Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden

About the garden

The Walled Garden at Luton Hoo Estate, designed by Capability Brown in the late 1760s for John Stuart, third Earl of Bute, blends historical significance with ongoing restoration. The garden has evolved over the centuries to reflect the horticultural trends of its time, with each owner leaving a distinctive mark. By 2001, the garden had fallen into disrepair, prompting Mrs. Phillips and her daughter Charlotte to spearhead the Walled Garden Project. This initiative, led by dedicated volunteers, has since focused on uncovering the garden’s rich history and restoring it for future generations.
 
Today, the five-acre garden, surrounded by its original 18th-century octagonal wall, features a range of structures, including glasshouses like the Mackenzie Moncur Conservatory (circa 1911), a vinery, and service buildings such as the Head Gardener’s office, potting shed, and boiler house. Visitors can experience the garden’s revival firsthand during the open season, where the Walled Garden project’s passionate team shares insights into their restoration efforts. The garden is a dynamic space and continues to be revived, repaired, and re-imagined for the enjoyment of all.