit

Please note you need to book tickets to Stoneywell. You can book for today up until 8am. Every Thursday time slots will be available for the next 14 days.

Check availability and book