Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-paul-s-walden-bury-hitchin"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/st-pauls-walden-bury-sg4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Paul’s Walden Bury</a>, Hitchin</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/StPaulsWaldenBuryHouse1-1000x667.jpg" alt="St Paul’s Walden Bury in Hitchin" class="wp-image-90019" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/StPaulsWaldenBuryHouse1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/StPaulsWaldenBuryHouse1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/StPaulsWaldenBuryHouse1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>St Paul’s Walden Bury in Hitchin, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, boasts a stunning Grade I listed garden. With over 50 acres to explore, discover statues, temples, a lake and terraced theatre plus rhododendrons and magnolias galore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://gothagardens.square.site/gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gotha Gardens at Pembroke Farm</a>, Baldock</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/GothaGardens-1000x667.jpg" alt="Gotha Gardens" class="wp-image-94550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/GothaGardens-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/GothaGardens-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/GothaGardens.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This county house garden was initially designed as a woodland walk to attract wildlife. Now you&#8217;ll find formal areas including topiary and rose gardens (with over 150 specimens), a woodland garden and tea lawn with cottage-style beds inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. You can also indulge in a bit of shopping at the Artisanal Botanical Candlery, Natural Perfumery and Gift Shop on site, which stock products created with botanical extracts in the Garden Studio and proceeds going back to maintaining the garden habitat. Or treat yourself to afternoon tea in the lovely natural surroundings of the Garden Café.</p>



<p><strong>When to visit:</strong> <strong>Open Fri &amp; Sat 10am &#8211; 7pm and Sun &amp; Mon 12 noon &#8211; 5pm.</strong> </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/explore-the-studios-gardens/#sculpture-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henry Moore Studios and Gardens</a>, Perry Green</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/HenryMoore2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Henry Moore sculpture gardens" class="wp-image-89599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/HenryMoore2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/HenryMoore2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/HenryMoore2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you enjoy art as much as gardening, this one&#8217;s a double whammy! The world famous sculptor adapted the grounds at his former home to display and work on his larger than life pieces. The Sculpture Gardens now cover 70 acres of lawns, orchard, woodland and sheep fields. With nature being one of the main sources of inspiration for Moore&#8217;s work, many of his sculptures were designed for their setting &#8211; against the backdrop of sky, fields and trees. Each year, around twenty sculptures are displayed in the gardens for visitors to enjoy, while more can be seen inside the studios, too. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit: </strong>Open from <strong>Weds &#8211; Sun</strong> (plus Bank Holidays) <strong>until 25 October. </strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/visit-us/gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashridge House Gardens</a>, near Berkhamsted</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/ashridgeGarden2-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashridge house Gardens" class="wp-image-94450" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/ashridgeGarden2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/ashridgeGarden2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/ashridgeGarden2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With 190 acres of Grade II-listed Humphry Repton designed grounds to explore and a house fit for a king (literally &#8211; it&#8217;s a former Royal residence!) as your backdrop, Ashridge is well worth a visit. Make your way round the estate, starting with the Italianate Gardens, take in the Princess Victoria Oak (planted in 1823 when she visited), the rosary, monk&#8217;s garden, Victorian fernery, Rhodedendron walk and flower garden. You&#8217;ll see something new each time you visit. Tickets are available at the Bakehouse café (the perfect excuse for brunch or coffee and cake in the courtyard). Look out for the garden tours on their site if you want to learn more. Want to Win Ashridge House Garden Membership? </p>



