Luton Hoo Estate

28/01/2025

Applications are still open for this amazing opportunity.

Lead Gardener position available at the Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate. Please see the details of this position and contact the Estate for any further information.

14/01/2025

Lead Gardener position available at the Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate. Please see the details of this position and contact the Estate for any further information.

17/12/2024

After an incredibly exciting year at the Walled Garden, filled with successful event days, family-focused fun days, workshops, group visits, and the popular Open Wednesdays from May to September, we're thrilled to look ahead to 2025 with even more reasons to celebrate.

We are excited to announce that in 2025, the Walled Garden will be partnering with The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). As part of this partnership, RHS members will receive free entry* to the Walled Garden and its historic service buildings every Open Wednesday. Members can visit at their leisure during our open hours, enjoy the engaging historic tours included with admission, and take their time exploring the garden's displays and information.

The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity, dedicated to enriching lives through plants and enhancing the country’s natural beauty. We are honoured to begin 2025 as one of their esteemed partner gardens and look forward to this exciting collaboration.
*One entry per membership.

We are also excited to announce a new collaboration with Historic Houses. The organisation is a cooperative, not-for-profit association composed of over a thousand independently owned and operated historic houses, castles, and gardens of significant importance. Its mission is to represent, advise, and support these historic places, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

All members will now be offered free entrance to the Walled Garden on our Open Wednesdays, from May to September. For all group bookings for next year - From tours, teas and talks, to bespoke visits, please contact us to discuss your needs: [email protected]. All tickets (including season tickets) for individuals or groups up to ten people can be bought on the day of your visit at the garden gate.

We thank you for your continued support of the Walled Garden and look forward to welcoming you next year.

Roll on 2025!

13/12/2024

Like many Christmas markets and seasonal celebrations this year we were forced to cancel our Christmas Market. We have compiled a list of our stall holders and friends of the Estate. Their excellent products and service, bespoke gifts and delicious food and drink offerings would have been available at the market, and luckily they are still available through their online shops, websites etc.

Contact them here - Christmas is just around the corner!
*
Laurels gifts - Stunning silk and dried flower arrangements. Beautiful candles. Glow lamps. .

Lumiere -Jewellery, scarves and festive headwear/accessories.
*
Cinnamon Pantry -Delicious cinnamon rolls in a variety of flavours with vegan options.
*
Patisserie Sheree -Scrumptious brownies, blondies & cookies. @ patisseriesheree
*
Kim’s Vegan Cakes -Vegan dairy free decorated muffins, brownies, granola bars and a variety of cookies.
*
The Woodland Trust -Largest woodland conservation charity and a leading voice in bringing the UK’s trees and woodlands to the attention of Government, landowners and the public. Find out more about their work, the charity and how they can get involved whether its attending events, local groups, visiting reserves, volunteering or membership.
*
Karen Davies Stained Glass -Hand made stained glass decorations, gifts and household items - also traditional leaded stained glass panels and windows. [email protected]
*
Deity Tara Resin -Beautiful handmade resin jewellery and unique crafts.
*
Greensand Ridge Silver -Hand made sterling and fine silver Jewellery.
*
Young's Sweet Scented Candles -Beautifully scented candles.
*
The Little Greenhouse -Houseplants, planters and plant care, seasonal foliage, sustainable homewares. .greenhouse.tring
*
Natural Quilts - Handblock printed cotton quilts and pillows.
Bliss & Blooms Handcrafted home fragrance. scented candles, wax melts, diffusers, room sprays, candle accessories.
*
GDImages -Wildlife and Nature Photography Pictures taken by Gary a professional wildlife photographer.
*
Lucie & Olivia -Beautiful leather handbags and accessories. insta
*
Tommy and Lottie -Wonderful wild animal designs on sustainable and ethically made clothing and gifts from sizes 6 months up to adult, back packs made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton accessory bags, plantable seed cards and wall prints.
*
Blackbridge Craft brewery , small batch and contract distilling. @
*
Drummonds Cheese -British pre packed British cheeses. https://www.facebook.com/DrummondsOfHertfordCheese
*
Basilisk Glass -Dichroic glass jewellery and small glass homewares- dishes/plates.
*
Chock Shop -Artisan chocolate brownies with the option of adding warm chocolate sauce and cream - Instagram.
*
Ivy Cottage Bees -Beautiful beeswax handcream, honey soaps, lipbalms and a gorgeous range of gifts. https://www.ivycottagebees.co.uk/
*
Christine Savage -Individually designed and hand made jewellery, in silver and gold with precious and semiprecious stones. Instagram… christinesavagejewellery Website…. www.christinesavage.com
*
A Very Good Egg Ltd -Artisan Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls https://agoode.gg/
*
KOYRA speciality coffee -Coffee, hot drinks, cold drinks, ice drinks , confectionary, pastries , smoothies [email protected]
*
Designs on Chinaware -Handmade designs and painted china items with my own designs.
*
The Cryo Clinic -Cryotherapy treatment and compression suit.
*
Relish the Thought -Slow roasted British pork served in a floured bap with sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce, bacon rolls and hot and cold drinks. Relish The Thought
*
Bailey Cotton, A different designer -Handmade woodturned products including bowls, pens, chopping boards, cheeseboards, coasters. .designer
*
Millie Moo Designs Hand made pebble pictures and wooden ducks in painted boots and tutu skirts. www.instagram.com/milliemoo_designs MillieMoo Designs
*
Opal Seabrook Glass -Fused glass art, Christmas decorations and jewellery . http://instagram.com/opalseabrook,
https://www.facebook.com/StarburstGlassbyOpalSeabrook/
*
Jo's Bakes & Sweet Treats -Cakes, tray bakes, muffins, fudge, Christmas edible goods https://www.facebook.com/groups/889706972559677
*
Bambino Planet -Childrens educational resources and toys. Stone resin mix sensory stones, playdough rollers/balls, emotion stones, mud kitchen food stones.
*
Mils Cookies -Delicious homemade cookies and cookies
*
Designs on Chinaware Handpainted china items with unique drawn and painted designs.
*
Things by Beth -A mixture of sewn and crochet items. Bags, Bunting, Wreaths, Blankets, Lavender bags etc. littlethiDesigns On Chinaware
*
THALEIA -100% natural vegan essential oils home fragrance
Luxury gold foiled products
Candles, melts, XL diffusers, gift boxes.
*
The Bedford Cheese Company Ltd -Pre packed cheeses. Oils. Chutney, crackers etc
*
Cosmixology - Organic Skincare & Beauty Organic and Natural Skincare, Gifting, Candles and Products for Children /

