Explore Our Partner Gardens
Included in your Borde Hill Membership
Our Partner Gardens
Whether you’re exploring the renowned gardens, farmland, and cyder orchards at The Newt in Somerset, experiencing the harmony between nature and art at Dorset’s Sculpture by the Lakes, delving into the medicinal properties of plants at London’s Chelsea Physic Garden, or uncovering the remarkable story of regeneration at Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan, our growing network of partner gardens offers a carefully curated selection of inspiring green spaces.
Borde Hill members enjoy complimentary entry to our Partner Gardens – some conditions apply, as outlined below.
The Newt in Somerset
A Country Estate, Reimagined
The Newt is a working estate in Somerset with acres of splendid gardens, woodland, farmland and cyder orchards to explore. The gardens have been shaped over the last 200 years by successive enthusiasts, including Margaret Hobhouse who elevated them to a Victorian ideal, introducing colour, a greenhouse and many trees of beech, oak, pine, walnut and cedar. Renowned garden designer Penelope Hobhouse gave Margaret’s vision a new lease of life in the 1970s, followed by Nori and Sandra Pope, whose experiments with colour delighted and inspired thousands of visitors in the mid-1980s.
The latest incarnation has been created by Italo-French architect Patrice Taravella, who believes a garden should be both beautiful and useful. Mixing ornamental and productive elements, the gardens are a feast for the eyes and stomach. At their core sits the Parabola, a walled garden concealing an apple tree maze; at their edges, diverse woodland providing a sheltered habitat for native wildlife.
Discover something new during your visit. Transport yourself back to Roman Britannia and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors in the reimagined Villa Ventorum. Steel yourself for an aerial walk through elegant boughs of noble ash, then get hands on with soil, scents, botany and design at The Story of Gardening.
Visit the world’s most famous gardens in virtual reality pods, admiring the abundant fruit trees of Babylonstoren or gazing into the lily ponds at Monet’s Giverny. Peek into the fascinating life of bees and their hives at the Beezantium. No visit is complete without perusing Somerset specialities and estate breads, meats, cheeses, preserves and cyders in the Farm Shop, or finding the perfect gift in the House & Garden Shop.
Visiting
Borde Hill members can visit The Newt during June and November only as part of their membership, excluding any special events that are subject to an additional charge. Advance booking is not required.
You will need to show a valid Borde Hill membership card on arrival.
Location: Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall
Once lost, now restored, Heligan’s magical gardens are a wonderland of natural beauty
Heligan is a place like no other – a 200-acre working estate with extraordinary gardens nestled on Cornwall’s south coast near Mevagissey. Once shrouded in mystery, this enchanting estate remains deeply interwoven with the Cornish community and horticultural history.
The story of Heligan is one of astonishing regeneration. Lost to time during the outbreak of World War One, its gardens slipped into slumber, hidden beneath brambles. For decades, the estate lay forgotten until the 1990s, when Sir Tim Smit and John Nelson embarked on what would become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Together, they uncovered a wealth of Victorian vision and ingenuity in a romantic adventure that celebrated teamwork, passion, and the love of life.
Now restored, Heligan stands as one of the most mysterious estates in England, originally owned by the Tremayne family, with its gardens dating back to the 1700s. The estate features approximately 40 acres of magical gardens and woodland walks, nurtured with time-honoured techniques from the early 1900s. With its ever-evolving natural canvas shifting with the seasons, Heligan is a must-visit for all ages, year-round.
For over 30 years, Heligan has been a beacon of hope, a haven, and a refuge – home to habitats, wildlife, flora, fauna, and a rich tapestry of human stories. Under the stewardship of its expert team, the estate preserves its past to protect its future, championing the regenerative power of beauty.
Visiting
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is open daily.
Borde Hill members can visit from the 15th Februay to the 24th May and from the 1st September to 21st December 2025 as part of their membership, excluding any special events that are subject to an additional charge. Borde Hill members do not need to pre book, but it is advisable on busy days selecting the ‘complimentary partner garden’ option.
You will need to show a valid Borde Hill membership card on arrival.
Location: Pentewan, PL26 6EN

Sculpture by the Lakes
A Haven of Tranquillity in the Dorest Countryside
Nestled in 26 acres of glorious countryside, Sculpture by the Lakes is a tranquil haven that enables visitors to take a breath and immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience. Discover a beautiful compilation of sculptures, mostly by co-owner and renowned contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon. Each piece is complimented by the carefully crafted landscape in which it resides – the work of Garden Director Monique Gudgeon’s horticultural hand.
Home to a plethora of wildlife, this breath-taking site was awarded Botanic Garden accreditation in 2023, the only sculpture park in the world to receive the accolade from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). It is a clear indication of the amount of love and craft poured into every inch which celebrates the seamless symmetry between art, nature and relaxation.
The BGCI aims to recognise gardens which conform to the highest international standards which make significant contributions to plant conservation, enabling Sculpture by the Lakes to join the likes of The Eden Project and the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Lose time and unwind in the sculpture park and make your day feel really special at the Makers Yard. Here you can enjoy delicious homemade food in the Kitchen, with produce sourced on-site at the kitchen garden.
An on-site Gallery featuring UK and international artists, as well as Simon’s works, is open to creative people with a love for the outdoors. Within the Store you can find artisan gifts and luxury goods while the Pantry sells delectable produce – much of which is made by the Kitchen’s chefs and hand delivered – available to take home.
Visiting
Sculpture by the Lakes is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Borde Hill Adult and Couple members can visit throughout February, March and April, and August, September and October as part of their membership, excluding any special events that are subject to an additional charge. Advance booking is recommended.
Sculpture by the Lakes do not allow entry to children under the age of 14, including babies.
You will need to show a valid Borde Hill membership card on arrival.
Location: Dorchester, DT2 8QU

Chelsea Physic Garden
One of the Oldest Botanic Gardens in Europe
Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden, established in 1673, by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London. They studied the medicinal properties of plants and the Garden remains a centre of plant science today.
The Garden is four acres in size and home to over 4,500 different plants. Visitors can discover plants from around the world and explore the Victorian glasshouses which have recently undergone a careful restoration, made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Physic Garden Café serves up hot drinks and snacks and sit down dining at lunchtime – the perfect pit-stop after enjoying the Garden.
Visiting
Chelsea Physic Garden is closed on Saturdays.
Borde Hill members enjoy free entry to Chelsea Physic Garden as part of their membership, excluding any special events that are subject to an additional charge. Advance booking is not required.
You will need to show a valid Borde Hill membership card on arrival.
Location: Chelsea, London SW3 4HS. The nearest tube station is Sloane Square (District and Circle lines).

Membership
Connect to the beauty of nature while supporting our Garden for future generations by becoming a Member.
From less than £3.00 a month, Members enjoy unlimited access to the Garden, Woodland and Playground throughout the open season, as well as free entry to highlights from our varied events programme. Visit time and again and enjoy free family trails during the school holidays, exclusive open days, monthly newsletters and access to our growing network of Partner Gardens.
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Our Garden & Grounds
Set within 383 acres of heritage listed Parkland, our formal Garden captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate 'Garden rooms'. Beyond the formal Garden you can explore Woodland walks, the South Park and our lakes with outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.
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As a small, independent Garden Charity, we rely on your kind generosity to help fund our projects and to continue to grow sustainably, protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. 'Reinventing Borde Hill' is our most ambitious project to date and your support will help us to achieve exciting plans to benefit our local community.
It would make a huge difference if you would consider supporting us by making a donation – thank you.
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