Luton Hoo Walled Garden

22/06/2026

Unfortunately, due to severe weather warnings the Walled Garden will not be open on 24th June.
We look forward to welcoming visitors again next week.

22/06/2026

This remarkable Capability Brown-designed garden has lived many lives across the centuries. From productive kitchen garden to historic landscape treasure, its story is rich, varied, and full of surprises. One of its most unexpected chapters came when it appeared on the silver screen in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed 1987 film Empire of the Sun.

In the film’s powerful final scene, a young Christian Bale—already showing the talent that would make him one of Britain’s most celebrated actors—is reunited with his parents after the turmoil of war. What many visitors may not realise is that the backdrop for this moving moment was filmed right here in the Walled Garden.

The Mackenzie and Moncur Long Range was transformed into a wartime field hospital for the production. Fascinatingly, the film preserves a glimpse of the structure in a condition rarely captured elsewhere. The glass roofs, long since removed, can still be seen in Spielberg’s masterpiece, offering a unique window into the garden’s past. Historic images of the range are scarce, making these film scenes an invaluable record of a lost chapter in the garden’s history.

Join us next Wednesday, from 10.30am to 4.00pm, and discover this and many other extraordinary stories during a guided tour of the Walled Garden. Researched, prepared, and delivered by members of the Walled Garden Project, the tour reveals the people, places, and events that have shaped this remarkable historic site over generations.

Admission includes the guided tour.

Step beyond the garden walls and uncover a place where landscape history, heritage conservation, and Hollywood history unexpectedly meet.

The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate

Open Wednesday, 10.30am – 4.00pm

09/06/2026

Step Back in Time at The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate
Looking for a peaceful and interesting day out in beautiful surroundings?
Join us every Wednesday from 10:30am to 4:00pm and discover the charm, history, and tranquillity of the magnificent Walled Garden at Luton Hoo Estate.
£7.50 admission for adults, with RHS and Historic Houses members being FREE! Entrance is for all day and there is tea/coffee and sweet and savoury treat available inside the walls of the garden, with more substantial lunches available at the Woodyard Brasserie (call to check menu choices and reserve a table Tel: 01582-879863).
You'll enjoy a fascinating guided tour that brings to life the rich heritage of this historic garden and its place in this thriving Bedfordshire estate. Once a productive Victorian garden, a training ground for the women’s land army, (amongst its many incarnations) and today a vibrant and ever-changing space, bursting with seasonal colour, carefully tended borders, productive growing areas, and hidden corners to explore.

05/06/2026

Places are always in high demand and, once they're gone, they're gone!

Our much-loved Children's Summer Garden Workshops return this summer, offering a rare opportunity for children to enjoy the simple pleasures of exploring nature within the beautiful surroundings of the Walled Garden.

This year, we are hosting two special workshops on 30th July and 6th August, each focusing on a different aspect of the garden: the Tasty Garden and the Fragrant Garden.

Designed with a refreshingly traditional approach, these sessions encourage children to step away from screens and spend meaningful time outdoors. Through hands-on activities, discovery, and exploration, they'll learn more about the natural world in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Every child will leave with something special to take home — as well as memories of a delightful morning spent amongst the flowers, fruit, herbs and wildlife of the Walled Garden.

Workshops can be booked individually and are just £10 per child, per session.

To find out more and book your place, visit:
www.trybooking.com/uk/114109

03/06/2026

Now in its 25th year and with a volunteer community more than 150 people strong, the project continues to grow, evolve and thrive thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of our volunteers.

As well as taking great care of our beautiful and historic Walled Garden, we also have a conservation team, education group, oral history group, beekeepers, open days team, research group, walks team, and both internal and external talks teams. Every achievement, every development and every success is worked hard for and delivered by volunteers.

From May to September we open the doors to the Walled Garden, giving visitors the chance not only to see the garden in all its glory, but also to discover the huge variety of work taking place behind the scenes. The project is always changing, always evolving, and embraces an incredibly diverse range of subjects and areas of focus — all with the Walled Garden at its heart.

This week is Volunteers’ Week, the national celebration of volunteers and volunteering, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to recognise the people who make everything possible. Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Walled Garden Project and today, as every day, we thank them for their incredible contribution, commitment and support.

31/05/2026

The Walled Garden at Luton Hoo Estate opens each Wednesday from May to September, welcoming visitors with a fascinating tour on entry. Produce from the garden is available in the Walled Garden shop and we now have tea/coffee and snacks available inside the walls, as well as the fantastic Woodyard Brasserie just a short stroll from the Woodland Walk. Come and see our fascinating historic service buildings and propogation houses, displays and unique garden buildings, not to mention the plants and flowers of the garden - arguably at their most magnificient at this time of year. Entry fee is for all day!
No need to pre book, pay at the garden gate!
£7.50 per adult entry
And don' forget for RHS or Historic House members entrance is FREE!
Each Wednesday 10.30 - 4
That's Wednesday sorted!

28/05/2026

Children's Summer Workshops are back and we are taking bookings now - Two hour workshops on Thursday mornings on the 30th July and 6th August - Old school, low tec and high enjoyment in the wonderful Walled Garden. Places are limited for 4-11 year olds.
Book your tickets now: www.trybooking.com/uk/114109
*Parent/carer must remain for the duration

28/05/2026

We are still buzzing after the success of our first outdoor performance in the Walled Garden. As we say goodbye and thank you The Three Inch Fools we look forward to saying hello to who will be joining us on 8th July for an a brilliant production of 'As You Like It' - We welcome The Handlebards back year after year and they never fail to amaze, enthral and entertain us.
Join us in the wonderful Walled Garden on 8th July - What a way to celebrate British Summertime.
Get your tickets now: https://www.handlebards.com/show/as-you-like-it-luton-hoo-estate/

26/05/2026

We are so excited to announce the dates of our Children's Summer Workshops - These much-loved garden themed workshops take place within the walls of the wonderful Walled Garden. Workshops can be booked separately, and each one is aimed at our future gardeners and plant fans, from ages4-11 (groups will be separated into ages on the day), The timeless nature of these low tec mornings puts children back into nature learning about the natural world around them.

Places are limited - Book now to avoid disappointed - Only £10 per child per workshop.

Please note parent/carer must stay for the duration.

Book here: www.trybooking.com/uk/114109

'Our girls love coming back each year' - 'Lovely' - 'A great time in the beautiful Walled Garden' - '100% recommend' - 'We will be back next year!' - 'My son loved taking his garden project home.' - From the 'Class of 2025'

The return of our delightful children's summer workshops. These crafty garden themed morning workshops take place within the walls of the historic...