Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham

Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham

We fancied heading a little further afield last weekend for an outing and, via a convoluted set of circumstances, we ended up visiting Barnsdale Gardens just outside Oakham. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was very impressed. Barnsdale was the home of BBC’s ‘Gardener’s World’ back in the day when the programme was presented by Geoff Hamilton. Today the site covers 8 acres and features 38 different gardens, each with their own unique style. I’m not much of a gardener, I do enjoy it though and yearn for the day when we have a bit more space (and time and money!) and can have the garden of our dreams. It was really enjoyable to wander through each garden, picking up ideas and inspiration. Luke is a garden designer and even though it was a bit of a busman’s holiday for him, he appreciated the skill and expertise that had gone into designing each garden.

(Clockwise from top left) the Rose Garden, my personal favourite the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, the Formal Pool & Knot Garden and Town Paradise Garden

(Clockwise from top left) the Rose Garden, my personal favourite the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, the Town Paradise Garden and Formal Pool & Knot Garden

Even though it’s getting late in the year, there was plenty of colour and interest throughout the gardens.

 

I'd love to go back in Spring and Summer to see how the gardens change through the seasons

I’d love to go back in Spring and Summer to see how the gardens change through the seasons

The gardens are all easily accessible and we had no issues getting around with the pushchair. Having said that, there is little to keep toddlers/older children occupied. In fact, Luke and I brought down the average age of visitor by about 20 years! There is also a shop, nursery and tearoom on site, although we only visited the gardens. It cost £7.50 each to get in, which I didn’t think was too bad considering the amount of work to keep the gardens in top shape.

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Luke and Finn in the Parterre Garden

All in all a very enjoyable afternoon out.  Next time we head up to Rutland for a walk, I would love to go back and see the gardens earlier in the year.

Packing my Suitcase

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Comments

  • Coombe Mill Coombe Mill October 19, at 10:52

    I think the gardens look lovely with an autumn tinge, though I imagine earlier in the year would be very pretty too, looks like a lovely way to spend an afternoon and from the picture your youngest family member thought so too! Popping by from #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker October 19, at 19:17

      It was a fab day out, and yes Finn loved it! He’s happy as long as he’s got something to look at. The autumn colours were gorgeous, just wish our garden was half so impressive 🙂

      Reply
  • Anna Anna October 19, at 13:14

    I love gardens and this one looks very nice, even though it’s autumn!

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker October 19, at 19:18

      The gardens were lovely, so many great ideas and lovely colours. We’ll definitely have to go back in spring/summer to see them in a different light.

      Reply
  • Urska Urska October 19, at 13:38

    Lovely garden. 🙂
    #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • TheHelpfulHiker TheHelpfulHiker October 19, at 19:20

      It really was beautiful, such a lovely way to while away a gorgeous autumn afternoon 🙂

      Reply
  • mytravelmonkey mytravelmonkey October 27, at 12:28

    Oh I think I would love Barnsdale – 38 different gardens? That’s super impressive! The colours of autumn are so pretty and well reflected in your lovely photos. What a lovely day out – I’m going to make a note to come here! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes

    Reply

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