Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The inspirational, award-winning and world-renowned gardens of 'the most influential gardener of our time' Beth Chatto OBE VMH. Beth took on a challenging site in the 1960s, which was boggy in places, incredibly dry and infertile in others, and began to create the most beautiful garden, based on her principles of ecological and sustainable planting 'Right plant, right place'; growing plants where they are happiest. With her team, Beth transformed the land into various informal gardens comprising the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden. 7.5 acres of sustainable planting in challenging growing conditions to inspire any gardener or plant lover. Extensive nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs, plus giftshop and tearoom serving locally sourced light refreshments. Entry to tearoom, gift shop and nursery is free. Entry to the gardens must be rebooked online.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
1,225 reviews
Excellent
737
Very good
337
Average
100
Poor
39
Terrible
12
corokia
Deal, UK8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Was surprised how varied the garden was. So much to see and so attractive. I was looking forward to the dry garden, which did not disappoint but there was so much more. The water area was welcome , it was a hot day.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trish C
36 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The gardens are an absolute delight. Just the right size. The different areas make it more interesting. The ladies at reception were welcoming and friendly with a good sense of humour.
Tea room serves good food, staff again are welcoming and friendly. We enjoyed our lunch so much we went back for tea and cake which was freshly made and delicious
Tea room serves good food, staff again are welcoming and friendly. We enjoyed our lunch so much we went back for tea and cake which was freshly made and delicious
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rwbee2016
Greater London, UK20 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Expensive entrance fee and 130 ml tub of ice .cream was £3.75 when rrp is £2..30 but garden well manicured but no longer special soul any more…could be anywhere
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sepia1957
Colchester, UK16 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Had a fabulous day at Beth Chatto gardens. Absolutely wonderful to walk around these aesthetically pleasing, idyllic and tranquil settings. They have kept the gardens and flowers in first class order despite the torrential rain we have had. What is more they provide a wonderful selection of home made cakes and other food and very acceptable prices considering the surroundings! Well done. I will most certainly recommend this to my friends.
Carrie
Carrie
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Carrie. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. It's great to read that you enjoyed your visit so much and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens again soon.
All the best
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cath B
Lewes, UK73 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This was my second, eagerly awaited visit. My arthritis is much worse now but I could access most ares with my rollator. The gravel garden gave us much inspiration as we have altered our own garden to cope with drought and have plans for a scree front garden. The water garden is probably my favourite in all the many gardens I’ve been to. Absolutely everywhere one can see the incredible vision of Beth Chatto. The made environment works so well with the house, particularly where she planted her trees and which ones she chose. Plan to spend a long time here. The cafe sells excellent sandwiches and cakes and is very reasonable. The nursery is a treat in itself, with really helpful and knowledgeable staff who are happy to give detailed advice. I’m so pleased to have been again, and I spent the last few minutes gazing out over the gravel garden with its magnificent eucalypt.
Do not miss this special garden.
Do not miss this special garden.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review- we really do appreciate it. It's great to read that you enjoyed the garden so much, particularly the Water Garden which is looking fantastic at the moment after all the recent rain.
We hope to welcome you back to the Gardens again soon.
All the best
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Madalyn H
Huddersfield, UK1,902 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
A garden of so many contrasts. The gravel garden (old car park) was looking very good, but in addition all the areas around the ponds and around the house. Wonderful transitions between the different areas.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Madalyn,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it. It's wonderful to read that you enjoyed the Gardens so much and we hope to welcome you back soon.
All the best,
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
teabag61
Dunstable, UK36 contributions
Jul 2023
A lovely, restful garden to spend the day. The staff are friendly and informative, and the gardens themselves are well laid out - with paths that take you around lakes, through woodland, and past borders filled with a range of plants for different growing conditions. Gorgeous!
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, we really do appreciate it. It's great to read that you enjoyed your visit and found the garden restful. As you've mentioned, our knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help in any way they can.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens again soon.
All the best,
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Akkers1
London, UK895 contributions
Jul 2023
I last went here about 15 years ago and it was still as good as I had remembered.
The garden was lovely and we really enjoyed wandering around and seeing all the different plants.
When we had finished, we went into their café area for some water, a coffee and a cake each. The cakes here were excellent and the ladies serving were very friendly and efficient.
They also have a well-stocked nursery where you can buy various plants and I managed to find one which I had been looking for.
