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The garden at Stoneywell

Autumn colour in the garden at Stoneywell, with a red leafy branch framing a distant view of the cottage, with oranges, reds and greens visible in the garden
Autumn colour at Stoneywell | © National Trust Images/Susan Guy

With four acres of garden and 11 acres of woodland, Stoneywell's grounds were designed to produce colour all year round, so there's always something bright to discover as you explore. Find interesting garden features, seasonal highlights and wildlife to spot in the garden here.

What else is there to see?

Stone fort

At the highest point of the garden sits a stone fort, built by Basil Gimson. It provides spectacular views of the city of Leicester and the surrounding countryside, including Bradgate Park with its tower and memorial. Have a peek into the stone fort on your next visit.

Tennis court

As you stroll around the garden, pause a while on the neatly kept tennis court, built in 1903–1905. Sydney Gimson was a keen tennis player and had the court built by blasting the rock, levelling it several times, then seeding and erecting the fencing.

Today the tennis court is a great place for a spot of boules, or a picnic on a sunny day.

A view over the neatly kept tennis court on a sunny day at Stoneywell with a stone wall and flower borders to its left, and many green trees behind
The tennis court at Stoneywell | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Guided garden tours

Learn more about Stoneywell’s colourful garden on a guided tour with our passionate team of garden volunteers, who have a wealth of knowledge and passion for Stoneywell.

Enjoy a 45-minute stroll through the four acres, taking in the sights and scents of the plants and trees. To enquire about garden tours, please call before booking your visit.

A view of the north end of Stoneywell, an Arts and Crafts cottage, with a sloping lawn on the right and a bare tree in front of the house on the left

Book your visit

Please note you need to book tickets to Stoneywell. You can book for today up until 8am. Every Thursday time slots will be available for the next 14 days.

Check availability and book

You might also be interested in

History of the cottage at Stoneywell 

Discover how one man’s vision changed a summer house into an Arts and Crafts-inspired family home.

A watercolour painting called 'Stoneywell Cottage' by Edward Davies, depicting the cottage nestled into the sloping, rocky garden

Visiting the cottage at Stoneywell 

Delve into Stoneywell’s collection of Arts and Crafts treasures, from unique handcrafted furniture to a replica cot and a small ceramics collection.

The Sitting Room with white walls and wooden floors at Stoneywell, with a chair and couch surrounding the large fireplace, and bookshelves, a desk and typewriter visible

Group visits to Stoneywell 

We welcome group visits to Stoneywell, where you can explore an Arts and Crafts home and garden – find out how to book and what to expect from your group visit here.

A view of Stoneywell from the garden, with a footpath in the foreground and the cottage framed by trees and hedges

Volunteer opportunities at Stoneywell 

Volunteers are what make Stoneywell tick. From welcoming visitors to telling stories, driving the bus to pulling weeds, harvesting veg to taking photos - find out more about how you can join the team and play your part.

A view of the north end of the cottage at Stoneywell, with the garden sloping upward to the right of the image and sunshine falling over the cottage.

Gardens and parks 

From 18th-century water gardens and Arts and Crafts landscapes to intimate woodland gardens, there are so many places to discover.

A family exploring the garden in autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

Gardening tips 

Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.

A group of people gardening at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire

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