Grimsthorpe Castle, Park & Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

Sebastian Miller

Grimsthorpe Castle sits within the rolling hills of south Lincolnshire and dates back to the 13th century. Formal gardens were created in the 17th century and it is in this style the gardens greatly remain.

Looking away from the 18th-century Sir John Vanbrugh north front, a wide tree-lined vista carries the visitor's eye over large formal lawns softened with swathes of long grass. To the west of the castle lies a shrub rose border protected from the elements by the first of many long yew hedges. The hedges have been cut into swags so that at regular intervals visitors have framed views of the stunning landscape beyond.

The large west lawn offers uninhibited views of the Capability Brown landscape. Long double herbaceous borders burgeon with large blocks of yellow Achillea, golden Hemerocallis, smoky plumes of Macleaya and whites of Leucanthemums, phlox and Romneya coulteri.  

The south lawns offer fabulous views of the earlier Tudor-style building with wisteria, Magnolia grandiflora and clematis clothing its walls. Either side of a large vista moving south are two yew squares topped with precisely trimmed topiary. These are enhanced by their backdrop of semi-woodland that is home to an abundance of spring colour including narcissi, primulas and bluebells.  

The ornamental kitchen garden is an early example of a formal potager and is filled with seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Trimmed box, aged quince and medlar trees and espaliered apples and pears add interest. A box-edged parterre is home to beds of red, white, pink and yellow roses and deep blue lavender fill corner beds to enhance the other colours.  

The gardens offer something for everyone from expansive lawns for children and picnicking to topiary and flower borders. The castle is open for guided tours and the parkland is accessible for cyclists and walkers.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible. The garden has EV charging points.