Renishaw Hall & Gardens
The hidden gem to add to your travel list.
Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, Renishaw Hall & Gardens is a hidden gem that offers a captivating blend of history, beauty, and tranquillity. Whether you're a history fanatic, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque escape to develop ideas for your own garden, this beautiful home promises an unforgettable experience.
A dear friend introduced me to the enchanting Renishaw Hall & Gardens. She often spoke of its beauty and would send me stunning photographs from her visits. Intrigued by her descriptions and the gorgeous pictures, I decided to experience it for myself.
As a lover of stately homes, I’ve seen my fair share, but Renishaw Hall took my breath away. It left such an impression that now, whenever I plan my annual leave, a trip to Renishaw Hall & Gardens is the first thing I note in the diary. I’ve wandered through all the gardens, explored the woodland trails, and soaked in the serene beauty, yet each visit feels refreshingly new. There's always something different to see, especially with the changing seasons.
Visitors are welcome to explore the house and gardens at Renishaw Hall. While I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the stunning gardens, I’m yet to book a house tour. The house, being a lived-in family home, opens its doors to the public for guided tours only.
First Impressions - A Warm Welcome
After driving through the grand entrance, we parked and made our way to the quaint reception area, filled with charming gifts and trinkets to remember your visit. The entry fee is £10 per person, which I think is an absolute bargain. They also offer family tickets and season passes.
Our furry friends are welcomed with an all-you-can-drink cool beverage station, perfect for filling up on water before exploring.
The Gardens: A Living Masterpiece
Renishaw Hall, an impressive 17th-century country house, has been the beloved home of the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years. However, the true star of this magnificent estate is its award-winning gardens. Designed by Sir George Sitwell between 1886 and 1936, these gardens are a stunning tribute to his passion for Italianate landscaping.
As you wander through the grounds, you’ll discover a series of beautifully crafted gardens, each with its own unique charm. In the formal gardens, perfectly manicured hedges frame vibrant flower beds, creating a symphony of colours and scents. My personal favourites are the hydrangeas; their giant blooms resemble a sea of colourful clouds, and they never fail to stop me in my tracks.
Every corner of the gardens offers something special, and whether you’re a seasoned garden enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, you’ll find yourself in awe.
There are many focal points to explore throughout these stunning gardens, but in this article, I’ll highlight a select few. That way, you’ll still have plenty of surprises to discover and share when you visit!
The Gothic Temple
After learning about The Gothic Temple, it has become one of my all-time favourite spots. On The Top Lawn where The Gothic Temple stands, there’s an impressive collection of hydrangeas, their blooms create a breathtaking display. Standing tall above them is the Waterloo Oak, planted in 1815 by Mr. Frank Elliot, a long-serving gardener, to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.
During our visit, the weather became quite hot, and the shade provided by the Waterloo Oak was a welcome respite. As we cooled off, we admired The Gothic Temple. Built in 1808 as a conservatory for exotic plants, this charming structure later became a cemetery for the Sitwell family’s beloved dogs in the 1960s.
Visiting the graves of these cherished pets was surprisingly moving. It was comforting to see how much they were loved, with Dachshunds resting on the left and Alsatians on the right. The Gothic Temple and its surroundings offer a serene, poignant reminder of the bond between the Sitwell family and their furry companions.
Timeless Elegance
The house we see today is a stately Gothic-style mansion, completed around 1808, built around the older family manor. While there may have been an earlier structure on the site, the first recorded house of significance is the manor house built for the Sitwell family around 1625.
The intricate detail of the beautiful exterior is a testament to its timeless elegance, decorated with climbing flowers including a beautiful wisteria. Among these flowers is the rare and elegant Magnolia Delavayi, its large, parchment-coloured blooms grace the gardens for just one night.
The stately windows seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor beauty. The time-weathered, yet beautifully preserved stone exudes character and charm, creating a striking contrast against the greenery of the surrounding landscape. Renishaw Hall encapsulates a legacy of architectural splendour.
The First Candle
Descending from The Top Lawn, you enter The First Candle – an area named after the central fountains made of marble from a quarry near Verona. This enchanting space features around 100 roses, beautifully supported by a sea of lavish shrubs that weave through the vibrant blooms, providing stunning colour and fragrance.
Estate Grandeur
We spent a lot of time in The Swimming Pool garden area which was redesigned in 2014. New plant varieties, including roses and modern shrubs, were introduced in a palette of white, pink, and red to maximise visual impact, complemented by lilies and clematis. At the centre lies The Swimming Pool, featuring a large fountain that enhances the grandeur of the estate.
Don’t Forget Fish Food!