We will both definitely go back again and much sooner this time.
The garden was lovely and we really enjoyed wandering around and seeing all the different plants.
When we had finished, we went into their café area for some water, a coffee and a cake each. The cakes here were excellent and the ladies serving were very friendly and efficient.
They also have a well-stocked nursery where you can buy various plants and I managed to find one which I had been looking for.
We will both definitely go back again and much sooner this time.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
It's so lovely to read that you were able to visit us again and that the gardens were as good you remembered. As you have mentioned, our nursery is well-stocked, offering over 2000 different varieties of plants with over 150,000 of these propagated by our production team from plants growing here. I'm glad you managed to find the plant you were looking for and were able take a part of Beth's garden home with you.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens again soon.
All the best,
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue L
Rayleigh49 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Absolutely love this garden! Have been visiting there for years and it goes from strength to strength. Very well kept with lots of benches to sit and contemplate the view! The trees are truly magnificent! Great tea room with a large selection of lunches and cakes. The nursery is well stocked, many of the plants aren’t what you would normally see in a nursery, although they are a little overpriced. Still our favourite garden in Essex.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sue,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate it. It's so lovely to read that you have been visiting us for years and enjoy your time in the garden so much.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens again soon.
All the best,
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan B
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful gardens and ponds, but very disappointing food at the cafe, both savoury and sweet foods had no flavour whats so ever! both were over priced for the quality.
This unfortunately effected our overall enjoyment of the visit.
This unfortunately effected our overall enjoyment of the visit.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alan,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really do appreciate all feedback. It's great to read that you found the garden absolutely beautiful, but am sorry to read that you were disappointed with your visit to the tearoom.
I will pass your comments onto the tearoom team to ensure we continue to offer our customers the level they expect.
All the best,
Leanne
Written 14 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
essexalison
Rayleigh, UK93 contributions
Are there picnic areas in the gardens?
Akkers1
London, UK895 contributions
Don’t think they have picnic areas there as I didn’t see any. The cafe area is really good though and there are plenty of places to sit.
can I bring my dog on a lead
Antarctic
Cambridge, UK457 contributions
Unsure, There were no dogs on the premises when we visited. Suggest you ask the proprietors.
Jim G
Leigh-on Sea, UK1 contribution
I shall be accompanying a friend who is disabled. Are wheelchairs available?
Bob Freeman
Bognor Regis, UK152 contributions
Hi, did not observe any wheelchairs, best give them a call to double check. Lovely place though.
Mary R
United Kingdom
Do u take small dogs on leads I’m disabled but my dog is well behaved but a pet
Hello, many thanks for your message. I'm sorry, we only allow assistance dogs in the gardens.
chilliessw1
3 contributions
Can I bring my little dog when i visit the gardens.
Me
Suffolk, UK18 contributions
I'm sorry dogs are not allowed in the garden.
hbridge2016
Colchester, UK36 contributions
do the gardens have paved routes for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Me
Suffolk, UK18 contributions
No sorry not paved routes however much of the garden is available to a wheelchair or pushchair
Isthereanamenottaken
7 contributions
Hi, are there baby changing facilities please? Thank you.
Ian D
Cambridge, UK19 contributions
Yes
Isthereanamenottaken
7 contributions
Hi, are there baby changing facilities please? Thank you.
Me
Suffolk, UK18 contributions
I am sorry but this question got lost in Tripadvisor and we have only just seen it.. Yes there are baby changing facilities in the disabled toilet so plenty of space and can be used by mum or dad. We are also breastfeeding friendly!
Isthereanamenottaken
7 contributions
Hi, are there baby changing facilities please? Thank you.
BethChattoGardens
Colchester, UK
Hi yes we have a baby change facility in the toilet block.
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Claim your listingBETH CHATTO'S PLANTS & GARDENS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
- Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens:
- (1.28 mi) Pheasant Suites Country Farm House
- (1.35 mi) The Court House
- (2.24 mi) Wivenhoe House
- (4.72 mi) Colchester Boutique Hotel
- (8.22 mi) Swallows Field Glamping Pods
- Restaurants near Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens:
- (0.03 mi) Chatto's Tearoom
- (0.14 mi) The Shed Cafe
- (1.36 mi) The Court House
- (0.53 mi) The Spice
- (0.43 mi) Mikes golden fish dish