Spring in the garden at Stoneywell

A stone cottage is framed by magnolia branches with pink flowers and green leaves, at Stoneywell, Leicestershire — Spring blooms surround the cottage at Stoneywell, Leicestershire | © 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.

Things to see in the garden

The garden at Stoneywell was created with the intention of bringing colour all year round, so you’re bound to see lots of flowers in bloom as you explore the winding paths surrounding the cottage. However, during the spring the garden is even more enchanting, awash with vibrant colour and blossom as the season progresses.

Colourful rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are a principal feature of the gardens at Stoneywell, with around 150 varieties planted around the grounds. Fringing the drive and tennis courts before extending into the woodland, the rhododendrons produce a succession of flowers, and there’s always something in bloom.

With lots of pinks and reds blossoming in spring, look out for less conspicuous but beautiful yellow rhododendrons.

Daffodils

From early March, a golden carpet begins to roll out across Stoneywell as drifts of bright yellow daffodils burst into bloom. A welcome sight after a long winter, these sunny plants herald the start of spring and warmer, brighter days to come.

Stoneywell's daffodil display is an unmissable springtime spectacle. You can find daffodils around the Tearoom and across the sloping meadows of the garden, and there are even clusters in the woodland too.

The rocky outcrop at Stoneywell, Leicestershire, with daffodils in bloom. | © ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Bluebells

From mid-April to May, Stoneywell's eleven acres of woodland is carpeted with purple and blue. For an idyllic springtime wander, pick a wath and wind between hazy swathes of bluebells, nestled in a quiet corner of the Charnwood Forest.

It's hard to resist walking through this spectacular natural display. However, bluebells are a particularly fragile flower, with soft succulent leaves that are easily damaged. You can do your bit to protect these precious flowers by keeping to the marked paths.

Kitchen Garden

Stoneywell's group of hard-working volunteers begin to sow seeds and bring the Kitchen Garden to life during the spring. Pop by to see what is beginning to appear in the beds.

A border of vibrant bluebells beside a winding woodland path. — The bluebell woodland walk at Stoneywell, Leicestershire | © ©National Trust Images/Susan Guy

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