Things to do

Walled Garden

Open daily from 30th March – 2nd November

The Walled Garden is a beautiful, 20 minute walk from Visitor Reception.

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Where humble onionshang out with exotic vines.

Step through the Venetian gates and explore our tranquil and enchanting walled garden dating back to the late 1700s.

An exciting project is underway at Holkham to rejuvenate the six acres of walled garden which was originally laid out by Samuel Wyatt during the late 1700s. We invite you to step inside and see how the work is progressing. The garden is divided into ‘squares’ and ‘slips’, each with their own theme and associated planting plan.

Discover a spectacular stand of Georgian and Victorian greenhouses and vineries, a formal ornamental garden, an established vineyard, a working kitchen garden that yields a plentiful crop feeding both the Coke family inside the Hall and visitors to The Victoria, the exotic garden with its large lawn, and lastly, the cutting garden with its beautiful array of blooms.

Learn how we are aiming to use nature on an increasing scale to tackle pests and diseases rather than chemicals.  You’ll also find areas of cover crops, that are planted to help improve the quality of our soils, and plenty of wildflowers in and around the Walled Garden to encourage and support pollinators.

Brand new for 2024 – the Walled Garden Stories exhibition!

A wonderful addition to the garden, this exhibition is nestled inside the Samuel Wyatt Vinery. Learn more.

Head to the Walled Garden on two wheels…

If you’re a cycling fan, you might be interested in our new three hour cycle hire offer, which includes complimentary entry to the Walled Garden! That means you can enjoy a cycle around Holkham Park alongside a stroll around the garden. Find out more here.

Alternatively, you can bring your own bike to Holkham.

Accessibility

For accessibility information, check out our Detailed Access Guide on the AccessAble website.

Walled Garden Stories

The Walled Garden Stories exhibition is an introduction to the garden, its past and its present. Visitors can learn about the garden’s history and function, its incredible buildings and about the wonderful people who have worked there over the years. Settle on the sofa to watch a film featuring, and made by, the walled garden team as they share stories and insights about the garden.

Read more about it in this journal post.Read more about it in this journal post.

The Frame Yard

Glasshouses play a major part of this room being the dominant feature. The beds will be redesigned once the work on the glasshouses is completed, but for the moment, it is prairie planting that plays a major part. The room includes a large glasshouse, built by Thomas Messenger and Co. in 1929, and Sunken Pit Houses, which are currently undergoing restoration.

Learn more about the Messenger buildingLearn more about the Messenger building

The Ornamental Garden

This area has recently been redesigned and visitors are invited to view the ongoing creation of an ornamental garden. The central lawn will eventually be flanked by deep planting beds of roses and perennials.

The Vineyard

Our take on a traditional French vineyard. Our young Solaris and Regent vines pruned in the ‘Double Guyot Style’ cast amazing shadows with their formally planted, yet informal habit.

The Exotic Garden

Our evolving ‘hot’ planting style utilises later flowering herbaceous plants and shrubs to marry perfectly with the events season, something very different to the rest of the Walled Garden.

The Kitchen Garden

Producing vegetables and fruit to supply the Hall all year round, with any surplus provided to The Victoria. Explore the fruit and vegetables we grow through the seasons, from broad beans to onions, strawberries to apples. Sowing, growing, tending and harvesting all happen here, aided by our volunteers and school students.

The Cutting Garden

This space frames our spectacular 19th century vineries which house peaches, nectarines and grapes. This part of the garden fuels the needs of the florists who create impressive displays to decorate the Hall, Church and cafés.

The Samuel Wyatt Vinery

The recently restored Samuel Wyatt Vinery holds a collection of vines and sweetly scented plants which require regulated temperatures.

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