The idyllic Cambridgeshire village with gardens that only open a few days each year

The garden surrounds a beautiful grade II listed thatched cottage
The garden surrounds a beautiful grade II listed thatched cottage -Credit:National Garden Scheme


A beautiful Fenland village home to a historic thatched cottage will soon open its garden gates to visitors. The garden, with ponds and wildflowers, is only open for a few days a year.

Ten miles north-east of Cambridge, the small village of Burwell is right on the edge of the Fens. With history going all the way back to the Romans, the village is loved for its pretty houses and surrounding countryside.

As well as earthwork remains of a 12th century castle, the village is near Priory Wood, which is owned and looked after by the Woodland Trust. The woodland was planted in the 1990s and has many meandering footpaths.

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The village itself is filled with pretty little cottages with quintessential gardens. Unfortunately, these are all private and do not open to the public. However, there is one that is set to welcome visitors for three days this summer.

The borders of the garden are packed and aim to provide all year seasonal interest
The borders of the garden are packed and aim to provide all year seasonal interest -Credit:National Garden Scheme

Newnham Farmhouse is a stunning timber frame Grade II listed thatched cottage. The impressive garden will open on Sunday, May 5 and Sunday, August 4 with the National Garden Scheme. The garden can also be opened by arrangement.

At around a third of an acre, the garden has over 60 Japanese Acers, a magnificent walnut tree, and mature silver birch.

The borders are packed and aim to provide all year seasonal interest, and a lawn that is filled with wildflowers during the warmer months. There are ponds at the front and back of the cottage and some interesting sculptures.

Admission to the garden costs £6 for adults and is free for children. Find more information and book on the website here.

There are ponds front and back and a few interesting sculptures to be discovered
There are ponds front and back and a few interesting sculptures to be discovered -Credit:National Garden Scheme

There will also be a group opening, including Newnham Farmhouse, of five different gardens in Burwell on Sunday, June 9. Each garden has its own unique collection of plants, from a traditional cottage garden to drought tolerant plants and even a modern new build garden.

Find more information about Burwell Gardens and the open day here.