Gorgeous Rectories & Old Vicarages to visit this year

For centuries, vicarages have been at the heart of quintessential English village life, built with the same care and due diligence given to churches they were generally built to last with fantastic outlooks and big gardens. The demand for these properties continues today and their gardens provide the perfect space for a National Garden Scheme open day.

In 2026, 75 Rectories and Old Vicarages will open their gates – among them The Old Rectory, Farnbrough, Oxon that was once home to John Betjeman and described as ‘one of the loveliest old Rectories in the country’. The stunning 8 acre garden has been opening for the National Garden Scheme since 1971. In 2026 you can visit on 12 April, 10 May, 24 June and 29 July.

Other notable gardens include:

East Ruston Old Vicarage, Norfolk – opens 17 October
The Old Rectory, Wrestlington, Bedfordshire – opens in May and By Arrangement
Old Rectory, Newbury, Berkshire – a classic English Country garden around a regency former rectory. Opens By Arrangement
The Old Rectory, Doynton, Bristol – walled garden and 15 acre estate – a garden of diversity, modern and traditional. Opens 20 June

The Old Rectory. Wisbech, Cambs,  classical, formal and welcoming. A naturalistic partly walled back garden planted in the cottage style with a host of roses. Opens 7 June
The Old Vicarage, Talland, Cornwall, Vibrant 4 acre south-facing coastal garden, with varied stunning vistas of Talland Bay. Opens 16 May and 27 June
Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden, County Antrim – A mature 3 acre garden on an historic site. Opens 20 and 21 June
The Old Vicarage, Matlock, Derbyshire, glorious gardens with views to Black Rocks. Opens on dates in May and September
The Old Rectory, Pulham, Dorset – opens 2 & 6 August and By Arrangement
The OId Rectory, Litton Cheney, Dorset – opens 26 & 29 April & 5 July and By Arrangement
Pugin Hall, Dorset – once Rampisham Rectory, designed in 1847 by Augustus Pugin, opens 17 May and 14 June

The Old Rectory, Chelmsford, Essex, herbaceous borders, a delightful courtyard, lake, fountain and sweeping lawns. Opens 10 May
The Old Rectory, Otterden, Kent – a stunning 4 acre woodland garden full of seasonal beauty – opens By Arrangement
Hoe Hall, Dereham, Norfolk – By Arrangement 15 May to June for groups of 10-50
Old Rectory, Quinton, Northamptonshire – a contemporary 3 acre garden by award-winning designer Anoushka Feiler. Opens 7 June
The Old Vicarage, Halam, Nottinghamshire – Visit this much-admired gem in probably, the last year of opening! Operns 16 May, 13 June, 19 July, 23 August and By Arrangement
The Old Vicarage, Whissendine, Rutland,  terrace with topiary, formal fountain courtyard and raised beds backed by gothic orangery. Opens 17 May
The Old Vicarage, Bishops Castle, Shropshire includes a rose garden and a romantic ruin. Opens 21 June
The Old Vicarage, Suffolk, developed over 30 years with a formal beds and a delightful orangery. Opens 21 June
The Old Rectory, Bletchingley, Surrey – opens 7 June (lead image)

Sullington Old Rectory, West Sussex – opens 7 & 8 July
The Old Rectory, Pulborough, West Sussex – opens 13 & 14 June
The Old Vicarage, West Sussex – A truly creative garden, nurtured over 35 yrs to become a visitor favourite – opens on Thursdays until 1 October (and some bank holidays)
The Old Rectory, Chippenham, Wiltshire – opens as part of the Dauntsey Gardens Group on 7 June
Fovant House, Salisbury, Wiltshire – redesigned by Arabella Lennox Boyd in 2016 – opens 30 May.
The Old Vicarage, Swindon, Wiltshire within the vale of the White Horse made up of a floriferous walled garden, a wildflower meadow, an extensive kitchen garden. Opens 30 May
The Old Vicarage, Driffield, East Yorkshire – a plantsman’s garden with lots of horticultural interest and fun for children too. Opens 26 July
The Old Vicarage, Whixley, Yorkshire, mixed borders, old roses, hardy and half-hardy perennials, topiary, bulbs and many hellebores give interest all year. Opens 7 June and By Arrangement

The Old Rectory, Wrestlingworth