Waterperry Gardens Summary

• Address: Waterperry, nr Wheatley, OX33 1JZ (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1844 339254
• Fax: +44 (0)1844 339883
• Owner: School of Economic Science
• Administrator: P. Maxwell
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Waterperry Gardens website

The Garden shop sells an extensive range of trees, shrubs, perennial, alpine and fruit, which is unmatched by many ordinary garden centres. Most of the stock is grown on site in our own nurseries and there are always experts on hand to give you help and advice. It's worth visiting their museum which holds a superb collection of old, mainly agricultural tools used in days gone by.

Finally, rest your feet and visit their Tea shop, hot and cold meals are freshly prepared each day and there is always a fantastic range of cakes and pastries on offer. More information on everything at Waterperry Gardens can be seen on their extremely comprehensive Website.

Gardens:
The Herbaceous Border - From May to October flowers of every shape and hue create a stunning picture, set amongst peaceful lawns and shrub borders. This process is achieved through careful planning so that each month later flowering plants grow up to hide the early performers. This traditional border backed by the mellow brick wall and climbers is complimented by island beds of herbaceous plants originally planted by Alan Bloom.

The Mary Rose Garden - Formal beds full of deliciously scented roses, their colours skilfully blended illustrate modern types - Patio, Floribunda, H.T. and ground cover. Informal beds of old fashioned and species roses underplanted with suitable herbaceous plants and bulbs lead you to... The River Walk - set with spring flowers, snowdrops, aconites, narcissus and primroses, the haunt of moorhen and kingfisher, a restful place to linger. This leads back to the main axis of the garden, the long walk bordered on one side by mixed planting where each colour blends into the next in a rainbow effect. Then on to...

Herbaceous Nursery - Regular beds of herbaceous plants where each cultivar can be compared with the next - a colurful living catalogue. The Formal Garden is a quiet secluded area which reflects Waterperry's medieval history. A traditional knot pattern is a centre piece of the garden surrounded by old fashion herbs and flowers. Here you can sit in the shade of Wisteria, Clematis and vine covered arbours before moving into the...

Alpine Garden - Here low stone walled raised beds hold a collection of delicate mountain flowers. This sunny corner of the garden is just the place to wander slowly and examine the exquisite beauty of these alpine plants and bulbs. On your way back from the garden you return back through Virgins Walk, along a shady border where hardy Geraniums, ferns and Hostas grow amongst a fine collection of rare and unusual perennials.

Garden Shop and Gallery:
They produce and sell the largest range of plants in the county, all of these suitable to be grown in the local area. Over the gardening year they offer nearly 1000 varieties of herbaceous perennial, over 700 trees and shrubs including climbers, conifers and fruit, also 200 varieties of alpine plants. Quality Stoneware from Haddenstone and garden furniture are on sale as well, while their staff members are always happy to give advice.

The Art in Action Gallery is housed in a restored 18th Century barn, it opened in October 1994 and is seen as a natural extension to the Art In Action Festival held in July each year. With a friendly atmosphere visitors are encouraged to browse; the aim of the gallery is to make high quality crafts accessible to all. A number of exhibitions are held each year, there is a varied collection of work on display which constantly changes. The crafts represented include ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood, paintings, etchings, engravings and textiles.

Opening Times - 2012

Garden Shop, Gardens and Gallery

• March - October: Daily, 10 am - 5.30 pm
• November - February: Daily, 10 am - 5 pm

Teashop

• March - October: Daily, 10am - 5 pm
• November - February: Daily, 10am - 4 pm

Museum

• All year: Tuesday - Sunday, 2 - 5 pm

Please Note - Closed:

• Christmas - New Year
• 19th - 22nd July 2012 (except for Art in Action visitors)

Admission Prices - 2012

November 2011 to February 17th 2012

• Adult - £4.30
• Seniors - £4.30
• Child (up to 16 years) - Free

Pre-booked Groups Only (20+) - £4.20

February 18th to October 31st 2012

• Adult - £6.30
• Senior - £6.30
• Child (up to 16 years) - Free

Pre-booked Groups Only (20+) - £4.85

Guided Tours - by appointment only:

• Up to 20 people: £60
• More than 20 people: General Admission plus £3 per person

Pre-booked Evening tours:

• Up to 10 people - £11.50 per person
• 11 people or more - £8.50 per person

More information on these gardens can be found on The Gardens Guide.

