Burghley Gardens shortlisted for national Garden of the Year Award
Burghley Gardens has been shortlisted for the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, celebrating some of the country’s finest historic gardens.
Burghley Gardens has been shortlisted for the prestigious Historic Houses 2026 Garden of the Year Award, celebrating some of the country’s most spectacular gardens. Now, Burghley is inviting visitors and supporters to cast their vote and help secure the national title.
The award, launched in 1984 and sponsored by Christie’s auction house, recognises horticultural excellence at gardens that are open to the public and are member properties of Historic Houses, the association that represents and supports the UK’s independent historic homes, castles and garden. From hundreds of entries, just six gardens have been selected by an expert panel to go forward to a public vote.
Set within the grounds of Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the 16th century, the gardens at Burghley are part of a landscape shaped over 500 years.
From their beginnings under William Cecil, 1st Lord Burghley, to the lasting influence of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, Burghley has long been a place of thoughtful garden making.
In recent years, the gardens have been carefully reshaped under the direction of Head Gardener Joe Whitehead, with a focus on creating a more dynamic, resilient and nature-rich landscape. Layered planting schemes provide structure, texture and seasonal interest, while a natural, organic approach supports biodiversity alongside horticultural quality.
Visitors can explore two distinct yet complementary spaces. The Sculpture Garden integrates contemporary art within sweeping borders, wildflower planting and long views across Capability Brown’s great lake. The Garden of Surprises, inspired by Elizabethan ideas and historic records, offers a theatrical sequence of enclosed spaces animated by water, playful features and bold, architectural planting.
Being shortlisted is a real honour for Burghley Gardens and a wonderful recognition of the hard work and creativity of everyone who cares for them. Our aim is to create a landscape that rewards curiosity, encourages exploration and offers something for everyone, whether through planting, art, history or simple enjoyment of the outdoors. We’d be incredibly grateful for people to support us in the public vote.
The Historic Houses 2026 Garden of the Year Awards include six shortlisted gardens, each one remarkable in its own way. It celebrates the history, heritage, and dedication of the teams who care for them, with Burghley proudly featured alongside some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Voting is open throughout the summer, with the winner decided by public vote. The award has been running for over 40 years and is widely regarded as one of the most significant accolades for historic gardens in the UK.
Voting is open until 31 August 2026, to cast a vote visit the Historic Houses website.
Further information about the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award can be found here.
Vote for Burghley Gardens
We are delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2026, celebrating some of the country’s finest historic gardens. Please support us by voting online.