Ivory Moon Handcrafted Handcrafted items including driftwood & clay sculptures, needle felted animals, handmade jewellery, home decor , decorations, bookmarks, keyring, Christmas cards & decorations https://www.instagram.com/ivory_moon_handcrafted/
*
Thropic skin care Tropic skin care - vegan and cruelty free skin care products. tropicskincare.com
*
woodside glass craft glass work, Concreate figure. woodsidestainedglass.co.uk
*
Kelchner Brewery Bottled Beer and Cider. Attended last year and in the summer. [email protected]
*
Facepaintingbyagin Face painting, balloon twisting, festival glitter, festival hair braids and handmade hair accessories
*
Love 2 Sparkle Handmade Wax Melts, Candles and Home Fragrance Products
Plus Personalised Orders.
*
Sweetest memories Handmade hampers, sweet bags, sweet treats https://sweetestLove_2_Sparkle
*
Nadia's Hampers Unique, affordable, tasteful food and drink hampers and gifts for adults and children. https://www.facebook.com/nadia.s.hampers
*
Sassirika Ceramics I am a ceramic maker of porcelain and stoneware functional and sculptural items for the home.
*
Alternative Sentiments Pre filled gift bags, boxes and baskets
Home and gifts https://alternativesentiments.co.uk/
*
Murphy's Empawium 100% natural dog treats and dog treats in christmas gift packaging
*
Mccrafty’s Bespoke personalised gifts Frames, Glasses, Christmas gifts.
*
Richard James Bespoke Charcuterie boards on Instagram
Doorstepcakes
*
Cupcakes , cake , brownies and other chunky sweet treats
*
OkkaDoodle Homes Hand printed home linen business from

12/12/2024

Like many Christmas markets and seasonal celebrations this year we were forced to cancel our Christmas Market. We have compiled a list of our stall holders and friends of the Estate. Their excellent products and service, bespoke gifts and delicious food and drink offerings would have been available at the market, and luckily they are still available through their online shops, websites etc.

Contact them here - Christmas is just around the corner!
*
Laurels gifts - Stunning silk and dried flower arrangements. Beautiful candles. Glow lamps. .

