Things to do

St Paul's Walden Bury is a Grade 1 listed garden laid out in the early 18th century and has kept the original concept of a formal woodland garden, with temples, statues and ponds.

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.

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. The long avenues are lined with clipped beech hedges: the original plantings of clipped hornbeam were replaced in the 1930's to the same design.

There is an interesting collection of plants in the more recent woodland garden, and wild flowers are encouraged. There are displays of snowdrops from February, 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. This was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and an idiosyncratic collection of pictures and ceramics includes family memorabilia. Enjoy the beautiful 18th century architecture and plasterwork and later Victorian rooms. See the website www.stpaulswaldenbury.co.uk