If you have had enough of our dreary winter weather and you need to get out into the fresh air this March, a visit to the stunning garden at The Old Vicarage Washington to walk amongst the colourful displays of spring bulbs, will certainly lift the spirits.
With something to enjoy at every turn, this 3½ acre garden set around an 1832 Regency house (not open) has uninterrupted views of the North Downs, enhanced by various specimen and mature trees and many pockets of interest.
The garden is owned by Lady Walters who bought it in 1992 with her late husband Sir Peter Walters. Sir Peter and Lady Walters developed and nurtured the garden, over 35 years, to make it into the wonderful, relaxing family friendly visitor’s favourite it is now. The garden first opened for the National Garden Scheme in 2010. Since then, it has attracted 25,508 visitors and earned £162,260.08 for NGS charities making it the highest earning NGS gardens in Sussex. In 2025 The Old Vicarage earned a record £26,792.92 Core beneficiaries who benefit from this extraordinary amount include Carers Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK and The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing.
The front garden is formally laid out with topiary, mixed seasonal borders and a contemporary water sculpture. The rear garden features a lead roofed Italianate gazebo with green oak columns, many imaginatively planted borders, a Japanese garden with waterfall, pond and tea house and a large copse with a tree house that has become a nature viewing platform looking out on to the surrounding woodland, stream and architectural stumpery. There is also a working kitchen garden with glasshouses, fruit cages, orchard, vegetables and bee hives. Each year some 4000 spring bulbs are planted including snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, fritillaria, camassia and bluebells.
The garden has many carefully placed areas to sit and contemplate the stunning scenery including the gazebo and the tree house, both complete with wood burning stoves, often lit on cold days. Another favourite stopping place for visitors is the conservatory where self-service refreshments are available whatever the weather.
The Old Vicarage The Street, Washington, RH20 4AS. Open Every Thursday from 5th February to 1st October (10am-4pm). Admission is £10, children free. Pre-booking is essential, please visit www.ngs.org.uk for information & booking. Self-service light refreshments are available in the conservatory (cash only).
The garden is also open on Monday 6th April and Monday 31st August (10am-5pm). Admission £10, children free. Home-made teas. Purchase ticket in advance or at the gate on the day. Visits also by arrangement 16 Mar to 1 Oct for groups. Please contact the garden owner for details and booking.
Featured in RHS The Garden magazine, March 2025. Regional Finalist, The English Garden’s The Nation’s Favourite Gardens 2021.
Follow on Instagram: watch a Video of the garden and interview with the owner.
Other NGS gardens open in West Sussex this March
Manor of Dean
Tillington, Petworth, GU28 9AP. Open Sun 1 Feb (2am-4pm); Sun 22 Mar, Sun 26 Apr (2pm-5pm). Adm £6, chd free. Tea, coffee & cake. Visits also by arrangement 2 Feb to 19 June for groups of 20+.
Down Place
Hill Lane, South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PN. Opens Sat 28, Sun 29 Mar, Sun 21, Mon 22 June (1.30-5.30). Adm £6, chd free. Tea, coffee, home-made cakes & cream teas. Refreshments in aid of The Friends of Harting Church. Visits also by arrangement 1 Mar to 26 July for groups of 15 to 45. Talk on the house & garden, followed by a guided tour.
To learn more about the National Garden Scheme, discover your perfect garden or find out how to open your own garden, visit ngs.org.uk For gardens opening in Sussex, pick up a copy of The National Garden Scheme Sussex Booklet, available free from many local stores, garden centres and libraries from the end of February and as an online Flip Book.
