Wolterton & Mannington Estate
2013
Mannington Gardens
The gardens around this medieval moated manor house feature a wide variety of plants, trees (around 50 varieties) and shrubs in many different settings.
Throughout the gardens are thousands of roses especially classic varieties. In the Heritage and Modern Rose Gardens are roses in areas with designs reflecting their date of origin from the fifteenth century to the present day. Work continues to replant areas planted in the 1980s. Complementary planting of other species to fit in with the dated gardens continues every year. The Contemporary Garden features more roses, shrubs and herbaceous borders with brighter colours and modern varieties.
Near to the Hall is a knot garden with scented plants and on the South Lawn is a classical temple and the recently planted Sensory Garden with plants selected for touch, sound and taste, as well as smell and colour.
New for 2008 was a link between the wood walk and the 20th Century Garden. This has been developed with an amazing stump garden where ferns are being encouraged. A shady area designed as a garden for the less able, with raised beds and an unusual water feature, can be found near the vegetable garden which was redesigned and planted in 2007/2008. New colours and plantings were introduced to the contemporary garden in 2009.
Wildflowers are encouraged around the landscaped lakes and in the Chapel Garden, where follies surround the ancient ruins of Mannington Church. Thanks to a grant from English Heritage substantial stabilisation work was carried out in 2009.
Children are not forgotten, with a special area of the garden including a willow tunnel and a playground with Playdale climbing frame.
Mannington Gardens Shop is stocked with souvenirs and crafts, as well as plants, particularly a selection of containerised roses.
The Gardens are open:
May - September -
Sundays 12 noon - 5pm
June - August -
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 11am - 5pm
Adults £6.00; concessions £5.00; accompanied children under 16 free.
NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE GARDENS EXCEPT GUIDE DOGS.
The Hall is open by appointment, for special interest groups and charity days.
Walks and the car park are available every day 9am until dusk. Car park £2.00 (free for garden visitors).
Wheelchair accessible lavatories are available.
DOGS MAY BE WALKED ON LEADS.
Refreshments are available in the tea rooms during garden opening hours. The Greedy Goose is now established at Mannington Garden tea rooms. Talented chef Helen Lewis provides an interesting range of mainly locally sourced food, with many homemade treats including delicious soups, tarts, cakes and biscuits, with specially made picnics and food to take away. It is open every day that the gardens are open and for events as well as at Christmas. She also caters for private functions, bespoke hampers and seasonal food gifts.
Camping facilities are for Caravan Club members only.
