Things to see and do in the garden at Wallington

Ground-level shot of a sculpture of snowdrops made of willow at Wallington, Northumberland; there's a blanket of snowdrops on the ground while the sculpture blends into the trees — Willow snowdrop sculpture by Eddie Glew at Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust Images / Alex Prain

The garden at Wallington offers year-round colour with something to see and enjoy in every season. Take a stroll through the woods, taking in the East drive woodland garden, spot the tree sculptures and fairy doors in the East woods and then make your way to the secluded Walled Garden where you can pause to hear the trickling water from the Mary Pool and sit back and enjoy the blooms and wildlife in this tranquil space.

Discover Wallington's snowdrops

One of the best things about this time of year is venturing outdoors on a crisp day to explore frosty landscapes and discover waking wildlife. And if you time it right, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful displays of snowdrops (and other spring bulbs too) in the garden and woodland at Wallington.

As the first bulbs to bloom each year, these delicate white flowers transform the woodland floors and add colour to any walk.

So, if you’re looking for fresh air and a brisk walk, take the opportunity to pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and stretch your legs with a snowdrop spotting stroll at Wallington.

As you walk round the courtyard look out for drifts of the common snowdrop as well as a few special varieties such as the 'Sandersii’, which have sulphur yellow markings instead of green. Then seek out the 'Flore Pleno’ snowdrops, which have double the amount of petals of their counterparts, before crossing the road to soak up the atmosphere of the tranquil East Wood.

Marking the end of an era - 1 million snowdrops

Back in February 2016, visitors were invited to help the Wallington team plant 100,000 snowdrops and hundreds of people rallied round to help with the mammoth task - all 100,000 bulbs were planted in just nine days over the half-term holiday.

This February activity became a much-loved tradition and this year, in its tenth and final year, the last 100,000 of these beautiful flowers will be planted, which takes the total up to an astonishing 1 million!

We need your help. Come along during February half-term (22 Feb to 2 March) dress for mess, bring your gloves and enjoy helping us reach the fantastic 1 million milestone. There are also other snowdrop related events and celebrations taking place. Find out more

Child planting snowdrops during snowdrop planting event at Wallington — Child planting snowdrops at Wallington | © James Beck

Winter at Wallington

Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and stretch your legs with a winter stroll at Wallington. Venture outdoors for some fresh air and look out for wildlife across the varied landscapes.

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.

Four seasons of the Walled Garden at Wallington

Enjoy a magical visit to the Walled Garden all year round.

Frozen China pond at Wallington, Northumberland | © Tom Carr

A wonderful winter woodland and garden

Crisp and fresh with winter interest in the woodland and Walled Garden.

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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'.

A corner view of Wallington showing the south front and side of the house

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Plan your visit

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