Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk

PGG Southern area visit to Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk Friday 19th June 2015

By kind permission of Lord Somerleyton

Somerleyton Hall is the grandest estate in East Suffolk. The walled gardens house an exceptional range of original Joseph Paxton glasshouses including the recently restored peach ‘cases’ which run the length and width of one of the walls. These are quite unique and took 10 years to restore. Peaches, figs, lemons, oranges, grapes and kumquats are all cultivated under glass. Outside there are double herbaceous borders designed by Lady Xa Tollemache, a vegetable garden, cutting garden and orchard.
Beyone the walls lies the Nesfield parterre recently rejuvenated by designer George Carter, formal gardens including the white garden fronting the grand conservatory and one of the finest yew mazes in the country.

Somerleyton Farms owns 200 acres of land under production, a further 1400 acres is managed as grassland, woodland or water with 900 acres let to 3 tenant farmers. The commercial production works alongside an extensive enviromental stewardship scheme which places the enviroment at the core of the family activities across the estate. In addition the farm is slowly increasing and specialising in livestock production and kitchen gardening as well as forging links with local small producers with a view to creating an estate branded food business over the next few years.The farm has 95 norfolk horn and 40 black welsh mountain sheep as well as 45 welsh black cows, the progency of which provides high quality meat for 2 estate pubs.

Programme

• 10.00am – Arrival tea/coffee and biscuits served in the cafe
• 10.30am – Tour of the gardens with head gardener and PGG member Anna Outlaw
• 12.30am – Lunch. Bring packed lunch
• 1.30pm – Tour of farm with farm manager Jamie Lockhart
• 3.30pm – Meeting ends with tea/coffee/biscuits

Cost

£9.00 per person.
Includes entrance, tour of the gardens, estate and farm, tea/coffee/biscuits. Bring a packed lunch as Somerleyton’s cafe is closed on Fridays as are the gardens. We will have a private tour.

Directions

Somerleyton Hall, Somerleyton, Lowerstoft, Suffolk NR32 5QQ is on B1074 between Oulton Broad and St Olaves, signposted with brown tourist signs. As the estate is closed on Fridays the main gates will be closed, please follow coach parking signs. Meet in the car park.

Booking

Or send a cheque made out to the Professional Gardeners’ Guild, to Karen De Rosa, 31 Avenue Approach, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 6BA. Tel. 01284 763822