Farringford Estate

About the garden

The Farringford estate is best known for its association with the Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson who lived at Farringford from 1853-1892. The extensive grounds afford wonderful views of the wider countryside as well as views down to Freshwater Bay. Visitors can enjoy a walk around the historic parkland or find a peaceful shady spot in the woodland garden, where they can enjoy birdsong and may even be lucky enough to catch sight of the red squirrels that have made Farringford their home.

In May 2017, the walled garden where Tennyson loved to walk, sit with his family and entertain guests was recreated. The relaxed planting scheme is based on many descriptions of the garden provided in Emily Tennyson’s journal, and on watercolours painted by Helen Allingham. This includes oriental poppies, poet’s laurel (Danae racemosa), varieties of Delphinium including ‘King Arthur’, ‘Galahad’ and ‘Guinevere’ and tobacco plants (Nicotiana sylvestris), which were said to be more than 7ft in Tennyson’s day.

A small amount of fruit and vegetables are grown, in keeping with the Tennyson’s use of the garden to provide food for family meals, and there is a working Victorian-style greenhouse used to cultivate new plants for the garden. The walled garden features a sundial crafted by sculptor Mary Seton Watts, wife of the Victorian painter and family friend George Frederic Watts.

The original walled garden was built on in the 1970s, after the demolition of 18-holiday cottages, and was replanted in May 2017.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.