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.
Benington Lordship Gardens offers a variety of seasonal attractions and events throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of their opening times and events:
Snowdrops
The gardens are open every February for the Snowdrop Walk, showcasing a spectacular display of naturalized snowdrops, hellebores, and winter-flowering shrubs. The 2026 opening times are from Saturday 7 February to Sunday 1 March, daily from 11am to 4pm. In 2027, the gardens will be open from Saturday 6 February to Sunday 28 February, also daily from 11am to 4pm. Admission prices are £9.00 for adults, £4.00 for children under 16, and free for children under 3. Refreshments are available in the tea room (Monday to Saturday) or the parish hall (Sundays).
Tuesday Open Gardens
From March to June 2026, the gardens are open every Tuesday from 11am to 3pm. Admission is £9.00 for adults. No refreshments are available on-site during these openings.
Charity Open Day for NGS
On Sunday 22 March 2026, the gardens will be open from 2pm to 5pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme. Admission prices are £9.00 for adults, £4.00 for children under 16, and free for children under 3. Refreshments will be available in the village hall.
Plant Fairs Roadshow
On Sunday 14 June 2026, the gardens will host the Plant Fairs Roadshow from 11am to 4pm. Admission prices are £10.00 for adults, £4.00 for children under 16, and free for children under 3. Refreshments will be available on-site.
Benington Floral Festival & Open Gardens
On Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June 2026, the gardens will be open from 12pm to 5pm as part of the Benington Floral Festival. Admission prices are £10.00 for adults, £4.00 for children under 16, and free for children under 3. Refreshments will be available in the village hall.
Chilli Festival
The Chilli Festival will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday 29 August to Monday 31 August 2026, daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission prices are £12.00 for adults, £4.00 for children under 16, and free for children under 12. Refreshments will be available on-site.
Additional Information
- Disabled Access: Information for disabled visitors is available.
- Parking: Free parking is provided. Follow signs to the village of Benington, 4 miles east of Stevenage.
- Dogs: No dogs are allowed on-site.
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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