Lumiere -Jewellery, scarves and festive headwear/accessories.
*
Cinnamon Pantry -Delicious cinnamon rolls in a variety of flavours with vegan options.
*
Patisserie Sheree -Scrumptious brownies, blondies & cookies. @ patisseriesheree
*
Kim’s Vegan Cakes -Vegan dairy free decorated muffins, brownies, granola bars and a variety of cookies.
*
The Woodland Trust -Largest woodland conservation charity and a leading voice in bringing the UK’s trees and woodlands to the attention of Government, landowners and the public. Find out more about their work, the charity and how they can get involved whether its attending events, local groups, visiting reserves, volunteering or membership.
*
Karen Davies Stained Glass -Hand made stained glass decorations, gifts and household items - also traditional leaded stained glass panels and windows. [email protected]
*
Deity Tara Resin -Beautiful handmade resin jewellery and unique crafts.
*
Greensand Ridge Silver -Hand made sterling and fine silver Jewellery.
*
Young's Sweet Scented Candles -Beautifully scented candles.
*
The Little Greenhouse -Houseplants, planters and plant care, seasonal foliage, sustainable homewares. .greenhouse.tring
*
Natural Quilts - Handblock printed cotton quilts and pillows.
Bliss & Blooms Handcrafted home fragrance. scented candles, wax melts, diffusers, room sprays, candle accessories.
*
GDImages -Wildlife and Nature Photography Pictures taken by Gary a professional wildlife photographer.
*
Lucie & Olivia -Beautiful leather handbags and accessories. insta
*
Tommy and Lottie -Wonderful wild animal designs on sustainable and ethically made clothing and gifts from sizes 6 months up to adult, back packs made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton accessory bags, plantable seed cards and wall prints.
*
Blackbridge Craft brewery , small batch and contract distilling. @
*
Drummonds Cheese -British pre packed British cheeses. https://www.facebook.com/DrummondsOfHertfordCheese
*
Basilisk Glass -Dichroic glass jewellery and small glass homewares- dishes/plates.
*
Chock Shop -Artisan chocolate brownies with the option of adding warm chocolate sauce and cream - Instagram.
*
Ivy Cottage Bees -Beautiful beeswax handcream, honey soaps, lipbalms and a gorgeous range of gifts. https://www.ivycottagebees.co.uk/
*
Christine Savage -Individually designed and hand made jewellery, in silver and gold with precious and semiprecious stones. Instagram… christinesavagejewellery Website…. www.christinesavage.com
*
A Very Good Egg Ltd -Artisan Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls https://agoode.gg/
*
KOYRA speciality coffee -Coffee, hot drinks, cold drinks, ice drinks , confectionary, pastries , smoothies [email protected]
*
Designs on Chinaware -Handmade designs and painted china items with my own designs.
*
The Cryo Clinic -Cryotherapy treatment and compression suit.
*
Relish the Thought -Slow roasted British pork served in a floured bap with sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce, bacon rolls and hot and cold drinks. Relish The Thought
*
Bailey Cotton, A different designer -Handmade woodturned products including bowls, pens, chopping boards, cheeseboards, coasters. .designer
*
Millie Moo Designs Hand made pebble pictures and wooden ducks in painted boots and tutu skirts. www.instagram.com/milliemoo_designs MillieMoo Designs
*
Opal Seabrook Glass -Fused glass art, Christmas decorations and jewellery . http://instagram.com/opalseabrook,
https://www.facebook.com/StarburstGlassbyOpalSeabrook/
*
Jo's Bakes & Sweet Treats -Cakes, tray bakes, muffins, fudge, Christmas edible goods https://www.facebook.com/groups/889706972559677
*
Bambino Planet -Childrens educational resources and toys. Stone resin mix sensory stones, playdough rollers/balls, emotion stones, mud kitchen food stones.
*
Mils Cookies -Delicious homemade cookies and cookies
*
Designs on Chinaware Handpainted china items with unique drawn and painted designs.
*
Things by Beth -A mixture of sewn and crochet items. Bags, Bunting, Wreaths, Blankets, Lavender bags etc. littlethiDesigns On Chinaware
*
THALEIA -100% natural vegan essential oils home fragrance
Luxury gold foiled products
Candles, melts, XL diffusers, gift boxes.
*
The Bedford Cheese Company Ltd -Pre packed cheeses. Oils. Chutney, crackers etc
*
Cosmixology - Organic Skincare & Beauty Organic and Natural Skincare, Gifting, Candles and Products for Children /

Ivory Moon Handcrafted Handcrafted items including driftwood & clay sculptures, needle felted animals, handmade jewellery, home decor , decorations, bookmarks, keyring, Christmas cards & decorations https://www.instagram.com/ivory_moon_handcrafted/
*
Thropic skin care Tropic skin care - vegan and cruelty free skin care products. tropicskincare.com
*
woodside glass craft glass work, Concreate figure. woodsidestainedglass.co.uk
*
Kelchner Brewery Bottled Beer and Cider. Attended last year and in the summer. [email protected]
*
Facepaintingbyagin Face painting, balloon twisting, festival glitter, festival hair braids and handmade hair accessories
*
Love 2 Sparkle Handmade Wax Melts, Candles and Home Fragrance Products
Plus Personalised Orders.
*
Sweetest memories Handmade hampers, sweet bags, sweet treats https://sweetestLove_2_Sparkle
*
Nadia's Hampers Unique, affordable, tasteful food and drink hampers and gifts for adults and children. https://www.facebook.com/nadia.s.hampers
*
Sassirika Ceramics I am a ceramic maker of porcelain and stoneware functional and sculptural items for the home.
*
Alternative Sentiments Pre filled gift bags, boxes and baskets
Home and gifts https://alternativesentiments.co.uk/
*
Murphy's Empawium 100% natural dog treats and dog treats in christmas gift packaging
*
Mccrafty’s Bespoke personalised gifts Frames, Glasses, Christmas gifts.
*
Richard James Bespoke Charcuterie boards on Instagram
Doorstepcakes
*
Cupcakes , cake , brownies and other chunky sweet treats
*
OkkaDoodle Homes Hand printed home linen business from

