Things to see in the gardens at Nostell

Pink roses on a sunny day with a fountain in the background — The sweet scent of roses on a summer's day | © Andrew Cooper

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 summer

Enjoy a summer spectacle as the gardens burst with vibrant colours and beautiful blooms.

Fill your lungs and enjoy some aromatherapy on a breezy day, courtesy of the abundance of lavender, giving off a relaxing scent.

Take a peek in the pond under the statue in the rose garden to spot signs of frog life before heading down to the bottom of the kitchen garden to see an abundance of fruit and vegetables, including our famous rhubarb, apples, heritage pears, herbs, lettuce, garlic, onions, cherries and raspberries.

Stretch your legs with a walk to through the enchanting menagerie garden at the other side of the lake for a peaceful picnic spot or find a patch of meadow and sit amongst wildflowers. Stay a while to enjoy the summer bird song and watch the electric blue damselflies and busy bees flying by.

A group of visitors walking through the Rose Garden at Nostell Priory with white roses either side of them — Visitors exploring the rose garden at Nostell Priory and Parkland | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Rose garden and Glasshouse

Beside the cool white walls of the Glasshouse, 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 towards the orchard and Rhubarb Row.

The Glasshouse also serves as an exhibition space and is currently showcasing a fascinating display of plants connected to Sabine Winn's interest in medicinal botany, highlighting the historic uses of plants for healing, wellbeing and everyday life.

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.

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.