Things to see and do in the garden at Wallington

The story of the Walled Garden 

Take a peaceful stroll through the East Wood and you’ll reach the unassuming Neptune Gate, which leads into the spectacular Walled Garden beyond.

The Walled Garden was the original kitchen garden for the estate and was converted to an ornamental garden last century. The gardeners are always beavering away, adding new plants or redesigning borders, but the overall feeling in the garden is of settled permanence - you can have a few moments of peace and calm and truly get away from our tumultuous everyday world.

It’s about 1/2 a mile away from the Car Park & House through the East Wood but it can feel like you are miles away from everywhere.  The 4.5 acres are planted with ornamental trees and shrubs, with themed borders throughout. ‘Walled Garden’ conjures an image of a square flat space with neat rows of plants - but behind the quaint oak doors Wallington is no typical Walled Garden - it’s a bewitching space where it’s hard to see where the walled garden ends, nothing is straight, the edges can’t be seen and the lambs in the field beyond are higher than you in the garden - looking as if they can jump right in! There is no right route through the gardens - you just need to take time explore and enjoy

Walled Garden must-sees

The Mary Pool, a stone water feature with seating either side, is the first sight to greet you. Rest for a moment to listen to the sound of the trickling water and take in the views of the garden before heading to the lower terrace border. Recently rejuvenated, its climbers embrace the old wall and a range of plants draw a variety of wildlife such as butterflies and bees.  

Follow the twists and turns of the paths further into the garden and you’ll arrive at the secluded Nuttery, with its collection of ornamental trees.

The newly opened Garden of Imagination is a place to sit and reflect, with a beautifully designed planting scheme and giant storytelling chair.

At the bottom of the garden is the lower lawn and pond, perfect for picnics and quiet moments. It's easy to imagine the historical family taking tea here; a picture perfect period drama location if ever there was one.

The Edwardian Conservatory 

Originally created as a covered winter garden, this exceptionally beautiful and popular part of the garden is currently closed. Following recent structural surveys, we're working on what the future of this building will be. Keep an eye out for updates and thank you for your patience. 

Nature in the Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In 2022, a number of rehabilitated hedgehogs were released into the garden having recovered from illness and injury and we're pleased to say that the garden team frequently find evidence of them around and about.

Many species of birds, butterflies and bees can be found here too. Take a seat on one of the many benches dotted around this space and see how many different creatures you can spot. Do let us know what you see.

You might even spot Olive, the Wallington puss cat and number one rodent catcher, as she wanders around her 'patch'.