Things to see and do in the garden

Explore

This tranquil garden was created by Gertrude ‘Bumps’ Jekyll on the site of a vegetable patch that once provided the castle’s soldiers with food.

It’s a peaceful place to sit and admire the view and listen to the bees buzzing from bloom to bloom in the summer, or watch the flocks of wading birds and geese flying past the castle during the winter months.

If you spot a plant that you love and would like to take home with you to your own garden, the chances are we will have it in the plant section of the shop in the village.

Preserving Jekyll's vision

Jekyll's original planting scheme was restored by the Trust in 2003. With its geometric layout of paths and beds, the garden is always interesting to look round.

The combination of hardy annuals, colourful perennials and heritage vegetables provide glorious sights and scents in the summer and a leafy, sheltered oasis all year round. It's green, sustainable and wildlife friendly.

The first flowers

The garden is moving towards its summer splendour with blossom flowering on the fruit trees that grow against the stone walls, and the tulips in full bloom.

A peaceful spot

Take a seat on one of the new benches, created from northumbrian oak trees that were lost during Storm Arwen, and admire the view back towards the castle. Look out for the first bumblebees searching for nectar amongst the early flowers, and listen for the seals' ghostly howls drifting over the island.