Things to see and do in the garden at Wallington

The Mary Pool ornamental pond in Wallington's Walled Garden — The Mary Pool in Wallington's Walled Garden | © James Dobson

In the heart of Northumberland, Wallington's much-loved gardens offer year-round colour with something to see and enjoy in every season. Take a stroll through the woods, taking in the East drive woodland garden, spot the tree sculptures in the East woods and then make your way to the secluded Walled Garden.

Beyond the unassuming Neptune Gate lies the spectacular Walled Garden beyond. The Mary Pool, a stone water feature with seating either side, is the first sight to greet you. Pause to hear the trickling water from the Mary Pool and sit back and enjoy the views of the garden, the blooms and wildlife in this tranquil space before heading to the lower terrace border. Recently rejuvenated, its climbers embrace the old wall and a range of plants draw a variety of wildlife such as butterflies and bees.

Follow the twists and turns of the paths further into the garden and you’ll arrive at the secluded 'Nuttery', with its collection of ornamental trees. Then on to the Garden of Imagination, which is a place to sit and reflect, with a beautifully designed planting scheme and giant storytelling chair.

At the bottom of the garden is the lower lawn and pond, perfect for picnics and quiet moments. It's easy to imagine the historical family taking tea here; a picture perfect period drama location if ever there was one.

Four seasons of the Walled Garden at Wallington

Enjoy a magical visit to the Walled Garden all year round.

The Lower Terrace in Wallington's Walled Garden | © James Dobson

Summer in the Walled Garden

Colour and scent at every turn; summer in the Walled Garden is really something special. In early summer the garden is buzzing, quite literally. Grab a deckchair and soak up the summer rays on the lawn. The jewel in the crown of the sunny season is the Cut Flower Border, which is packed full of colour, texture and scent. This part of the garden supplies the house with fresh flowers through the summer months. Whatever your favourite, you’re bound to find it thriving here.

The Walled Garden in Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Autumn colours in the Walled Garden

Autumn shades dazzle as the sun sits lower in the sky. The new plum border, featuring flowering plants of deep plum, rich purple and warm orange yellows will be in flower. Elsewhere in the garden, look out for Rudbeckia, Aster, Crocosmia, Helenium, Eupatorium and some spectacular grasses! October sees the cercidiphyllum, with a scent reminiscent to toffee apples, and the vitis coignetiae (crimson glory vine) which grows through looking spectacular. There'll also be some late flowering perennials such as colchicum and asters – but the browns, bronzes and reds of the foliage in the borders is also really beautiful as the hardy perennials go dormant.

Frozen China pond at Wallington, Northumberland | © Tom Carr

A wonderful winter woodland and garden

Crisp and fresh with winter interest in the woodland and Walled Garden. Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and stretch your legs with a winter stroll. Venture outdoors for some fresh air and look out for wildlife across the varied landscapes. If you time it right in the new year, you’ll be able to enjoy the rich displays of snowdrops and other spring bulbs in the garden and woodland. Even in the depths of winter the walled garden is secretive and tempts you to explore – there is never a time when you can see it all from top to bottom.

The crocus lawn at Wallington — A seasonal wow moment is the carpet of vibrant purple crocus 'springing' to life (early March) | © Alex Prain

Spectacular spring in the Walled Garden

On the ground, the flowers of spring are the carpets of bulbs such as narcissus (daffodils) and scilla at the bottom of the Walled Garden. The ‘Nuttery’ has a wonderful display that starts with snowdrops, followed by crocus ‘Snow bunting’ and continuing with narcissus ‘Jenny’, a lovely delicate little white daffodil.

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The story of the Walled Garden

The Walled Garden was the original kitchen garden for the estate and was converted to an ornamental garden last century. The gardeners are always beavering away, adding new plants or redesigning borders, but the overall feeling in the garden is of settled permanence - you can have a few moments of peace and calm and truly get away from our tumultuous everyday world.

The 4.5 acres are planted with ornamental trees and shrubs, with themed borders throughout. ‘Walled Garden’ conjures an image of a square flat space with neat rows of plants - but behind the quaint oak doors Wallington is no typical Walled Garden - it’s a bewitching space where it’s hard to see where the walled garden ends, nothing is straight, the edges can’t be seen and the lambs in the field beyond are higher than you in the garden - looking as if they can jump right in! There is no right route through the gardens - you just need to take time explore and enjoy.

Nature in the Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In 2022, a number of rehabilitated hedgehogs were released into the garden having recovered from illness and injury and we're pleased to say that the garden team frequently find evidence of them around and about.

At this time of year, look out for the first ducklings and moorhen chicks on the ponds in the walled garden and surrounding areas. Keep your eyes peeled for frolicking lambs in the field next door - the layout of the garden makes it look like they can jump right over the wall and into the garden. See emerging bumble bee queens looking for a suitable nest site - she will fly low over the ground investigating all the little holes and cracks until the perfect spot appears. Many species of birds and butterflies can be found here too. Take a seat on one of the many benches dotted around this space and see how many different creatures you can spot. Do let us know what you see.

The Edwardian Conservatory

Originally created as a covered winter garden, this exceptionally beautiful and popular part of the garden is currently closed. Following recent structural surveys, we're working on what the future of this building will be. Keep an eye out for updates and thank you for your patience.

Accessibility

The Walled Garden is about half a mile away from the car park and house through the East Wood but it can feel like you are miles away from everywhere! The woods can be accessed from the east side of the house. Please note - there is a main road to cross, please take care when crossing.

There are some slopes, loose gravel and uneven woodland paths however there are accessible routes which you can follow to the Walled Garden. We have a small number of mobility scooters, designed for the woodland paths, available to book with no charge (donations are welcome).

Three accessible parking bays, close to the Walled Garden, are available for anyone that may need them. As parking is limited, please speak to staff at Visitor Welcome before you attempt to park here to ensure there is space available.

A corner view of Wallington showing the south front and side of the house

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