The Gardens
Bursting with life, Burghley Gardens feature imaginative planting, sculpture and surprises sure to delight
Two spectacular gardens, each with their own distinct atmosphere and beauty.
Discover horticulture, sculpture and sensational seasonal colour as you stroll through the undulating landscape of our Sculpture Garden, Capability Brown's lost gardens.
Then step into a world of classical civilisation, astrology and astronomy in the highly entertaining Garden of Surprises. A sensory delight with the unexpected at every turn.
Garden of Surprises
The enchanting Garden of Surprises is inspired by the Elizabethan fascination with astrology, astronomy and Classical civilisations. Based on original designs by the 1st Lord Burghley the garden is hidden from the outside, waiting to reveal their surprises to those who enter.
Watch the tranquil water features as fountains bubble and a gentle rill winds its way, disappearing into Neptune’s shell grotto. Peer into the misty depths of the moss house, venture through the mirrored maze and find yourself at the centre of the world using the longitudinal dial.
Please be aware that the water fountains and sensory water features in the Garden of Surprises are not designed for water play.
Sculpture Garden
This beautiful and tranquil garden is an open-air gallery, home to a collection of striking sculpture.
The artworks, created by a diverse collection of artists, are showcased alongside sweeping borders, broad drifts of wildflowers and naturalistic planting. Enjoy the serene views across Capability Brown's great lake and explore the meandering pathways that lead you through this glorious garden.
Outdoor Art Installation
The historic gardens of Burghley House will be transformed in 2025 by Botanic Tapestry, an exciting art installation created by artist duo Graphic Rewilding.
South Gardens
Viewed from the windows of the State Rooms above, these private gardens offer a splash of colour and an injection of formality into Capability Brown’s Arcadian and sweeping vistas. The gardens are dominated by some spectacular trees, the most prominent being the Tilia platyphyllos or large-leafed lime on the west, believed to be layered from the original planted in the 16th century and the mature oak, planted by Queen Victoria during her visit in 1844.
The yew hedges and topiary were added from the 19th century in a bid to reinstate some sense of a formal parterre after so much of the original 17th century garden was boldly swept away during Brown’s tenure at Burghley as Landscape Designer and Architect. Nineteenth century Blashfield terracotta urns form the centrepieces of the restored fountains. The rose garden is planted with modern varieties of rose from David Austin which are free-flowering and highly scented.
The South Gardens are open on selected dates through the year - keep an eye on our social media for information.
Book your tickets today
Gardens - Advance Ticket Price
Adult
Standard
£9.00
Gift Aid
£9.90
Child (3-15 years)
Standard
£7.50
Gift Aid
£8.25
Family (2 Adults & 3 Children)
Standard
£30.00
Gift Aid
£33.00
Additional Information
Advance Ticket Price includes a 10% advance booking discount and is available up until midnight the day before your visit.
A Gardens ticket includes access to the Garden of Surprises, Sculpture Garden and Adventure Play.
Burghley is owned by the Burghley House Preservation Trust, a charity committed to the conservation and preservation of the House and Estate for all to enjoy, now and in the future. You can choose to support our charitable aims through Gift Aid.
View our full Terms and Conditions of sale and entry.
Please note that dogs are not permitted in the Gardens. Dogs are more than welcome in the Parkland but we do ask all owners to keep their dog on a lead for the safety and comfort of other visitors, livestock and wildlife.