The garden at Greys Court

Archbishop's maze with central armillary sphere sundial at Greys Court, | © Hugh Mothersole

There’s something to see around every corner in the garden at Greys Court. Explore the interconnected spaces surrounded by the warm colours of ruined walls and buildings that date back centuries. With things to discover throughout the year, take time to enjoy everything this tranquil oasis has to offer.

Walk among bluebells at Greys Court this spring

The bluebells at Greys Court start showing their heads from mid-April. They cover the estate in a beautiful carpet of blue - a wonder of nature not to be missed.

Head to the Spinney Woods along Sir Felix's Gentle path to get the best view of these blue beauties, or if you follow the estate walk around the boundary, you'll find a display of bluebells in the woods near the Cowshed tea-room.

Help protect the bluebells for the future

Bluebells are a beautiful part of our natural heritage. Their delicate flowers and vibrant leaves are so inviting to walk among, and it can be very tempting to snap a photo amongst the flowers. However, even the most careful foot can cause more damage than you may realise. Please stick to the paths and help protect the bluebells for everyone to enjoy.

Make a day of your spring visit to Greys Court

Spring flowers are in bloom all over the estate, and there’s more to discover than just the bluebells. In May, wildflowers are blooming in the meadow, and apple trees and clematis are beginning to bloom in the walled garden.

Purple wisteria arch and flower beds in April at Greys Court — The wisteria arch and flower beds in April at Greys Court | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Features in the garden

Moon Bridge

This was designed by Francis Pollen as a Chinese-style ‘moon bridge’, dedicated to the Brunners’ Chinese friend, the cookery writer Dr So Yan-Kit, who the family often referred to as their ‘adopted daughter’. The area below the bridge is planted with blue irises, created to give the impression of moving water.

The Maze

The Maze was inspired by the Archbishop of Canterbury's address is 1980, in which he spoke of a ‘mazelike muddle in which the world finds itself’, and his hope that Christian and non-Christians, working together, could solve it. The design, by Adrian Fisher, is packed with Christian symbolism, for example, the seven rings stand for the seven days of creation, the three outward turns for the three days that Christ spent in the tomb.

Octagonal fountain

The octagonal stone fountain was designed by Hugo Brunner’s brother-in-law, the architect Francis Pollen. A prayer for good harvest by the Latin poet Horace was carved in slate.