Burghley House | Gardens to visit near Stamford, Lincolnshire

The Gardens

Alliums 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.

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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.

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Sculpture Garden

This beautiful and tranquil garden is an open-air gallery, home to a collection of striking sculpture.

The works, on loan from more than 30 different artists, are displayed 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.

View Sculpture Exhibition Map

Stunned by the beautiful gardens. Loved how interactive it was for children. So much to see and do which caters for everyone. Thank you for a wonderful day. 

Gardens Visitor | August 2024

The gardens are impressive, everywhere you turned there something different to see and entertaining.

Gardens Visitor | July 2024

The gardens were spectacular. The sculptures complimented the landscape, as did the plants used. The Garden of Surprises was a fun take on an Elizabethan garden, with great sculptures and plants, and the water features were very inspirational.

Gardens Visitor | May 2024

I loved wandering around, not knowing what I would find next. The sculptures and planting were fantastic.

Gardens Visitor | May 2024

A beautiful garden that is perfect for little ones and adults alike.

Gardens Visitor | May 2024

Gardens are stunning, amazing planting, care and attention to detail, love them.

Gardens Visitor | April 2024

I loved the general variety and originality of such a large but also intimate space. One of the most memorable gardens of the many I have visited.

Gardens Visitor | September 2023

Absolutely beautiful the planning out is exceptional.

Gardens Visitor | September 2023

The gardens were fabulous and so much better than I'd anticipated. The Garden of Surprises was absolutely delightful - combining striking features and planting with fun and whimsy.

Gardens Visitor | August 2023

Couldn't believe how beautiful the gardens were, exceeded expectations.

Gardens Visitor | August 2023

The copious swathes of wildflowers were stunning, the best I've ever seen and combined with the varied sculptures this whole area was a genuine treat for the mind. I can't emphasise enough how pleasurable this whole area was to visit.

Gardens Visitor | July 2023
Loved the sculptures and the wildflower areas. Beautiful. Kids thoroughly enjoyed this too.
Gardens Visitor | July 2023

So beautiful and unique, the children and adults both loved walking round.

Gardens Visitor | July 2023

Your gardens are absolutely immaculate and beautiful, they are a real credit to you and your team. We absolutely loved exploring all of the gardens, fountains and sculptures.

Gardens Visitor | July 2023

The gardens and lake were extremely delightful by themselves, but fun with the added aspect of the sculptures. I absolutely loved the 'face', the icehouse and the sculptures in the water.

Gardens Visitor | June 2023

We loved how beautiful all the flowers and plants were. We enjoyed wandering around admiring the beauty of it all.

Gardens Visitor | June 2023
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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.

Park Closure:

Burghley closure on Sat 7 and Sun 8 Dec due to weather warnings for high winds

For more information