Benington Lordship
Tranquil garden park known for its verdant country landscape, castle ruins and contemporary sculpture.
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 7BS
Facilities
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Accessible parking
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
- Guide dogs welcome
The garden at Benington Lordship sits on an ancient fortified site which has been occupied since Saxon times. What you see today are the earthworks of a medieval motte and bailey castle and the ruins of a Norman keep, now a listed monument.
The gardens were initially laid out in the early 20th-century and surround the manor house, the core of which was built around 1700.
The magnificent neo-norman folly, comprising a gatehouse, summer house and adjoining curtain wall, was completed in 1838 by James Pulham of Broxbourne.
The west wing of the house was added in 1905 by the present owner’s family with an Edwardian verandah which takes advantage of the glorious views over the park and surrounding farmland.
Refreshments are only available on event days as specified on our website.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Benington Lordship opens its gardens to the public during the growing season, from February through the summer months. Access is strictly limited to advertised opening dates and times only.
Snowdrop Season
The gardens open annually in February to celebrate the flowering of snowdrops and hellebores. In 2027, the Snowdrop Season runs from Saturday 6th February to Sunday 28th February, open daily from 11am to 4pm.
Spring & Summer Openings
Tuesday Open Gardens take place every Tuesday from March to June 2026, from 11am to 3pm.
A Charity Open Day in support of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) is held on Sunday 22nd March 2026 from 2pm to 5pm.
The Benington Floral Festival & Open Gardens is a highlight of the season, taking place on Saturday 27th June and Sunday 28th June 2026 from 12pm to 5pm.
Access Policy
The grounds are not open to the public outside of these advertised times. Please check the dates above before planning your visit.
Historic Houses members visit for free except during events.
Adults £9.00 (£10 on Sundays in February)
Plant fair & Floral Festival £10
Chilli Festival (HH members not free) £12
For pre-booked parties, outside normal opening hours, refreshments can be arranged when making a booking. Please email via our website.
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 7BS
The garden is located four miles east of Stevenage in the village of Benington, next to the church. Tourist signs are posted off the A602 between Stevenage and Hertford and A507 between Buntingford and Baldock.
You can take the train to Stevenage, Watton at Stone or Hertford North and a taxi to the gardens.
The garden is famous for its display of naturalised snowdrops around the moat and inner bailey. In spring, following the snowdrops, the garden is covered in swathes of scilla byzantica, daffodils, fritillaries and flowering shrubs and trees.
This is followed by the full summer glory of roses and the spectacular double herbaceous borders. In addition there are three spring fed pools which flow into two large ponds, one of which is managed as a wildlife haven.
A walled kitchen garden is home to a small nursery and vegetable plots.
One of our visitors recently brought a tortoise to tea in our tea room. We welcome all kinds of guests at Benington Lordship and hope you enjoy your visit.
Historic Houses nearby
Stanstead Bury
Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JZ
Knebworth House, Park & Gardens
Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG3 6PY
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