Things To Do Under 20 Miles from Melton Mowbray

Searching for things to do in Melton Mowbray? Escape the bustle and head for Easton Walled Gardens, an enchanting estate garden tucked into a Lincolnshire valley, just under an hour’s drive from town. Whether you’re after fresh air, peaceful walking or simply a slower pace, this is a place to linger.

Explore Easton Walled Gardens

Twelve acres of thoughtfully restored gardens unfold gently down the valley, from wildflower meadows and orchard trees to cottage borders, riverside paths and ancient yew tunnels. Each area has its own rhythm, shaped by the seasons. In spring, snowdrops and bulbs carpet the woodland. Summer brings sweet peas, velvet borders and tall, dancing grasses. As autumn draws in, sweetpeas and roses take the stage, with striking colours and golden light.

Step over the old stone bridge that spans the River Witham and pause there a while. You might catch sight of a trout beneath the surface or hear the quiet buzz of insects through the reeds.

Take to the Trails

Beyond the garden walls, you’ll find peaceful countryside footpaths. Follow informal trails through woodland edges or head down along the river as it winds through open fields. There are no signposts here. Just clear air, bird calls and the open sky. Pack a camera, wear boots, and let your footsteps find their own rhythm.

Bringing Your Dog?

Assistance dogs are always welcome throughout the estate. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in The Courtyard and Coffee Room year-round. On our Dog Days, every Sunday in August, they’re free to join you in the gardens too. For dachshund lovers, the Sausage Stroll on Sunday 24 August is a playful, tail-wagging event for hounds and humans alike.

Visit The Courtyard

At the heart of Easton lies The Courtyard, a calm, sociable space where you can stop and refuel.

• The Coffee Room is cosy, dog-friendly, and always tempting with cake
• Griffin of Easton stocks quality stationery and art supplies
• The Courtyard Shop is packed with handmade finds and beautiful keepsakes

Whether you come for the coffee, the calm, or something to carry home, there’s plenty to do at Easton, not far from Melton Mowbray.

Upcoming Events

There’s always things to do at Easton:

Yoga in the White Space Garden
Stretch, breathe and start your weekend right with an outdoor yoga session led by Laura Jekyll. Sessions run on alternating Saturdays from 26 July through September. Meet at 9:15am at the Coffee Room; class starts at 9:30am.

Pizza & Prosecco Night – 31 July
Join us for pizza under the stars and prosecco in hand. Enjoy The Courtyard in the golden light of evening, then take a quiet stroll through the garden.

Dog Days – Every Sunday in August
Bring your dog for a full garden visit. Dogs are welcome throughout opening hours, with no extra charge for four-legged guests.

Sausage Stroll – 24 August
An early evening just for dachshunds and their humans. Photo spots, open gardens, and plenty of wagging tails. Dogs go free. Admission applies to humans.

Art Workshops with Monty Cholmeley – 10 September
Watercolour in the morning, drawing in the afternoon. Join one or both sessions and enjoy hands-on creative time in the gardens.

Autumn Tree Tour – 4 October
Meet at 9am for coffee and a pastry, then head off for a private walking tour of the Easton Estate’s trees with Monty Cholmeley.

Practical Details

Open Wednesday to Sunday from mid-February through December. Admission is £12 for adults, £5 for children. Historic Houses members and Friends of Easton go free. Dogs are welcome in the Courtyard at all times and in the gardens on Dog Days. Parking is free. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a book or sketchpad for riverside unwinding.

A Day Well Spent

Spend your morning moving slowly through the gardens. Let scent and shape guide you. Sit beside the river. Follow a footpath that opens into open fields. Then circle back for coffee, a quiet browse, and perhaps a little something to take home. At Easton there are so many things for you to do on offer. From Melton, it’s not far, but it feels like a long exhale.

[Book Tickets] or [View Upcoming Events] to plan your visit.