DUE TO THE HIGH WINDS FORECAST OUR GARDENS WILL NOT BE OPEN AS PLANNED ON SUNDAY 7 APRIL
We apologise for any inconvenience however the safety of our visitors is paramount. The gardens will be open again on Sunday 28 April, or by special arrangement
Come explore our tranquil gardens
Although parts of the original 1802 gardens remain, much of what you see today was laid out in the late 19th century by the wife of the first Lord Crawshaw. She designed the 15 acres of mixed woodland and garden areas, with trails leading through shaded trees and little dells.
The gardens are a delightfully peaceful place, full of interest throughout the year.
A myriad of paths lead through the woodland garden, carpeted in spring by thousands of bulbs and wild flowers, while an abundance of flowering shrubs and ornamental trees catch the eye around the spacious lawns.
In the summer the old fashioned rose garden, with its extensive views towards Charnwood Forest, and the magnificent herbaceous border sheltered by the high brick wall of the working kitchen garden, provide a profusion of colour.
The autumn brings a change to the colour of leaves on the magnificent mature trees, some over 200 years old.
“The gardens were lovely, just so English and peaceful with all the spring flowers…we could have stayed all day….we will look forward to another visit in the future.”
R Swales, April 2013
The Broad Walk through the garden leads to the ‘Bogey Hole‘, a former icehouse that was converted into a picturesque grotto with decorative rockery features. The creation of Bogey Hole dates to at least 1831 when the decorative rockwork was mentioned in an article in Gardener’s Magazine.
The Bogey Hole is at the eastern edge of the Chinese Garden. This garden dates to the late 19th century. The terracotta warriors (a later addition) stand guard, replicas of the famous Terracotta Army discovered in China after being buried for 2200 years.
The loggia stands against the west wall of the kitchen garden. The decorative loggia holds a belvedere seat for enjoying the shaded location. Next to the loggia is the Dutch Garden, a small, enclosed area.
South of the Chinese Garden is a large arboretum. Many of the trees here were planted in the early 19th century when the house was built, but many more date to after WWII. at the western edge of the garden is an ornamental pond, created in the 1930s.
Map of our gardens
Visit us
Whatton House
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE12 5BG
Tel: 01509 431 193
Garden opening times
Our garden opening times for Spring 2024*
Sunday 31st March
Sunday 7th April
Sunday 28th April
Sunday 5th May
Sunday 26th May
*Additional days / group bookings by special arrangement. Please contact hello@whattonhouse.co.uk to book.
Spring Admission Information
Gates Open at 11am and will close 4pm
Adult £8.50
Child (3-12yrs) £4.50
Family (2 adults 3 children) £25.00
Payments by cash or card
Historic House members receive free entry with a valid membership card
Limited refreshments will be available on open days
WHATTON HOUSE IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE RHS
