Skip to content
Menu

Grimsthorpe Castle

The Grade l listed gardens encompass nearly 70 acres and inc large formal lawns, fine topiary and formal hedges, ornamental and productive kitchen garden, large herbaceous borders, rose parterre and woodland walks with spring bulb displays. Visitors can explore the surrounding 3000 acre estate that encompasses a Capability Brown landscape, in addition to the tranquil and relaxing gardens.

Owner Info

Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle

About Grimsthorpe Castle

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, covering an area of 70 acres. Looking away from the 18th century Sir John Vanbrugh north front, a wide tree lined vista carries your 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 you 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, created in 1965, is an early example of a formal potager and is filled with seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Trimmed Buxus, 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 enhance the colours.

The gardens at Grimsthorpe Castle offer something for everyone from expansive lawns for children to play and picnic to topiary and flower borders for the more horticulturally minded.
In 2018 the Old walled garden was opened to visitors for the first time to showcase a collection of exhibits forming the ‘Art & Memory’ collection, which highlight the art of letter carving alongside our veteran orchard.

Guided tours are available for the castle and gardens, and the parkland is accessible for cyclists and walkers.
.

Website:

https://www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

Grimsthorpe Castle features

Location details

Grimsthorpe Castle,
Bourne,
Lincolnshire,
PE10 0LY

Directions to Grimsthorpe Castle
8m E of A1 on A151 from Colsterworth junc. Main entrance gates indicated by brown tourist sign.

Grimsthorpe Castle openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake at Coach House Tearoom.
Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: £6.00
Opening times 10:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake at Coach House Tearoom.
Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: £6.00
Opening times 10:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Gravel paths and disabled ramps.
  • Share this garden

Other Gardens of Potential Interest

Ivy Cottage image
Ivy Cottage

Ivy Cottage garden has been redesigned and planted over the past three years. The 0.3 acre garden features a summerhouse, patio and mixed borders...

Read more
The Manor image
The Manor

Set in the heart of rural Lincolnshire, Bardney Manor Walled Gardens offer a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the charm of a...

Read more
Oxcombe Manor image
Oxcombe Manor

Oxcombe lies in a secluded picturesque valley of the Lincolnshire Wolds, with a manor house, traditional farmstead and parish church among a kitchen...

Read more
Woodside Farmhouse image
Woodside Farmhouse

Wrapping around a C17 Lincolnshire Longhouse, the garden has been 16 years in the making. From a derelict house and plot, the garden has evolved to...

Read more
Boston Exotic Garden image
Boston Exotic Garden

Built from a blank canvas since 2017, this 42m x 12m garden has been transformed into an exotic garden full of interesting tropical plants with huge...

Read more
49 Church Street image
49 Church Street

A beautiful riverside garden with fabulous open views. We have mature trees, topiary, borders and several relaxing seating areas in different styles....

Read more
The Ash image
The Ash

What is now the garden was a field when we moved here in 2021. Work commenced in the October and today the garden is full of shrubs, trees, cutting...

Read more
Battleford Hall image
Battleford Hall

' A new garden on old bones'. A Victorian garden with formal clipped hedging, rose parterres alongside colourful borders and a walled herbalist...

Read more

Don’t miss out

Sign up to our weekly newsletter to hear more about the gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme, events and activities throughout the year

Sign up to our newsletter

FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Grimsthorpe Castle. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Grimsthorpe Castle. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Grimsthorpe Castle are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Grimsthorpe Castle seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.