09/12/2024

Like so many markets this Christmas season we were forced to cancel our Christmas Market due to the terrible weather conditions. We had planned a wreath bar, selling Christmas wreath kits. All kits are sourced, supplied and prepared by members of the Walled Garden Project and all money raised by their sale will go back into the Walled Garden. We have now reduced the price of the wreath kits to £25 each! They will be for sale in the Walled Garden shop, at the back of the Walled Garden, from 11am - 2pm tomorrow, Tuesday 10th December ... and once they are gone, they are gone!

06/12/2024

EVENT CANCELLED Cancellation of the Christmas Market and Santa visits at Luton Hoo Estate 8th December

29/11/2024

Not long now - Christmas starts here!

11/11/2024

Researchers working on our Walled Garden Project have compiled a Roll of Honour of 200 men who worked in and around the Luton Hoo Estate, and went to war, 20 of who did not return.

We honour them, thank all those who gave their lives in this ‘war to end all wars.’
‘And each, slow dusk a drawing down of blinds.’ Wilfred Owen 1918

01/11/2024

Are you looking for a group activity for your club/society/organisation\? Each Wednesday over the winter period we are hosting group teas/talks here at the Estate Office. Talks are chosen from a selection of topics researched, planned and delivered by members of the Walled Garden Project. Choose from:

A History of the Walled Garden
This talks covers the development of the garden from its design and construction in the mid 18th C to the present day. It includes information about the owners, their interests and the ways in which they influenced the garden’s history and decline after WWII. It touches briefly upon the work done by volunteers in the 21st C to create a new garden within the walls.

Conservation at the Luton Hoo Walled Garden
The talk traces the work carried out by a small team of volunteers who since 2006 have worked to preserve the once derelict garden workshops and glasshouses which are still essential to the running of the garden today. The team, many of whom have never done this kind of work before, have had to combine their talents and ingenuity and often learn new skills to achieve their goals. The talk also covers the work done to restore tools and equipment found in many of the derelict buildings.

Land Army in WW1 Talk
During WW1, 23,000 women were employed by the Women’s Land Army to work full time on the land, taking on the vital jobs in agriculture, forage production and timber cutting necessary to keep the country functioning while the men were away at war. I trace the development of the Women’s Land Army, illustrated by references to the women who lived and worked on the Luton Hoo Estate and farms. This form of national service was a tough life for the young women who were recruited from a variety of backgrounds.

Setbacks and Successes of life in a 20th Century Walked Garden
The Research Team over the past 21 years have unearthed the history of the estate. Through maps, information in the archives and through our Family Historians.
Thanks to this research, the Talk highlights life in the Walled Garden in the 20th century. It covers the succession of Head Gardeners and how they changed working practices to cope with agricultural depression, advances of modern industry and the aftermath of two world wars. Describing the setbacks and successes of life on the estate with quotes from interviews with past employees and their descendants.

Luton Hoo Opens to the public 1947 – 1950
During WWII the Luton Hoo Estate was the Headquarters of Eastern Command and in 1947 the then owner, Sir Harold Wernher took back possession of the mansion and park. The talk looks at why he decided to open the Estate to the public and how he set about converting part of the mansion into a museum to display to the public his father’s art collection – The Wernher Collection. It looks briefly at the collection and the way it was displayed as well as the experience he tried to create for the many visitors who visited the Estate.

With the option of a supplementary tour of the Walled Garden following each talk (weather dependant) what an excellent way to spend a Wednesday morning!
We only need two weeks notice to book your talk, an ideal outing for groups of 10 to 30 (or smaller groups paying £150) Book now for any Wednesday until the end of March.Secure your pot now:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/70235

30/10/2024

It's Autumn Open Day here at the Walled Garden - Pop down between 10.30 - 1 for some crafty fun in the Walled Garden to celebrate the Autumn Season. (And don't forget our tool amnesty!)
We can't wait to welcome you!
£5 per child - Adults £2 and under 2's and parking FREEEEEE!