Things to do

St Paul's Walden Bury is a Grade 1 listed garden laid out in 1720 and has kept the original design of a formal woodland garden, with temples, statues and ponds. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

See the website www.stpaulswaldenbury.co.uk for opening times.

We welcome children to the garden (2 children free with each paying adult). There is lots of fun to be had running around this 50 acre garden - but children must be supervised as there is a lake and ponds. Group or individual visits are welcome. In the house children can see Victorian children's books and school work done by the Queen Mother.

The formal garden was influenced by French 17th century architects, such as Le Notre, and is based on the classic patte d'oie (goose foot) design, in which avenues radiate from a focal point. The visitor frequently comes upon surprises: there are unexpected temples and statues, hidden glades and a secluded terraced theater.

There is an interesting collection of plants in the more recent woodland garden, and wild flowers are encouraged. There are displays of snowdrops from January, then daffodils and cowslips. April and May are the best months to see the spectacular rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas in full flower, as well as lovely bluebells. June and July bring the woodland paeonies and lilies, while carpets of wild orchids have naturalized here in recent years. In the autumn there are displays of colchicums (autumn crocuses).

There are also tours of this charming small stately home, with its interesting collection of pictures and ceramics and family memorabilia.

Location: 5 miles south of Hitchin, on B651. Bus service 304.