Open Garden - National Garden Scheme

Half acre garden set around Blackfordby’s “hidden” Grade II listed thatched cottage, which itself is more than 300 years old. In total there are 3.4 acres of paddocks, front and rear gardens to explore with extensive displays of Snowdrops (including a named collection), Hellebores and, later in Spring, Snakes Heads to the front garden.

There is a large selection of mature Magnolia trees, specimen trees, several ponds, a waterfall and an old newly restored well.

The lower paddock has been planted with 450 native trees as part of the National Forest Freewoods scheme, with a drainage pond created at its base. The central swathe is being developed with wildflowers. At the top of the rear garden there is a chicken run, old and new orchards and a peach house.

Oak Cottage garden was originally visited by Geoff Hamilton of BBC Gardeners World way back in 1987 and, in 2024, played host once again to the programme for a presentation by Adam Frost on the story of bulbs throughout the year.

15th February 2026

and

12th April 2026

£5.00 per adult children free