The grounds of Beeleigh Abbey include three acres of spacious and peaceful gardens in an historic rural setting, beautifully extended and revived in the last few years. Mature trees surround a variety of planting and water features: woodland walks under-planted with bulbs leading to the tidal River Chelmer, a cottage garden, an extensive formal garden filled with David Austin roses, a young orchard and wild flower meadow, a wisteria walk, and stunning 85 yard long mixed herbaceous borders down one side of the lawn. Specimen trees include Magnolia,Tulip and Indian Bean. The extensive lawn has the scenic backdrop of of the remains of a 12th century abbey incorporated into a mainly 17th century private residence.

Please note the house is not open to garden visitors.

Garden design and history

The grounds first recorded occupation was in 1180 by Premonstratensian canons. After various subsequent owners including several generations of the Francke family, the grounds reverted to farming and market gardening in the 18th and 19th centuries. The current layout nearest the house is probably by Basil Ionides and Wykeham Chancellor in the early 20th century.

More recently different generations of the Foyle family have extended the planted areas and added features such as a statue of Beeleigh Abbey's founder. The last few years in particular, since the purchase in 2000 by Christopher and Catherine Foyle, have seen considerable improvements with further projects in hand.

What to see in season

The three acres of garden are surrounded by mature trees which on the northern boundary give way to a tidal stretch of the River Chelmer. Within this area, a range of different individual gardens and water features can be found.

April starts the season with primroses, daffodils and tulips, together with camellias, magnolias and fruit blossom.

May has spring bedding, and bulbs displayed in the mixed borders, along with magnolias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Enjoy the bluebells that lead down to the river, and then later in the month the wisteria arches that divide the orchard from the rose garden.

In June the many David Austin roses in the formal beds and on several garden walls start to take centre stage.

In July the cottage garden and meadow are at their best.

Throughout the summer months there is a constant succession of plants flowering in the mixed borders and more roses.

In August summer bedding displays are at their peak.

In September grasses and late flowering perennials add to the changing interest.