Things To Do Near Bourne

Easton Walled Gardens is an easy trip from Bourne, with 12 acres of restored gardens in the Lincolnshire countryside near Colsterworth. Explore the gardens, stop for coffee or lunch and browse two independent shops. The Courtyard is free to visit; tickets are only required to enter the gardens.

A garden to visit near Bourne

If you enjoy gardens, plants and the Lincolnshire countryside, Easton is close enough to Bourne for an easy half-day visit.

The Cholmeley family have lived at Easton since 1561. Easton Hall was demolished in 1951 and its gardens were almost lost with it. Restoration began in 2001, working with the surviving walls, terraces, mature trees and traces of the old gardens.

Today there are 12 acres to explore, running down through a small valley towards the River Witham.

What can you do at Easton?

Come for a walk around the gardens, combine your visit with coffee or lunch, browse the shops or make a longer day of it.

At Easton you can:

• explore 12 acres of restored gardens
• wander through meadows, orchards and more formal garden areas
• follow paths down towards the River Witham
• discover the Yew Tunnel, Pickery, Turf Maze and Cottage Garden
• see snowdrops, spring bulbs, blossom, roses, meadow flowers and sweet peas through the seasons
• stop for coffee, lunch or homemade cake in The Coffee Room
• browse homewares, garden goods and gifts in The Courtyard Shop
• visit Griffin of Easton for stationery, books and artists’ materials
• join seasonal events, talks and creative workshops

What will I see in the gardens?

There is no single best moment to see Easton because the garden changes continually through the year.

Snowdrops are one of the first signs of the new season, followed by spring bulbs and blossom. As the garden moves towards summer, roses, meadow flowers and sweet peas take over. Later in the year, grasses, seedheads, fruit and the changing colour of the mature trees become part of the picture.

The garden itself moves between formal and informal spaces. Old terraces and limestone walls sit alongside meadows and orchards, while paths lead down through the valley towards the River Witham.

There is no prescribed route around Easton. Wander, double back and take whichever path catches your eye.

Easton’s sweet peas

Sweet peas have become a particular part of Easton’s story.

We grow them in the gardens each year and harvest seed from selected varieties for our own Easton Walled Gardens sweet pea seed collection.

For gardeners visiting from Bourne and South Lincolnshire, summer is a particularly good time to see them growing at Easton and discover varieties to grow at home.

Coffee, lunch and independent shopping

You don’t need to visit the gardens to come to Easton.

The Courtyard is free to visit, and no garden ticket is required to use The Coffee Room or visit either of our shops.

The Coffee Room serves coffee, lunch and homemade cakes, with seating inside and in The Courtyard.

The Courtyard Shop has a changing selection of homewares, garden goods and gifts, while Griffin of Easton specialises in stationery, books and artists’ materials.

So Easton works equally well for a garden visit or a shorter trip for coffee, lunch and a browse.

When is the best time to visit Easton Walled Gardens?

It depends on what you would most like to see.

Come early in the season for snowdrops and spring bulbs, later in spring for blossom and new growth, and in summer for roses, meadows and sweet peas. Autumn brings grasses, seedheads and changing colour through the gardens.

Many of our regular visitors return during the year to see the garden at different stages.

For current opening days and admission, please check Opening Times & Prices before travelling.

Where is Easton Walled Gardens from Bourne?

Easton Walled Gardens is at Easton, near Colsterworth, between Bourne, Stamford and Grantham.

The gardens are easily reached from South Lincolnshire, with free visitor parking at Easton.

See Getting Here for directions before travelling.

Plan your visit

Opening days, events and garden admission change during the year, so you can find the latest information on:

• Opening Times & Prices — current garden opening and admission
• What’s On — events, workshops and special days
• Getting Here — directions to Easton
• Plan Your Visit — practical information for your visit

Frequently asked questions

What gardens can I visit near Bourne?

Easton Walled Gardens is a 12-acre restored garden near Colsterworth in Lincolnshire. The gardens include meadows, terraces, orchards, the Pickery, Yew Tunnel and Turf Maze, with planting that changes throughout the seasons.

Is Easton Walled Gardens near Bourne?

Yes. Easton Walled Gardens is near Colsterworth, between Bourne, Stamford and Grantham, making it an easy trip from Bourne and the surrounding villages.

When can I see the sweet peas at Easton Walled Gardens?

Sweet peas are one of Easton’s summer highlights. Their exact flowering period depends on the season, so check the website for current garden highlights before making a special journey to see them.

Can I visit Easton just for coffee or lunch?

Yes. The Coffee Room is in The Courtyard, which is free to visit. You don’t need a garden ticket to use The Coffee Room or visit the shops.

Do I need to book to visit Easton Walled Gardens?

You do not normally need to pre-book for general garden admission. Workshops, special events and experiences may require advance booking.

Are dogs allowed at Easton Walled Gardens?

Dogs on leads are welcome in The Courtyard, shops and Coffee Room. Assistance dogs are welcome in the gardens during normal opening, and designated Dog Days are held when visitors can bring dogs into the gardens.