Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill - Roses

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill (NT) - Roses

 

A passion for tradition and impressing guests inspired one man to transform a run-down country house and desolate landscape. At the age of 30, the future Lord Fairhaven began to create his first home. Wanting to inspire and surprise visitors, he created a spectacular garden with planting for all seasons and a cosy house in which to entertain. Life revolved around horse racing and shooting, and guests enjoyed 1930s luxury.

 

When you step into this elegant home, you journey back to a golden age of country-house living. You can discover Lord Fairhaven’s extensive collection and how the National Trust cares for it, then explore the domestic wing to see how the staff serving Lord Fairhaven ran his household like clockwork. The celebrated garden, with its sweeping avenues, classical statuary and flower borders, offers captivating views, vibrant colours and delicious scents whatever the season. A visit to the historic working watermill on beautiful Quy Water will complete your day.

 

Their much-loved Rose Garden has been extended by another 20 beds, 19 cultivars and around 180 new roses thanks to a generous donation from David Austin Roses.

Carefully chosen for their colour, vigour, pest and disease resistance, the roses have been planted in individual variety beds to showcase the beauty of each delicate flower, including 'The Lady's Blush', 'Scarborough Fair', 'Emily Bronte' and 'Bring me Sunshine'. 

 

Summer highlights

Rose Garden

Situated on what was once the site of dilapidated greenhouses and abandoned vegetable borders, the Rose Garden was one of Lord Fairhaven's first garden projects. 

From early June through to October, it produces a vibrant display of 60 varieties of rose. Many of those can be found in our Plant Centre.

 

Herbaceous Border

Located next to the Dahlia Border, the Herbaceous Border was designed and planted in the 1950s by Major Vernon Daniell, a friend of Lord Fairhaven.

It is based around a broad semi-circle with a central area of grass, and enclosed by beech hedging, creating a room-like feel. 

 

Wildflower meadows

Found to the west of Anglesey Abbey, the Wildflower Meadows cover approximately 25 acres and contain over 50 species of wildflower.

Throughout the summer, the meadows become a hive of activity populated by butterflies, small birds and numerous insects, including very important bees on the search for pollen and nectar. 

 

Skylight Garden

Opened to the public in 2016, the Skylight Garden is located at the northern end of the East Lawn, and consists of an inner circle of 12 oak structures surrounded by hazel bushes; silver-leafed, pleached lime blocks, ornamental grasses and two triangle-shaped beds planted with lilac.

The garden was designed and created as part of a wider celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Lord Fairhaven's passing.

 

 

Tuesday 12 August 2025

Pick ups: Route A & B2

 

£45 per person

£17 National Trust or RHS member discount

 

Price includes:

Admission to Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill

Return Coach Travel

 

 

Anglesey Abbey