This is just off the A1 south of Grantham.
The house was pulled down in 1951 and the garden left to go wild. The Cholmeley family who owned the house and grounds started to restore the garden 10 years ago. This is very much an on going project. The coach house, courtyard and buildings survive. The gardens fall down to the river Wytham with the walled garden on the opposite bank reached by an old stone bridge. Kingfishers can be seen along the river.
There is a large area of grassland planted with small trees. Children are encouraged to run and play here and balls are provided for them. There are woodland gardens with snowdrops and daffodils as well as wildflower meadows. There are steps down a series of grassy terraces with cowslips down to the river. There is level access to the walled garden avoiding the steps.
Between the river and the walled garden there are two large flower borders. The walled garden has a splendid yew tree tunnel running down the middle with grassed areas on either side. Two of these are being planted with roses – not as formal rose beds but in the grass. There is a small vegetable garden. Crops are grown in small plots edged with wood in grass walkways. There was hardly a weed to be seen. in mid May there were peas, beans, cabbage, lettuce….. 60 different varieties of sweet peas are grown.
There is a small tea room serving soup, filled bagettes, jacket potatoes and cakes. Prices were reasonable and portions ample. Homemade soup, baguette and salad was £6.95.
There is a small exhibition about the house and gardens. Plants are for sale in the courtyard. The plants were in good condition and much cheaper than in our local garden centre.
The small shop has the usual selection of tea towels, cards and small gift. It has a good selection seeds, especially sweet peas.
This was a very enjoyable visit.
Woolsthorpe Manor and Ellys Manor House are within a few minutes drive and are also worth visiting. (See separate reviews).
http://www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor
