Barnsdale Gardens was established in 1983–84 by renowned Gardeners’ World presenter Geoff Hamilton, who transformed a field into an inspiring showcase of horticultural themes. Covering 8 acres, it comprises around 37–38 individual gardens, each designed with its own character – ranging from herb, rose, and Japanese gardens to a formal knot garden, fruit orchard, Mediterranean plots, and more. Located on The Avenue, Exton, just north of Rutland Water in Rutland
After Geoff Hamilton’s passing in 1996, his son Nick Hamilton took over, continuing his father’s legacy and maintaining the site as a major gardening destination.
Visitors can wander through a wide variety of themed spaces – the Geoff Hamilton Winter Border, Children’s Garden, Wildlife and Woodland areas, Formal Pool & Knot Garden, Allotment and Cutting Garden, Herb and Rose Gardens, Versailles-inspired plots, and many more. The site also houses a plant nursery, gift shop, and the licensed Helenium Tea Room, serving locally sourced food, vegetarian and vegan options, and afternoon tea (entry to the tearoom is free even without garden admission).
Barnsdale hosts seasonal events throughout the year – snowdrop season in February, Easter hunts in April, summer Sundays with fairy trails and live music, Dahlia Festival in September, plus workshops like botanical painting and plant-based demonstrations. Regular free walk-and-talk sessions led by the nursery team cover seasonal planting and design advice. Family-friendly days include Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Nesting Day, and crafting demos such as willow weaving with local artisans.
Open March–October (9 am–5 pm, last entry 4 pm), and November–February (10 am–4 pm), with admission prices varying seasonally – around £14 for adults in summer and £11 in winter, children and group rates available too. The gardens won a Prestige Gardens of the Year Award, recognised for sustaining Geoff Hamilton’s vision and inspiring gardening visitors year-round
Photos courtesy of TripAdvisor.
