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Oak Farm

Informal farmhouse garden of about an acre on an exposed site. Garden designed to make most of stunning views across Colne Valley to south and west, framed to north by listed house and farmyard. Trees, shrubs, borders, roses and secret garden at best in early and mid summer. Prairie garden, salvias and dahlias come into their own in late summer to early autumn.

Owner Info

Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm
Oak Farm

About Oak Farm

Welcome to our old farmhouse garden in the south facing Colne Valley.

We inherited the property and moved here in 1987 and have been developing and introducing new features and planting ever since. We are always seeking unusual plants that suit our exposed valley site with its gravelly, droughty soil and we learn from Beth Chatto’s dry-bed expertise in her Elmstead Market garden. Look out for the secret garden and stumpery. On- going projects include a rose garden, with further projects underway for next season. With its extensive valley views, vibrant beds and shady secret spots, we hope you will enjoy your visit.

Oak Farm features

Location details

Oak Farm,
Vernons Road,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO6 2AH

Directions to Oak Farm
Vernons Rd off A1124, halfway between Ford St & Chappel. From Colchester, 3rd R after t-lights at Ford St bridge; Oak Farm is 200m up on R. From Halstead, 2nd L after Chappel viaduct.

Oak Farm 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: £5.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 14:00-16:30

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: £5.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 14:00-16:30

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: £5.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 14:00-16:30

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: £5.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 14:00-16:30

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: £5.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 14:00-16:30

Visit by Arrangement

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from 11 May to 11 September for groups of between 10 and 25.

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

Refreshments Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £5.00
Child: £0.00

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access to most of the garden. Steps in places.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Oak Farm at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Oak Farm. 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 Oak Farm, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Oak Farm are accessible to wheelchair users.

Oak Farm is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.