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Waterperry Gardens

Gill Sendall (16 May 2005)

Art in Action was sorely missed last year. It is inspirational, a total delight to visit, it always leaves me with a peaceful outlook on life as well as great admiration for all the artists concerned.

Events for Waterperry Gardens

• Snowdrop Weekend - 25 February 2012 to 26 February 2012
  A carpet of more than 30 different snowdrop varieties covering the ornamental gardens and also the new snowdrop valley area. Free guided tours at 11 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm. Miss H's teashop will be open for hot food from 12 - 2.30 pm and then till 5 pm for cream teas, cakes and patisserie. Garden entrance fee required - tours are free.
• Pancake Day - 06 March 2012
  Try a pancake lunch in Miss H's Teashop - savoury pancakes available during lunchtime and sweet pancakes from 10 am - 3 pm, then walk it off with a brisk stroll in the beautiful gardens!
• Mothering Sunday - 18 March 2012
  Take Mum to Mrs H's teashop for a special Mothering Sunday menu and free entry to the ornamental gardens. Visit the Gallery too and there are lots of Mothering Sunday gift ideas in the Gift Barn.
• Big Easter Bunny Hunt - 31 March 2012 to 15 April 2012
  A Big Easter Bunny Hunt looking for bunnies with a difference hidden in the ornamental gardens, if you find 8 of the 10 bunnies you can claim a special Easter prize from Miss H's teashop. £2 per child accompanied by an adult (normal garden entrance fee applies to adults).
• NGS Fritillary Sunday - 22 April 2012
  See this beautiful little flower, the county flower of Oxfordshire, in the wildflower meadow and along the riverside walk. Today the Gardens are open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme, all entrance money will be donated to nursing, caring and gardening charities supported by the NGS.

• Cancer Research Walk - 20 May 2012
  Raise money for Cancer Research UK while taking a walk with the Waterperry sponsored walk. This is not a race, cover the route round the Waterperry estate and gardens as slowly or as quickly as you please. For a sponsorship form or more information, please contact Jenny Braithwaite on 01844 208073.
• Dawn Chorus Wild Walk and Breakfast - 24 May 2012
  Learn about birds and their song as an expert guide leads the annual Dawn Chorus Wild Walk round the ornamental gardens and estate and will also provide tips on identify birds.This is followed by breakfast in the Miss H's teashop. Also includes a slide show of some of the more reticent residents at Waterperry! Meet in the main car park and, please bring binoculars and appropriate clothing! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Prices: Adult - £18.50 and Children under 16 years - £13.00.
• Macbeth - Shakespeare in the Gardens - Matinee - 13 June 2012
  Performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, this all male company specialise in performing the way Shakespeare intended, bringing the story of a ruthless and ambitious lord who takes the throne helped by his wife and three witches. This is a School Matinee but the general public are welcome also but note that the audience will be predominantly local school children. Picnics welcome. No seats provided,please bring your own picnic rugs or chairs. All matinee tickets cost £11.00. Please contact for group rates.
• Macbeth - Shakespeare in the Gardens - Evening - 13 June 2012
  Performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, this all male company specialise in performing the way Shakespeare intended, bringing the story of a ruthless and ambitious lord who takes the throne helped by his wife and three witches.Picnics welcome. No seats provided,please bring your own picnic rugs or chairs. Prices: Adult - £17.50, Students & Children under 16 - £13.50.
• Father's Day - 17 June 2012
  A special Father's Day menu in Miss H's teashop, plus a selection of local beers, and also free entry to the Gardens for Dad. There is also a selection of Father's Day gifts, bedding and vegetable plants on sale too.

