Visit Beeleigh Abbey Open Gardens
OPEN GARDEN DAYS
Beeleigh Abbey’s gardens have been much-loved for generations. First laid out by Basil Ionides in the 1910’s, the gardens were much improved by the Essex architect Wykeham Chancellor in 1930. Successive owners of the Abbey have worked to create the tranquil and varied gardens that exist today.
Notable features include several varied border gardens of up to 78 metres, an arboretum, a wisteria walkway, a formal glasshouse, a kitchen garden, an orchard, soft fruits, and the famed Beeleigh roses. The garden has seven prominent water features, all fed by a single spring: a formal canal, two ponds, a moat, the main lake, a bog garden, and the River Chelmer itself. Plants and produce from the gardens are available for sale during open days.
In 2026, three new features of the gardens will be unveiled. A medieval-style ‘cloister garden’ featuring bay trees, hedging, and medicinal plants like myrtle, will sit at the front of the Abbey. An 80-metre riverside walk will be unveiled on the river side of the garden’s Tudor walls. Its sweeping views of the Chelmer replace what was formerly the garden’s working greenhouses. Lastly, a new second cottage garden full of English roses will sit next to the formal canal.
FOOD & DRINK
On open days, we serve a full menu of light refreshments, lunches, afternoon teas, and much more from our 5 star rated tea rooms. We also cater for any food allergies, intolerances or specific dietary requirements. The produce we serve is sourced as locally as possible, which includes our own Beeleigh Abbey apple juice and salads from the garden.
GETTING HERE
The Abbey is accessed from Old London Road which runs from Maldon to Danbury. From Old London Road, Abbey Turning runs to the Abbey’s gated entrance.
Free parking is available.
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Abbey Turning
Beeleigh
CM9 6LL