Englefield Gardens is a place for all – from seekers of blooms to those on a bear hunt.

With the garden gates opening each Monday throughout the summer months, layers of generations visit the historic house’s gardens, taking in however much of the 12 acres of natural and curated green spaces, that they wish.

August’s inevitability of sunshine one moment and a sharp downpour the next, make the gardens’ ancient woodland an excellent place to run, play, and explore, according to Head Gardener, Susan Broughton.

“Children and adults alike can discover hidden treasures, like the woodman’s hut, and experience the heady scent of bark and sound of bird song and calls – like green woodpecker, song thrush, and wren,” she says. “Visitors’ little ones will also love the smaller garden area with its swings, slide, log walk and hidden water jets.

“Not forgetting our friendly Big Bear – a bear hunt is a must!”

For the floral enthusiasts, there is equal joy to be had in many areas of the gardens with much of the flowers and foliage coming into second flushes of colour and scent.

Pacific Giant and Black Knight delphiniums continue to put on displays of whimsy and skyward reach, while roses remain generous in perfume. Macedonian scabious and varieties of salvia, chrysanthemums, and asters adorn the West Lawn borders, all sustaining a late summer palette.

But for some of the gardens’ blooms there is no better time to make a debut, and the dahlias throughout the planting are showstoppers, often lasting into the autumn and shifting in hue with the changing season.

Adding greatly to the architecture and interest of the gardens are the trees and shrubs which originate from different parts of the world, adds Susan.  “Japanese acers provide eye-level interest, which is drawn upwards by colourful Norway maple foliage, and further still with the height of giant redwood.”

After a few hours, visitors looking for refreshment can leave the gardens and take the short trip to the centre of Englefield village, where Englefield Stores & Tea Room offers delicious food and drink as well as local produce to take away.

Good to know before your trip:

Englefield Gardens are open to visitors every Monday throughout the year, including Bank Holidays, from 10.00am – 6.00pm April to October and 10.00am – 4.00pm November to March.

A small entrance fee of £5 per adult – all RHS and National Garden Scheme (NGS) cardholders, as well as children, are welcomed free of charge.

Download your visitors’ guide here: eng005-garden-visitor-leaflet-v6.pdf

Englefield House is a private residence and not open to visitors.