Curling Tye (Woodham Walter) Open Gardens 2025

Explore two beautiful gardens in Curling Tye, opening their gates to the public for the first time in aid of Farleigh Hospice.

Spanning 13 acres, The Shrubbery offers extensive grounds and gardens to explore. Enter the gardens through a charming old apple arch into the old walled kitchen garden, divided into ornamental and vegetable sections. Wander across formal lawns that lead towards a 7-acre parkland walk, home to magnificent veteran trees. Look out for the remarkable ginkgo biloba, described as the finest in Essex. From the grounds, you can admire the wisteria and old roses draping the old farmhouse and coach house. Don't miss exploring the intriguing remains of an ancient holly maze, now a walkway of topiary hills and dales. While at The Shrubbery, enjoy tea, coffee, Pimms, and homemade cakes, and purchase raw honey harvested from the garden's own bees.

At 1 Whitehouse Cottages, discover wonderful charm in this small 'secret garden' nestled amidst farmland and bordered by paddocks with grazing horses. This little plot of loveliness wraps around a Victorian cottage, where roses and grapes smother the porch in June. A meandering lawn guides you through beds and borders softly planted with a delightful cottage feel. This garden is intentionally managed as a haven for wildlife, with some areas left untended; visitors often remark they could sit for hours just listening to the birds. You are warmly invited to bring your camera, sit awhile, breathe out, and relax. The planting is designed to stimulate the senses—touch the grasses, smell the roses, and hear the trees on the breeze.

For those looking to extend their visit, The Cats pub is just a short stroll away from all three gardens and the walking route, offering a truly traditional pub experience in a picturesque rural setting (please note, The Cats is cash only).

Come and enjoy the unique character and beauty of these diverse gardens.

Tea, coffee, and homemade cakes will be available to purchase.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at all three gardens.

If you are interested in opening your garden in 2025 or 2026 please get in touch on 01245 457411 or fundraising@farleighhospice.org

For info about the other garden events taking place this year, please visit Open Gardens 2025