Renishaw Hall and Gardens

About the garden

Home to the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years, Renishaw Hall and Gardens is predominantly an Italianate garden set in a traditional English countryside. The house and formal grounds date from the 1620s, but it was the passion and commitment of Sir George Sitwell, 4th Bt., and his admiration for the classical Italian gardens, that forms the landscape of Renishaw Hall and Gardens still enjoyed by visitors today.

The beautiful Italianate gardens were laid out in the late 19th century by Sir George, the brilliantly eccentric great-grandfather of the current owner, Alexandra. Sir George applied the principles of Italian Renaissance gardens to the garden he made at Renishaw: symmetry, proportion, scale and shadow. Today, the gardens under Alexandra offer so much for the visitor to enjoy; throughout the season there are many garden highlights such as bluebells, delphiniums, camellias and roses.

Enjoy yew hedges, pools, fountains and the soft colours of the many types of roses. Later in the season, exuberant exotic planting in the bottom terrace brings a swathe of vibrant oranges and reds to the garden. Walk around the formal garden enjoying the lawns and borders. Take a stroll down the lime avenue to see The Angel of Fame.

Venture further afield through the woodland and down to the lakes where you can see The Classical Temple and other areas of interest on the way. The lakes are a haven for wildlife, where visitors can look out for butterflies, dragonflies and birds. Follow the path round the lake to take in the stunning views, and then up through the woods back to the lawns. The historic vineyard planted over 45 years ago by Sir Reresby Sitwell can now be accessed by a vineyard walk.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.