<p><strong>When to visit:</strong> Open <strong>daily</strong> &#8211; pre-book or buy a ticket on the day at the Bakehouse café.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park/things-to-do/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wrest Park</a>, Silsoe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="939" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Wrest-park-from-website-1000x939.jpg" alt="Wrest park gardens with statues, flower borders and pavilion" class="wp-image-77638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Wrest-park-from-website-1000x939.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Wrest-park-from-website-800x751.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Wrest-park-from-website-559x525.jpg 559w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Wrest-park-from-website.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are 90 acres to explore at this English Heritage site, with examples of English, French, Italian and Dutch styles all intermingled. But it&#8217;s not all manicured lawns and sweeping vistas, there are plenty of landmarks to spot, including an ornate marble fountain, the 18th century Bowling Green House, a Chinese Temple and Bridge, over 40 statues around the site and, the focal point of the gardens, the Baroque Archer Pavilion perched magestically at the end of the Long Water. For kids, you&#8217;ll find an adventure playground (with its own pavilion and zip wire, right next to the café so you can take fivey while they burn off some energy!). Activity backpacks and audio tours are available, too. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit: Open every day.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.shuttleworth.org/explore/swiss-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swiss Garden at Shuttleworth</a>, Biggleswade</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="656" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Shuttleworth-D_Harbar_Apr2016SG_061-1000x656.jpg" alt="The Swiss Cottage at Shuttleworth House" class="wp-image-77543" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Shuttleworth-D_Harbar_Apr2016SG_061-1000x656.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Shuttleworth-D_Harbar_Apr2016SG_061-800x525.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Shuttleworth-D_Harbar_Apr2016SG_061.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The romantic Regency Swiss Garden within the grounds of the vast Shuttleworth Estate consists of nine acres of scenic parkland and woodland with water features, peacocks, ducks and other wildlife roaming freely and thirteen listed features, including the pretty Swiss Cottage, Grotto and Fernery, plus statues and carvings. Keep an eye on the events calendar for garden tours, live music evenings and workshops through the year. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit:</strong> It&#8217;s open <strong>all year round</strong> to enjoy in all its seasonal glory, with shorter opening hours in the winter months. Book an advance ticket and get free entry for a month so you can return as many times as you like. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://beningtonlordship.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benington Lordship Gardens</a>, Stevenage</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Benington-1000x667.jpg" alt="Benington Lordship Gardens" class="wp-image-90635" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Benington-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Benington-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Benington.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Renowned for its snowdrops in Feb and summer Chilli Festival, the grounds of this private family home are only open to the public every Tuesday until June, so don&#8217;t miss out! You can enjoy old fashioned favourites such as lupins, delphiniums, achilleas, asters, clematis and geraniums in the herbaceous borders, while the walled garden is divided into veg growing beds and wild flower meadow. You&#8217;ll also find two spring-fed ponds &#8211; a large carp pond and a smaller wildlife pond which attracts dragonflies and birds &#8211; as well as an orchard.  Feeling parched? Refreshments are available from the adjacent parish hall on opening days. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit: Gardens open Tuesdays (11-3pm) until June 2026</strong>. <a href="https://beningtonlordship.co.uk/51/Events-Diary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book online here</a>. Don&#8217;t miss the <a href="https://beningtonlordship.co.uk/51/Events-Diary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chilli Festival</a> from <strong>29-31 August</strong>. <a href="https://beningtonlordship.co.uk/47/Chilli-Festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Details here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://lutonhooestate.co.uk/the-walled-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden</a>, Luton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="556" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Luton-Hoo-walled-garden-1000x556.jpg" alt="Luton Hoo walled garden" class="wp-image-76602" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Luton-Hoo-walled-garden-1000x556.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Luton-Hoo-walled-garden-800x445.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Luton-Hoo-walled-garden-900x500.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Luton-Hoo-walled-garden.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The pretty walled garden at this active working farm and estate was designed by none other than Capability Brown in the late 1760’s for noted Botanist and Prime Minister under George III, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. It fell into disrepair in the 1970s but has been completely restored as part of a volunteer run project which started in 2001. The five-acre space is enclosed by the original octagonal wall, and features pretty glass houses, a potting shed and propagation houses, as well as an abundance of seasonal flora, including a rose arbour that was installed to mark the project&#8217;s 21st anniverary. </p>



<p><strong>When to visit: </strong>It&#8217;s open on <strong>Wednesdays May 6 &#8211; Sept 30</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more-try-these">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? TRY THESE:</h2>



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<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/adventure-playgrounds-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 epic adventure playgrounds in Herts &amp; Beds</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/drink/brilliant-beer-gardens-in-herts-beds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Let’s go outside! 6 sunny pub gardens in Herts &amp; Beds</a></li>
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