Things to see in the gardens at Nostell

Frosty morning in the garden at Nostell with fountain and statue in the foreground — A frosty morning in the Rose Garden | © National Trust / Joanna Reed

Pause for a while and enjoy the sound of birdsong and the seasonal blooms in the gardens at Nostell. Take a stroll by the lake, explore the woodland play area or see what's growing in the kitchen garden.

The gardens in winter

The snowdrops pop their heads up from early January and can be seen in clumps the kitchen garden and in swathes in the ancient woodland. The snowdrops are joined by carpets of stunning yellow winter aconite and the bright yellow blooms of the witch hazel trees.

The first burst of colour to be seen in the gardens will be the rosy-pink blooms of the winter cyclamen in early February.

Spent flowers in the herbaceous borders are left with their seed heads attached for sculptural interest and to provide food for foraging birds as well as shelter for insects over winter. These look particularly beautiful when covered in a hard winter frost.

A wander through the gardens might be accompanied by the drumming of woodpeckers, and the bird watchers among you might spy the chestnut streaks of fieldfares, making their temporary homes at Nostell to escape the harsh cold of Scandinavia.

As the leaves thin on the trees, woodland birds become easier to spot, keep an eye out for nuthatches, coal tits, jays and redwings. Wigeon can often be seen on the middle and lower lake – the brightly coloured males are popular with bird spotters and photographers.

Wander down to the lake on a misty day to visit the resident swans and experience the still beauty the water.

A family look out over the frosty lake at Nostell in Winter — The stillness of Winter on the Middle Lake | © Nick Singleton

Rose garden and orangery

Beside the cool white walls of the orangery, you'll find plenty of places to pause and enjoy this tranquil space. Look out for the spectacular climbing 'Iceberg' rose which spans the entire length of the 100-metre red-brick wall leading along to the orchard and Rhubarb Row.

You'll also find the rose garden fountain, a witness to tales from generations past and a vessel for coins cast in search of wishes, now catching the light on bright sunny days.

Kitchen garden and orchard

Nostell’s working kitchen garden is lovingly tended to by the garden team who look after more than 100 crops in the peaceful walled garden.

The growing espalier of rare heritage pear trees bordering the orchard's wildflower paths and peaceful benches are inspired by the original Georgian grand plans by garden designer and author of The Practical Fruit Gardener, Stephen Switzer.

It realises part of Switzer's 1731 blueprint never previously liberated from the drawing board, in part due to a change in fashion towards a more natural landscaping approach. The team now use carefully sourced rare plants nurtured in the national Plant Conservation Centre.

Frost covered rose in the Kitchen Garden at Nostell in Winter — An early frost catches the final blooms of the season in the kitchen garden | © Nick Singleton Photography

Woodland play area

Turn left as you enter the gardens and head on past the kitchen garden to discover the woodland play area which is great for a wide range of ages. Little ones will enjoy the slide, swings and spinning cups. The wobble bridges, and zip-wire and Queen swing are loved by children of all ages.

Menagerie garden

Step through the gothic archway into the historic menagerie garden, enclosed by stone walls and shaded by woodland. Created in 1743, it still supports plants and wildlife cared for by generations of residents.

The garden also recalls its past as home to exotic animals with the keepers menagerie house, designed by Robert Adam. Though the animals are long gone, their presence remains part of the site’s story.

Pleasure Gardens

Sweet chestnut and oak trees line the circular pathway of the Pleasure Grounds, once walked by Victorians and Georgians. From here, you can also glimpse the Lower Lake in the distance.

Along the route you’ll find our Silent Space. Take a seat on the bench overlooking the water to watch the birds, wildlife, and trees. It’s a peaceful spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy being close to nature.