Belton's spring gardens

Cleome spider flower amoung the herbaceous border at Belton House — Cleome spider flower amoung Belton's herbaceous border

Belton was designed to impress, and the gardens reflect the refined tastes of generations of the Brownlow family from the early eighteenth century right up to the twentieth century.

The Pleasure Grounds

In early Spring the Pleasure Grounds become carpeted in swathes of daffodils, pale yellow primroses and delicate blue scilla. Later in May, interlaced with native wildflowers, the naturalised grounds gradually give way to bluebells. At this time of year, we ask visitors to keep to the paths and help protect the wildflower display.

Join the garden team and on Sunday 28 April 2019 between 2pm and 4pm to have a go at bulb planting and be a part of growing Belton’s annual spring flower display.

Visitors in the garden in spring at Belton House, Lincolnshire

The Italian Garden

Inspired by the 1st Earl’s Grand Tour of Italy, Sir Jeffry Wyatville was commissioned to design this sunken garden in the early nineteenth century. Successive Brownlow generations enhanced and enriched its plantings and sculpture. Boasting a fountain centrepiece, topiary, and borders full of vibrant colour, the Italian Garden is a delight to discover amid bright spring bedding displays.

The Orangery

Overlooking the Italian Garden, this protective environment is home to a collection of lush foliage and exotic blooms. Built in 1820, the orangery was at the cutting edge of design. With a cast iron supporting structure, it was the first of its kind in England and a monument to the engineering achievements of the Industrial Age.

Inside Beltons Orangery — Lush foliage and exotic blooms inside Belton's Orangery

Behind the Orangery are herbaceous borders and four medlar trees enclosed by the old brick garden walls.

The Dutch Garden

The 3rd Earl commissioned the Dutch Garden in the late nineteenth century. The colourful parterres, divided by topiary-lined gravel paths, were inspired by a Dutch design.

Heading north through the garden, visitors can discover the sundial that inspired Helen Cresswell to write ‘Moondial’, over 30 years ago.

Belton’s sundial was made famous in Helen Creswell’s book ‘Moondial’ — Belton's sundial, created by Caius Cibber

Fun for the family

Enjoy a stroll along Statue Walk and discover Belton's box plant maze. This feature was replanted from a 1902 drawing. The original was removed, having become overgrown when the garden staff – left to fight in the war.