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Beeleigh Abbey Gardens Open Days
We are delighted to announce that the public will be welcome back to visit the gardens again in 2026 on open days from April through to September.
The current owners brought the Abbey in mid 2024 and have a keen focus on conservation, biodiversity, land stewardship and a love of historic buildings and gardens.>
A wide variety of recent garden projects have added to the sense of scale within this glorious historic setting. The peace of the garden within this wonderful setting will be enjoyed by all who visit.
The gardens have been maintained by head gardener Chis Cork and his growing team of staff and volunteers. If you are a returning visitor, you will notice some of the recent works to the hedgerows and surrounding fields to increase biodiversity and native habitats. We have welcomed bees back to Beeleigh Abbey with the construction of 15 cedarwood beehives and Jacob sheep to graze on the adjoining fields.
The Rose Garden has completed the first phase of its redevelopment in early 2025 with beautiful historic David Austin roses, interplanted with perennials to add seasonal colour.
The grounds of Beeleigh Abbey include three acres of spacious and peaceful gardens in a 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, cottage & bog gardens, an extensive formal rose garden filled with over 300 modern English roses, kitchen & soft fruit gardens, orchard, wildflower meadow, wisteria walk, and stunning 85 metre long double mixed borders. Specimen trees include Magnolia, Tulip, and Indian Bean.
The extensive lawn contains the most recent project with the scenic backdrop of the remains of a 12th century abbey incorporated into a mainly 17th century private residence. A new ornamental glasshouse & herb garden was completed in 2019.
Please note the house is not open to garden visitors.
MAY: Friday 8th & 22nd
JUNE: Friday 5th, 19th & 26th
JULY: Friday 10th, 17th & 31st
AUGUST: Friday 7th
SEPTEMBER: Friday 4th & 11th
Admission is by pre-booked ticket only with hourly arrival slots from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 pm.
Visitors are welcome to stay until gates close at 4.30 pm
Prices:
Adult £8.50
Children aged 5-16 £4.50
Children under 5 free
Level gravel paths and grass give access to most of the gardens with gentle slopes down to the river. There is a wheelchair accessible WC. Disability assitance dogs are welcome.
Enquiries:
07921 085068
lizzie@beeleighabbey.co.uk
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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 saw considerable improvements. No doubt the work will continue in the years ahead.
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. A further 10,000 bulbs were planted in autumn 2022.
May has spring bedding, and bulbs displayed in the mixed borders, along with magnolias. Enjoy the bluebells that lead down to the river, and then later in the month the wisteria arches that divide the soft fruit garden from the rose garden.
In June roses take centre stage now totalling around 600, from the formal rose garden & hybrid tea bed to many shrub, climbing & rambling roses.
In July the cottage, bog gardens and meadow are at their best, with the kitchen and soft fruit gardens full of produce.
In August summer bedding displays are at their peak. The extensive mixed borders are now full of colour with many different perennials & shrubs.
September sees the roses put on another great display. Harvest time in the kitchen garden & orchard.
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Directions to the Abbey:
On leaving Maldon via London Road, take first right after Cemetery into Abbey Turning. Post code CM9 6LL
There is level access to most of the garden, with gravel paths and some gentle slopes. One of the toilets can be accessed by wheelchair.
Groups of potential visitors are most welcome but should first contact 07921 085068 for advise on catering and transport, especially as the narrow approach road is unsuitable for some types of coaches
Children must be supervised at all times because of potential hazards such as unfenced deep water.
Assistance dogs only please.
The much-loved Tea Cabin and Courtyard refreshment area offers an excellent selection of cakes and light lunches. This space has been created in the midst of Mediterranean style planting and pot displays
The herb garden and ornamental glasshouse was completed in 2019. The herb garden includes a patio area, water rill and water feature as well as growing a wide range of both culinary and medicinal herbs.
The glasshouse, measuring 13m x 3.5m, is divided into 3 growing areas. The central area houses tender climbers and citrus. The left hand side grows peach, grapes, tomatoes and other seasonal fruit and vegetables. The right hand features a display of seasonal pot plants.
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Page last updated March 6, 2026
