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Mill Barn

The unique and quirky garden at Mill Barn is a delight, or rather a series of delights. Along the River Darwin, through the tiny secret grotto, past the suspension bridge and view of the fairytale tower, visitors can stroll past folly, sculptures, lily pond, and lawns, enjoy the naturally planted flowerbeds, then enter the secret garden and through it the pathways of the wooded hillside beyond.

Owner Info

Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn
Mill Barn

About Mill Barn

Then there’s the semi-ruined, folly now incorporating a sauna, after which it’s on past lily pond, mowed herbage, naturally planted flowerbeds, a stone circle to the Secret Garden. From there walk up the curved, enclosed path and along the stilted ‘hyperspace bypass’ walkway. At the top of this the covered sitootery offers a chance to pause for a moment or two. The gentle pathways of the wooded hillside now beckon. Visit the contemplative Japanese Tea House atop the entrance to the Secret Garden, before following the woodland paths back to the river where the house’s conservatory and river viewing platform await.
The garden is surrounded by sterile green fields of perennial ryegrass fertilised with dung containing insecticides from the cattle and cut for silage two or three times a year, free from mice and voles. Here you will find those and hedgehogs. I am increasingly aware that gardens are the last refuge in many parts of the country for insects. Where are the towers of Chironomid flies that were here in the 1970s? I try to do my part to provide a refuge for arthropods, including screwflies that eat my polygonata after flowering in this garden.

Mill Barn features

Location details

Mill Barn,
Preston,
Lancashire,
PR5 0SS

Directions to Mill Barn
From M6 J31 2½m on A59/A677 B/burn. Turn S. Nabs Head Ln, then Goosefoot Ln.

Mill Barn openings

This garden has now completed its National Garden Scheme openings for this year.

Accessibility

  • Partial wheelchair access.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

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

Yes, dogs are welcome at Mill Barn. 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.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Mill Barn, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Mill Barn are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Mill Barn 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.