Winter works in progress at Polesden Lacey

The branches of a dead tree reach out into a blue winter sky in a green field — Discover the beauty of Polesden Lacey's 1400 estate in winter

Areas of the garden will be closed due to work in progress or for conservation purposes, which we understand may affect your enjoyment of the garden. This article outlines which areas are closed and why.

Long Walk

Much like closing parts of the house for conservation, parts of the gardens need a chance to rest and recover from heavy footfall. The Long Walk has been closed to allow the ground to dry out and the grass to grow back. It will be opened again in mid-spring.

Rose garden

There are works to conserve the pathways in the rose garden, which will continue until the end of January. The works will ultimately improve access and safety standards for our visitors in this area.

There is still access along the central path across the garden, as the works are being carried out on the perimeter pathway.

Rose Garden in full bloom at Polesden Lacey — Rose Garden in full bloom

Lime Walk

Lime Walk is the path just outside visitor reception towards the back of the house and the formal gardens. We are installing a biomass boiler as part of our continued efforts to reduce our CO² emissions, and works will start in February to connect the biomass boiler to the house.

This will mean there will be limited access down Lime Walk during the works, which are expected to finish in March.

Lime Walk at Polesden Lacey with overhanging autumnal trees — View of Lime Walk from the house at Polesden Lacey

There is still plenty to see at Polesden Lacey at this time of year. The winter garden is starting to burst into life and there are 1400 acres of Ranmore Common to explore – take one of four way-marked walks or see visitor reception for a walks leaflet.

Tiny yellow acconite buds — Hardy winter acconites in bloom at Polesden Lacey

Inside the house, our seasonal programme, Rules and Roller Skates: the perks of a life in service, runs until 30 March, and gives you a chance to see how the servants lived when their mistress wasn’t at home.

Or explore our first ever exhibition, Beyond the Bequest: treasuring an extraordinary collection, which also runs until 30 March and looks in detail at some of the stunning pieces Mrs Greville left to the nation.