Things to see and do in the garden at Wallington

Autumn at Wallington

Autumn is a wonderful season and such a great time to visit Wallington. A rich tapestry of colours can be enjoyed on a walk, with particular mention needed of the eye-catching Acers in the East woods. A great number of other trees throughout the East and West Woods are also giving a wonderful display of autumn colour, beech and birch are amongst the most vibrant.

Autumn in the Walled Garden

The fabulous smell of the Katsura tree in the Walled Garden is a real Autumn highlight – the distinctive scent, reminiscent of toffee applies is enough to make your mouth water! As the leaves are hit by the colder weather, they give off the most amazing, sweet smells. As well as in the East woods, Acers can also be found in the Walled Garden, their vibrant colours a must-see at this time of year.

The Walled Garden is also home to many autumn flowers, which as the temperatures start to cool are having a last blast - Dahlias on the Hot Border will stay looking wonderful right up to the first frost. Asters, Anemone, Helenium, Nerine and Salvias are all still looking fantastic too.

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.