There are some lovely gardens in Essex. This is a list of the major gardens which are regularly open to the public. We’ve been to many of them, and we’re planning to get to as many as possible! We also list gardens in Essex open under the National Garden Scheme – you’ll find these on our monthly listings.
Audley End House and Gardens
Off London Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF
In addition to the wonderful Audley End House, and the events they run, it’s worth going there just for the gardens! There is the ornamental garden, and also the walled garden and greenhouse to spend lots of time exploring, and a shop to buy plants. more details
Beeleigh Abbey Gardens
Abbey Turning, nr Maldon, CM9 6LL
A delightful series of gardens in three acres, with plenty to explore, and a river view, between Maldon and Woodham Mortimer. There are refreshments and a chance to buy plants, but the Abbey itself is now a private residence. more details
The Beth Chatto Gardens
Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex CO7 7DB
Developed by the late master planstwoman from an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows into an informal garden harmonising with the surrounding countryside, with a number of gardens. We’ve been several times more details
Bridge End Garden
Saffron Walden
A series of seven interlinked gardens laid out by the Gibson family in the nineteenth century. These grade II-star listed gardens are now under the control of Saffron Walden Town Council, and remain open to the public each day free of charge. more details
Cressing Temple Barns
Witham Road, Braintree, CM77 8PD
In addition to the amazing barns, and the tea room, there are some big lawns, a pond, and a delightful walled garden to explore.
more details
Feeringbury Manor Gardens
Coggeshall Road, Feering, Essex CO5 9RB
10 acres of gardens leading down to the River Blackwater, on a very historic site. Lovely gardens over several levels, with sculptures and a meandering river to enjoy.
more details
The Gardens of Easton Lodge
Little Easton, Great Dunmow, CM6 2BB
The Gardens of Easton Lodge is an idyllic listed haven which has been partially restored to its former glory by a team of dedicated volunteers and the owners of Warwick House.” Open one Sunday a month during the summer. more details
The Gibberd Garden
Marsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow, CM17 ONA
The Gibberd Garden has glades, groves, pools and alleys which provide settings for some 80 sculptures, architectural salvage, large ceramic pots, a gazebo and a moated castle. Home to the late Sir Frederick Gibberd. more details
Green Island Gardens
Park Road, Ardleigh, CO7 7SP
Professionally designed by its owner Fiona Edmond, Green Island Gardens are laid out as a series of structured gardens displaying a huge range of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. more details
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Rettendon, nr Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET
There’s something to see all year round at the enormous Hyde Hall gardens. There’s a couple of cafes, a shop, and they have regular events there for both adults and children.more details
Hylands House Gardens
London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ
In addition to the beautifully restored house dating from 1730, there are 574 acres of parkland, ponds and gardens. We haven’t seen it in it’s summer glory, but loved the carved totem pole! more details
Ingatestone Hall
Hall Lane, Ingatestone, CM4 9NR
There is a walled garden with a pond, a large lake, arboretum and tree-lined walkway – a lovely green contrast to the dark interior of the hall! more details
Markshall Gardens and Arboretum
Markshall, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG
The Gardens and Arboretum “..feature landscaped woodland walks and footpaths, with vistas across the lakes to the Millennium Walk and the recently remodelled 18th Century Walled Garden..” more details
Paycockes House gardens
25 West Street, Coggeshall, CO6 1NS
The gardens are being renovated by volunteers and they are doing a marvellous job, getting the gardens to be a worthy complement to the amazing building.
more details