The Fish Pond was the last garden area to be altered by Sir George Sitwell. During a summer visit to Renishaw from his Italian home, the castle of Montegufoni, Sir George imposed his grand design while Sir Osbert was residing at the home. This space remained unfinished until Sir Reresby and Lady Sitwell took residence, completing the pond and adding a wrought iron footbridge.
We had a great time observing the fish, they’re a true delight. The pond is teeming with friendly Koi Carp, they swim up to greet anyone who approaches. A staff member described the fish as "greedy" so don't forget to pick up a bag of fish food at the entrance.
The Lakes - A Place to Reflect
Look at this view! The two main lakes at Renishaw were excavated in 1892. They performed many functions but the main idea from Sir George Sitwell was for them to be a focal point to the main axis of the garden. Sir George Sitwell wanted the garden to be considered a gallery of foregrounds designed to ignite the distant soft hues. The serene lakes, surrounded by ancient trees, offer a perfect spot for reflection.
“It is nature which should call the tune, and the melody is to be found in the prospect of blue hill or shimmering lake” – On the Making of Gardens, Sir George Sitwell.
The Renishaw Vineyard - A Real Treat!
To the west of the gardens lies a hidden treasure: a beautiful vineyard. Planted in 1972 by Sir Reresby Sitwell, this vineyard defied the odds, flourishing in a region once thought unsuitable for vines. At the time, it was the most northerly vineyard in the world! While it no longer holds that record, it now produces award-winning wines. Whether you choose to buy them online or during a visit, each bottle carries the legacy of this remarkable vineyard. The vineyard is a testament to passion and perseverance, offering a delightful surprise for all who visit. Today, the vineyard is home to several grape varieties: Madeline Angevine and Solaris for white wines, Rondo for rosé and red wines, and Seyval Blanc for sparkling wines.
As you explore the vineyard, you'll find rows of carefully tended vines producing a variety of grapes that thrive in the English climate. The vineyard tours provide insights into the winemaking process, from grape to glass. During the tour, visitors can enjoy tastings of the estate's award-winning wines, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Renishaw Hall's stunning gardens and historic architecture.
Visiting an English vineyard is a delightful experience, it combines scenic beauty with the rich tradition of winemaking. As you stroll through the neatly aligned rows of vines, you can appreciate the meticulous care that goes into nurturing each plant. I couldn't help but feel that this was a gracious nod to the Italian influence Sir George Sitwell infused into the gardens.
In 2011, Renishaw’s vineyard was taken over by Kieron Atkinson, owner of The English Wine Project and award-winning winemaker.
The Café at Renishaw
The Café at Renishaw offers an extensive menu with plenty of options. This time, we made it in time for breakfast, and it was delicious. Dogs are welcome in the café, and they have treats available on the counter for our furry friends.
For those looking for something special, the café also offers an Afternoon Tea. The menus cater to all dietary requirements, if you have specific needs, I highly recommend talking to the staff. I saw one visitor requiring significant adjustments to their meal numerous times, and a dedicated staff member went above and beyond to accommodate their every request with exceptional patience and professionalism.
A Lasting Memory
As we were leaving, I couldn’t resist purchasing a beautiful rose from their collection. I chose a stunning pink on the last visit but this time, I opted for a pastel apricot colour. I have had my fair share of roses from well-known brands, but the roses sold here are much higher quality and seem to be easier to maintain (or in my world, keep alive).
More Things to Enjoy at Renishaw Hall and Gardens
A visit to Renishaw Hall & Gardens is more than just a day out; it’s an experience that enriches the soul and ignites the imagination. Whether you’re captivated by the rich history of the hall, enchanted by the stunning gardens, or simply in need of a peaceful retreat, Renishaw Hall & Gardens offers a little slice of paradise.
Museum
A stunning collection of heirlooms, literature, and archives.
Farm Shop
A quaint farm shop offering a range of meats, homemade goods, and seasonal treats.
Sculpture Trails
As you explore the beautiful gardens, you'll encounter many captivating sculptures. Here is my favourite, but I want to leave some surprises for those planning a visit.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan Ahead: Renishaw Hall is open seasonally, so be sure to check the opening times and tour schedules in advance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The gardens are extensive, and you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny.
Bring a Camera: The stunning landscapes and picturesque views provide countless photo opportunities.
Renishaw Hall & Gardens – Useful Links
Gardens, Lakes, and Woodland
Guided Hall Tours
Museum
Vineyard
Café
Upcoming events
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! Your support and interest mean the world to me. I hope you enjoy the stories and photographs I share. Your engagement and comments inspire me to keep writing and sharing these special moments with you.
This was wonderful! x
I enjoyed reading this! It was like taking a long distance quick trip. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and words:)