Opening Up For Spring - Gardens to Visit - Leighton Buzzard Magazine

These beautiful local locations will be opening their gates once more in March,

Ascott Estate – House and Gardens

One of the houses and parks right on our doorstep and yet frequently missing from Leighton Buzzard ‘to do lists’. This glorious location with incredible views across to Mentmore, is located just on the outskirts of Leighton Buzzard on the road to Wing. The estate reopens on 17th March and in spring, the gardens burst into life with carpets of rainbow-coloured tulips and daffodils and sweetly-scented blossoms. Choose to walk the gardens or explore the art and ceramics of the house. The pavillion serve delicious teas and cakes.

There first formal event of the year is on Wednesday 25 March, 1 – 3pm Join expert Head Gardener Ian for an exclusive spring tour of Ascott’s ever-changing gardens. Highlights such as the Madeira Walk, Cherry Dell, Richard Long’s iconic Ascott Circle, and more, as Ian (Ascott’s Head Gardener) shares stories, design ideas, and horticultural details that shape these remarkable spaces. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to our working glasshouses and nursery.

There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about how the gardens are nurtured and developed throughout the year.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear suitable footwear. The route involves steps and uneven paths. Each tour lasts approximately 120 minutes and finishes at the Tea Room. Afterwards, why not treat yourself to a delicious hot drink or a slice of cake? £15 per person, requires valid Gardens admission.

Waddesdon Manor – House and Gardens

The house is put to bed for the winter months and will reopen on 25th March. In the meantime there is a rich program of events. Whilst the house is closed the gardens can be explored and there is an extensive program of events plus Mothering Sunday teas.

Eythrope Parkland Spring Tours

Every Wednesday from 4March until 29 April. Start at 10.15am. Departure by shuttle bus from the visitor car park.

This Spring enjoy a one-hour tour of the private parkland and woodland garden at Eythrope, led by the garden guides. Laid out for Sir William Stanhope in the mid-18th century, with improvements made to the garden by Alice de Rothschild, who added the boathouse and planting schemes including the snowdrops. More recently spring bulbs and winter flowering shrubs have been introduced to create a truly inspiring winter walk.
Adult £15, RHS member £12.50

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Despite Luton Hoo closing in 2025 the walled garden continues as a volunteer led project. A unique Capability Brown-designed Walled Garden with historic service buildings and garden structures. They have a program of walks and talks to enjoy including a Heritage Walk on 4th March at 10am. To explore all their events and to find ticket links visit their Facebook page or search ‘Try Tickets Luton Hoo’ to find other options.