The Winter Wonderland of Barnsdale Gardens

Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland’s sparkling little gem, just can’t stop showing off, whatever the season. But in December? It’s pure magic. Think 38 individually designed gardens dressed in their winter best: rich red Photinia, frosted Hellebores, and that crisp, crunchy underfoot feeling that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. A visit this month is nothing short of a festive feast for the senses!

December’s Showstoppers
The Country Paradise Garden
Quiet, enchanting, and sprinkled with natural winter sparkle. Snowdrops peek between Epimedium leaves, Cornus stems glow sunset-orange, and the perfume of Daphne odora dances on the cold air. Hellebores, Euphorbia, and grasses weave their magic through the hornbeam arbour, all dusted with a touch of frosted Achillea heads.

The Winter Border
Originally crafted by Geoff Hamilton and still glowing strong, the Winter Border is Barnsdale’s answer to nature’s fairy lights. Wonderful strawberry-like fruits of Arbutus contrast beautifully with the flowers of Viburnum tinus ‘Lisarose’, while Mahonia blends stunningly with the stems of Salix and Rubus, with the fiery Cornus adding its own winter cheer. Grasses whisper secrets, willow stems shimmer, and Sarcococca adds a sweet scent that drifts on the icy breeze.

The Rose Garden
Once wild, now wondrous. With more than fifty roses and a cast of evergreen black grasses, ruby Photinia, Heuchera, Bergenia, and early bulbs, the Rose Garden paints a rich winter tapestry. Frosted seed heads sparkle like ornaments, while Anemanthele and Stipa grasses sway softly, nature’s version of tinsel.

Festive Fun This December
Festive Family Breakfast - 6th & 7th December, 10am
Bring your appetite and your Christmas spirit! Enjoy:
Christmas tunes & table decorating
Gingerbread & cupcake decorating
Lucky dip & take-home children’s gift
Festive quiz for all ages
Prices:
• Child’s small breakfast: £16.95
• Adult small breakfast: £14.95
• Adult medium breakfast: £17.50
• Adult big breakfast: £21.25

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options aplenty!
Book now: 01572 813 200
(Pre-booking required at least 48 hours in advance.)

Willow Weaving Workshop: Christmas Decorations, 13th December 2025
Get hands-on and crafty with a merry-making session using beautiful natural willow. Start by making your own wreath ring, perfect for your door at home, then create an angel, a mini reindeer, and, if time allows, a Christmas tree. Feeling competitive? Try the festive challenge:
“One piece of willow, one minute, one star!”

Go online to book here: https://shop.barnsdalegardens.co.uk/products/willow-weaving-workshop-christmas-decorations-december

A brilliant, creative way to get into the holiday spirit.