Things to see in the gardens at Nostell

Orange marigolds in the long border at Nostell with the historic Riding School in the distance — Bright pops of colour hold on into late autumn in the garden | © Tatiana Hepplewhite

Pause for a while and enjoy the sound of birdsong and the seasonal blooms in the gardens at Nostell. Take a stroll by the lake, explore the woodland play area or see what's growing in the kitchen garden.

Experience nature's epic seasonal display of gold, amber and crimson across the woodlands and gardens this autumn.

Visit the kitchen garden as we harvest more than 100 different herbs, vegetables and fruits including apples and pumpkins. Some of the autumn bounty is destined for the cafe and some will be put out on the stand in the courtyard for you to take home for a small donation.

See the last flurry of summer alongside the beginnings of autumn with the crisp, fallen leaves in the ancient woodland. As well as the stunning tree colour, there are treasures to be found on the ground as conkers, acorns and beechnuts ripen and fall.

Autumn is prime time to spot woodland fungi – as natural recyclers they benefit the trees and the soil. As you venture through the woodland, watch out for yellow brain fungus, scarlet elf cups, bracket fungus and chicken of the woods.

Vegetable bed in Nostell’s kitchen garden with tall curly kale and Brussels sprouts — Keep an eye out for fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden at the courtyard stall | © Tatiana Hepplewhite

Rose garden and orangery

Beside the cool white walls of the orangery, you'll find plenty of places to pause and enjoy this tranquil space. Look out for the spectacular climbing 'Iceberg' rose which spans the entire length of the 100-metre red-brick wall leading along to the orchard and Rhubarb Row.

You'll also find the rose garden fountain, a witness to tales from generations past and a vessel for coins cast in search of wishes, now catching the light on bright sunny days.

Kitchen garden and orchard

Nostell’s working kitchen garden is lovingly tended to by the garden team who look after more than 100 crops in the peaceful walled garden.

The growing espalier of rare heritage pear trees bordering the orchard's wildflower paths and peaceful benches are inspired by the original Georgian grand plans by garden designer and author of The Practical Fruit Gardener, Stephen Switzer.

It realises part of Switzer's 1731 blueprint never previously liberated from the drawing board, in part due to a change in fashion towards a more natural landscaping approach. The team now use carefully sourced rare plants nurtured in the national Plant Conservation Centre.

View across the lake at Nostell on a bright autumn day, with golden and brown fallen leaves covering the path — Autumn paints Nostell in spectacular colour | © Tatiana Hepplewhite

Woodland play area

Turn left as you enter the gardens and head on past the kitchen garden to discover the woodland play area which is great for a wide range of ages. Little ones will enjoy the slide, swings and spinning cups. The wobble bridges, and zip-wire and Queen swing are loved by children of all ages.

Menagerie garden

Step through the gothic archway into the historic menagerie garden, enclosed by stone walls and shaded by woodland. Created in 1743, it still supports plants and wildlife cared for by generations of residents.

The garden also recalls its past as home to exotic animals kept in the nearby menagerie house, designed by Robert Adam. Though the animals are long gone, their presence remains part of the site’s story.

Pleasure Gardens

Sweet chestnut and oak trees line the circular pathway of the Pleasure Grounds, once walked by Victorians and Georgians. From here, you can also glimpse the Lower Lake in the distance.

Along the route you’ll find our Silent Space. Take a seat on the bench overlooking the water to watch the birds, wildlife, and trees. It’s a peaceful spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy being close to nature.