• Summer Music in the Amphitheatre - 23 June 2012
  Classical music concert held in Waterperry's outdoor amphitheatre provides a programme from the Grosvenor Quartet with guest clarinetist. They will perform Beethoven's Quartet in C minor, Haydn's Quartet in B flat (Sunrise), Mozart's Clarintet Quintet in A and Schubert's Quartet movement in C minor. There is a 75 minute interval for guests to enjoy there own picnic in the ornamental gardens. Prices: Adult - £17.50, Students and children aged 16 and under - £13.50.
• Rare Plant Fare - 24 June 2012
  Browse stalls specialising in rare and traditional plants which are manned by expert nurserymen and women. Entrance - £6.30 includes entrance to the ornamental gardens.
• Grimm's Fairy Tales - Family Theatre in the Garden - 04 July 2012
  The Pantaloons use popular theatre styles including commedia dell'arte, clowning, stand-up comedy and silent movies to bring these magical stories to life. Suitable for families, but not for very young children, runs about 2 hours including an interval. Gates open an hour before the performance for picnics. No seats provided, please bring your own picnic rug or chairs. Tickets are non-refundable. Prices: Adult - £13.50, Children aged 16 and under - £8.50.
• Art in Action - 19 July 2012 to 22 July 2012
  Annual arts festival with approximately 200 fine artists demonstrating in marquees on the Waterperry estate. Also performing arts, music and there's also fine food and drink. Plus practical classes for visitors to have a go at some artistic disciplines. Please note Waterperry Gardens and plant centre will be closed to all but Art in Action visitors during this event.
• Children's Summer Orienteering Trails - 01 August 2012
  Use a compass (supplied) to find your way around the ornamental gardens using compass directions and fun clues. Costs £3 per child - must be accompanied by an adult (normal garden entrance fee applies). Trails suitable for 3 - 6 year olds and 7+ years. No booking required.

• Jekka McVicar - Expert Talk and Lunch - 01 August 2012
  Tea and coffee available from 10 am, the talk starts at 10.30am. Jekka McVicar, with over 60 RHS gold medals to her name, returns to Waterperry to deliver a talk entitled 'Herbs that transform a meal into a feast'. Providing expert advice and insider information and will then join you for a buffet lunch in Waterperry House. A short garden tour may be included if the weather is good. Tickets - £35.00.
• The Sword In The Stone, Workshop & Family Theatre - 15 August 2012
  Cambridge Touring Theatre with a musical adaptation of 'The Sword in the Stone' - a local lad competes in a Sword in the Stone pulling competition to win the crown of England with help from Merlin. Suitable for all ages, runs for approximately 2 hours including interval. No seats provided, please bring your own picnic rugs or chairs. Tickets are non-refundable. Prices: Adult - £13.00, Children aged 16 and under - £8.50.
• The Sword in the Stone Drama Workshop - 15 August 2012
  4.15 pm: For children aged 5 to 12 - Before the performance of The Sword in the Stone children can meet the actors, learn songs from the show and play drama games in a 45 minute drama workshop. Meet outside the garden shop. This workshop costs £3.50 per child.
• Michaelmas Daisy Weekend - 15 September 2012 to 16 September 2012
  A wide range of Waterperry-grown Asters will be on sale in the plant centre with their experts available to give advice and information. See these wonderful Asters (Michaelmas Daisys) in the beautiful Waterperry herbaceous borders. There are free guided garden tour (garden entrance fee required) at 11.30 am, 2 pm and 3.30 pm and at 2.15 pm a special talk in which you can discover more about caring for Asters. The Gardens and plant centre will be open till 5.30 pm.
• Apple Weekend - 05 October 2012 to 07 October 2012
  10 am - 5.30 pm: Free tours of the orchards and fruit sheds at 11.30 am, 2 pm and 3.30 pm - taste numerous apple and juice varieties. Advice and information also available. Admission for accompanied children is free and they may like to try the Amazing Apple Anagram Adventure - finding the hidden letters in the ornamental gardens. There is also a free country food and craft fair with apple bobbing, a hog roast and pottery painting for the children. Adults - Gardens entrance fee required.

• The Great Pumpkin Hunt - 27 October 2012 to 04 November 2012
  Win a special, seasonal prize if you find 10 pumpkins hidden in the ornamental gardens!
• Waterperry Christmas Market - 24 November 2012 to 25 November 2012
  10 am - 5 pm: Artists and craftspeople with beautiful gift ideas, hand made decorations, festive food and drink, and a chance to buy your Waterperry-grown Christmas tree. A one-stop shop for all you need for Christmas! Gardens and plant centre open . Entrance to the Christmas Market is free.

Additional Info for Waterperry Gardens

• Open All Year
• Gardens
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Gifts
• Nursery
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Credit Cards Accepted

• Mastercard
• Amex
• Visa
• Diners Club
• Barclays
• Delta
• Switch
• JCB

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