The Gardens

'Through the length and breadth of England it would be hard to find borders of hardy flowers handsomer or in any way better done than those at Arley' 

Gertrude Jekyll ('Some English Gardeners' 1904)

Welcome to the Gardens at Arley
Amongst the finest in Britain and Europe the gardens have been created over the last 250 years by successive generations of the same family and thus offer an unusual blend of long history and traditional design with inspired modern ideas and additions.  The result is a garden rich in atmosphere, interest and vitality – a wonderful example of the idea that the best gardens are living, changing works of art.

Within its eight acres of formal gardens, SW of the house, are many different areas, each with its own distincitve character, and on the NE side of the house, beyond the Chapel is the Grove, a well established arboretum and woodland garden of about 6 or 7 acres. Thus you will see at Arley a huge range of different plants of all kinds, making it a treasure trove both for the keen plantsman and for the less specialised visitor. 

These magnificent gardens are maintained by the gardening team pictured above, lead by Head Gardener Patrick Swan are (left to right) Dave Groom, Doug Rustage and James Youd.

'Rarely is it possible to encounter a garden that combines extraordinary heritage, exemplary good taste and inspiring horticulture - all these three ingredients come together at Arley Hall' 

Chris Beardshaw (award winning garden designer and TV presenter 2007)

I visited your gardens on Wednesday and wanted to pass on my thanks to all the staff who work in the gardens, restaurant, garden centre - everyone who contributes to making such an excellent place to visit.  A most enjoyable day.

Barbara Chamberlain  (Arley visitor)

Your plants are pretty amazing and the gardens that you've created and adorned with them are completely stunning.  We have some lovely photos and even spent twenty-two pounds in the nursery, to bring back some physical reminders of your gardens!

Peter Lynes  (Gardens visitor)

I just would like you to know how very much the West Somerset National Trust Association enjoyed their visit to Arley Hall on 1st July 2007.  The gardens were really very special, and wonderful.  I had comments from several people that Arley had been the best gardens that they had ever seen.

Sue Shapland  (Gardens visitor)