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Grove Lodge

A large walled garden close to the town centre with unusually high biodiversity (e.g. 17 species of butterfly recorded) close to the turf maze and Norman castle. Semi-woodland on light free-draining chalk soil allows bulbs, hellebores and winter-flowering shrubs to thrive. Two ponds, topiary and orchard blend some formality with informal areas where wildlife thrives.

Owner Info

Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge
Grove Lodge

About Grove Lodge

A large (0.5 acre) walled garden dating back to early Victorian times in a building conservation area about 10 minutes walk from the town centre. Semi-woodland on light free-draining chalk soil allows bulbs, hellebores and winter-flowering shrubs to thrive. Other shrubs and flowers ensure interest throughout the year. Many of the trees are mature and include an orchard that extends through much of the garden. Box and yew topiary and hedges retain shape and interest through the winter. There are two ponds in which wildlife thrives. The more formal front garden links through to the less formal back garden.

Sympathetic gardening and the range of habitats lead to an unusually high biodiversity for a town garden. 17 species of butterfly have been recorded and some 58 species of birds with more wildlife awaiting identification. In 2020, badgers were recorded while bee orchids again appeared in 2023.

2023 February edition of Garden Answers magazine.

Grove Lodge features

Location details

Grove Lodge,
Saffron Walden,
Essex,
CB10 2AB

Directions to Grove Lodge
Facing the common on E side, about 100 yds from the turf maze. Note: Chater's Hill is one way.

Grove Lodge 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 Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

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 Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

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 Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

Visit by Arrangement

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from 2 January.

Please contact the garden owner to discuss your requirements and arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit.

Refreshments Light refreshments.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access via fairly steep drive leading to terrace from which the garden may be viewed.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Grove Lodge at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Grove Lodge. 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 Grove Lodge are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Grove Lodge 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.