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 and Events at Benington Lordship Gardens
Benington Lordship Gardens is a private family home with gardens that are open to the public on selected dates throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and events:
Snowdrops
The gardens are open daily from Saturday 7th February to Sunday 1st March 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During this time, visitors can enjoy a spectacular display of naturalized snowdrops, hellebores, aconites, and winter-flowering shrubs. Admission prices are:
- Adults: £9.00
- Children under 16 years: £4.00
- Children under 3 years: Free
Special snowdrop sales will take place on 7th, 8th, and 14th February.
Charity Open Day for NGS
The gardens will be open on Sunday 22nd March 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, as part of the National Gardens Scheme. Visitors can enjoy spring bulbs and blossoms while supporting nursing and health charities. Admission prices are:
- Adults: £9.00
- Children under 16 years: £4.00
- Children under 3 years: Free
Plant Fairs Roadshow
On Sunday 14th June 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the gardens will host the Plant Fairs Roadshow, featuring plants from specialist nurseries. Admission prices are:
- Adults: £10.00
- Children under 16 years: £4.00
- Children under 3 years: Free
Benington Floral Festival & Open Gardens
The gardens will be open on Saturday 27th June and Sunday 28th June 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, as part of the Benington Floral Festival. Visitors can explore floral displays in St. Peter's Church and several village gardens. Admission prices are:
- Adults: £10.00
- Children under 16 years: £4.00
- Children under 3 years: Free
Chilli Festival
The Chilli Festival will take place on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th, and Monday 31st August 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This event features over 60 stalls with chilli products and refreshments. Admission prices are:
- Adults: £12.00
- Children under 16 years: £4.00
- Children under 12 years: Free
Additional Information
- Free parking is available, with directions from the village of Benington, 4 miles east of Stevenage.
- Refreshments are available in the tea room during February and at other events as specified.
- Dogs are not allowed on the premises.
For group visits or additional information, please contact the organizers directly.
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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