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The garden at Brockhampton

Colourful flowers in a packed cottage garden bed in front of a timbered manor house
Summer in Brockhampton's garden | © Nina Leonard

Discover a characterful cottage garden, rich in colour, wildlife and timeless charm.

A moated cottage garden

The charming cottage garden surrounding Brockhampton’s timber-framed manor is modest in scale compared to many National Trust gardens, yet its densely planted borders overflow with seasonal colour. Encircled by a tranquil moat and set among surrounding orchards, it evokes the feeling of a time gone by. Informal, abundant and ever-changing, it sparks ideas for a more relaxed, nature-led style of gardening.

Summer in the garden

Borders brim with traditional cottage garden flowers, from foxgloves and astrantia to sweet peas and geums, creating a haven for pollinators. Packed planting gently envelops the timber-framed manor, enhancing its timeless feel. As the moat teems with life and birds pass overhead, it’s a place to pause and soak up the beauty of summer. Beyond the garden, orchards invite you to linger—swing in a hammock, rest on a shaded bench or settle into one of many scenic picnic spots.

Rear of Brockhampton manor house with red brick and timber. In the front of the image is a moat covered in lily pads
Brockhampton moated manor house from the rear | © Kate Byrne

Gardening with nature in mind

This garden is cared for by an incredible team of volunteers, nurturing a rich mix of cottage garden and waterside planting that supports the wildlife calling Brockhampton home. Their work focuses on climate-resilient practices, helping to protect the garden for years to come.

Alive with birds, insects and small mammals—as well as the many creatures that inhabit the moat—the garden rewards a moment of stillness. Sit quietly for a while and you’re sure to spot something fascinating, from birds and frogs to everything in between.

A close up of a pink flower in a cottage garden with orange and white flowers in the background.
Detail in Brockhampton's cottage garden | © Kate Byrne