​Capel Manor Gardens | Georgian House & Gardens | Dallaswear

Capel Manor Gardens

Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4RQ 0303 003 1234

Capel Manor Gardens are open to the public at weekends only at present between 10.00am – 4.00pm, last entry being at 3.00pm. These new arrangements are due to the ongoing repercussions on covid 19.

Parking is free.

Entry to the Gardens costs £7.00 and £6.00 for concessions. Please see website for full details.

Capel Manor Gardens are located in the North of the London Borough of Enfield close to junction 25 of the M25. Established in the late 13th century, the beautifully maintained gardens surround a Georgian Manor with Victorian stables. There is a 17th century walled garden which is stunning, a real hidden oasis, so close to the heart of London.

Other highlights of the Gardens include an Italianate holly maze, (sadly, the maze is closed at the moment due to social distancing restrictions in response to the coronavirus). Close to the entrance of the Gardens there is a well established Japanese Garden which with it’s water feature is both colourful and tranquil.

The Gardens have had several owners over the years including Elizabeth I. When Capel Manor became the private home of Lt Colonel Sydney Medcalf he made the estate the National Centre for Clydesdale horse breeding.

The site is now home to a specialist college for those interested in animal care, garden design, the history of gardening and countryside studies, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. With this in mind there are little individual gardens, concept gardens, which feature these ideals, created using sustainable gardening techniques. One of the gardens even uses recycled materials as garden ornaments.

Sunflower Street is the name given to the area that links the concept gardens. Each garden is created in a small space and highlights different aspects of creating highly individual gardens and shows how a garden can be adapted according to unique specifications. Some of these gardens include a Victorian style front garden, Cottage, Rustic and Family gardens, all of which were designed by former students. Interestingly, also included in Sunflower Street are reconstructed examples of Award winning gardens from The Chelsea Flower Show. These include Le Jardin De Vincent, inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and a Silver Gilt Medal Winner 2007 and The Australian Garden, a gold medal winner and created in association with the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne.

There is also a small zoo on site. There are two rare Scottish wild cats, which although elusive can be seen with some patience. It is amazing how well they are camouflaged in their enclosure! There are two beautiful barn owls, a white crow, ring tailed lemurs, meerkats and a porcupine to name a few. Well worth a visit, especially with children in mind.

There is also a lovely lake with a fountain and big Koi carp easily visible from the bank. There are pleasant walks across the site, enabling you to get away from everyone to find a quiet spot just for yourself to really enjoy the peacefulness of the place.

Capel Manor Gardens is another of those places which are almost hidden away in London. If you visit you will find it hard to believe that you are so close to the hustle and bustle of the city. It really is a beautiful haven for the city dweller.

There is a restaurant selling hot and cold food, snacks, drinks and ice cream, which at the moment is take-away only.

Facilities for the disabled are very good with step free access to the restaurant and toilets. Some of the gardens are a little difficult to navigate for wheelchair users but the majority are good.