Victorian gardens near the house
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St Paul's Walden Bury

4.7
·98 reviews·Saint Paul's Walden, United Kingdom

Discover the historic St Paul's Walden Bury, childhood home of the Queen Mother, with its stunning park-like gardens and royal heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoming bulbs & rhododendrons

CrowdLow
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Victorian gardens near the house

St Paul's Walden Bury

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoming bulbs & rhododendrons

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the historic St Paul's Walden Bury, childhood home of the Queen Mother, with its stunning park-like gardens and royal heritage.

4.7
(98 reviews)

"A hidden gem with beautiful gardens and fascinating history, perfect for a peaceful escape."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Dates First

This is a private home, so access is limited. Always check their schedule for garden tours or special events before visiting. :calendar:

Enjoy the Tranquility

The gardens are rarely crowded, offering a peaceful escape. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the remoteness. :earofrice:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Queen Mother's Childhood Home

The Queen Mother's Childhood Home

The Bury

Explore the historic estate where Queen Elizabeth's mother spent her formative years. A glimpse into aristocratic life.

Magnificent Gardens

Magnificent Gardens

Gardens

Wander through park-like grounds featuring statues, temples, ancient trees, and vibrant plantings of bulbs, rhododendrons, and magnolias.

Intimate House Tours

Intimate House Tours

The Bury House

Experience a special house tour offering insights into the Bowes-Lyon family history and the estate's aristocratic past.

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Garden Charm & Royal Roots

Discover the stunning gardens of St Paul's Walden Bury, childhood home of the Queen Mother. Explore its park-like setting with statues and ancient trees. Perfect for a relaxing walk or family day out, it's a hidden gem rarely open to the public.

Limited Access, Special Experience

St Paul's Walden Bury is a private residence, meaning access is limited. Check opening dates for garden tours and special events like open days or theatre performances to plan your visit to this historic estate.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blossoming bulbs & rhododendrons
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Open air theatre performances
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful ancient trees
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨HELLO ST PAULS WALDEN✨ Here is a little sneak peak of our first stop on the Christmas Carol tour👀✨ We had the most wonderful day exploring The Bury at St Paul’s Walden! Absolutely loving the warm, inviting and beautiful atmosphere! We can already imagine the festive magic coming to life here ✨ We can’t wait to share the story with you all🎄 🎭 A Christmas Carol 📍The Bury, St Paul’s Walden 🗓️7th...
the_living_theatre
32 likes • 1.3K views

Check Opening Dates First

This is a private home, so access is limited. Always check their schedule for garden tours or special events before visiting. :calendar:

Enjoy the Tranquility

The gardens are rarely crowded, offering a peaceful escape. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the remoteness. :earofrice:

@hertsngs 🫶🏻 Open Gardens at St Paul’s Walden Bury. Childhood home of the Queen Elizabeth’s Mother. Tea, Cake, Gardens, Sunshine and Rope swings. Nothing better. #sundaygarden #ngs #stpaulswaldenbury #opengardens #springgarden #walledgarden #gardeninspirations
lucycottrell_gardendesign
10 likes • 284 views
Beautiful places to visit 👌 St Paul's Walden Bury #stpaulswaldenbury #hitchin #beautifulgardens
pixbygiovanni
78 likes • 4.4K views

Tea & Cake Available

Indulge in delicious tea and cakes during your visit. A perfect treat after exploring the grounds. :tea:

Look for Special Events

Keep an eye out for theatre performances or concerts held in the beautiful grounds. :performing_arts:

St. Paul’s Walden Bury, former home of the Queen Mother—and some of the best gardens ever, anywhere.
theanniehayes
8 likes • 107 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Dates First

This is a private home, so access is limited. Always check their schedule for garden tours or special events before visiting. :calendar:

Enjoy the Tranquility

The gardens are rarely crowded, offering a peaceful escape. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the remoteness. :earofrice:

Tea & Cake Available

Indulge in delicious tea and cakes during your visit. A perfect treat after exploring the grounds. :tea:

Look for Special Events

Keep an eye out for theatre performances or concerts held in the beautiful grounds. :performing_arts:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(98 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise St Paul's Walden Bury for its beautiful, park-like gardens featuring statues and ancient trees, and the unique opportunity for house tours revealing the Bowes-Lyon family history. It's considered a hidden gem, offering a tranquil experience away from crowds, though access is limited due to its private nature.

"Very fortunate to have a house tour! Gardens were beautiful"

Karen Evans

"Amazing history of the Bowes-Lyon family of the Queen Mother.
It is park-like with lots of statues and temple like buildings.
Plantings of bulbs and Rhododendrons and Magnolias as well as beautiful huge ancient trees."

Patrick Millar

"Small stately home. Interesting gardens. Still occupied by family members."

karen beaumont

What People Like

Beautiful gardens
Royal history insights
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited opening days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St Paul's Walden Bury is located near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. While public transport options are limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach the estate. Parking is usually available on-site during opening days. Instagram

Public transport to St Paul's Walden Bury can be challenging. The nearest train station is in Hitchin, from which you would likely need to arrange a taxi or local bus service, which may not run frequently to the estate itself. Instagram

When open to the public, parking is typically available on the grounds. It's advisable to check the specific event details for any parking restrictions or fees. :car:

Cycling is a pleasant option if you are local, as the surrounding countryside is beautiful. Ensure you have a secure way to lock your bike if you plan to visit. :bicycle:

Yes, St Paul's Walden Bury makes for a lovely day trip from London, especially when special events are scheduled. The drive is manageable, and the gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city. :city_sunrise:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are typically purchased in advance for specific open days or events. It's essential to check the official website or event listings for booking information and availability. :ticket:

Opening hours vary significantly as it's a private residence. Access is usually granted for specific garden open days, theatre performances, or other scheduled events. Always verify the exact times for your visit. :clock1:

No, St Paul's Walden Bury is not open year-round. It opens its gardens and offers tours on select dates, often in spring and summer, or for special events. :closed_umbrella:

It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular events like theatre performances or house tours. Some garden open days might allow on-the-door purchases, but this is not guaranteed. :shopping_bags:

Ticket pricing can vary depending on what is included. House tours may have a separate or combined ticket price with garden entry. Check the specific event details for clarity. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You can explore the beautiful park-like gardens with statues and ancient trees, enjoy a house tour to learn about the Bowes-Lyon family, and sometimes catch open-air theatre performances or concerts. :camerawithflash:

Yes, the gardens are described as park-like and magical, perfect for long, relaxing walks. The terrain is generally gentle, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. :athletic_shoe:

Photography is generally permitted in the gardens for personal use. However, it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions, especially if you plan to use professional equipment or for commercial purposes. :iphone:

Absolutely! It's the childhood home of the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, and offers fascinating insights into the history of the Bowes-Lyon family and aristocratic life. Instagram

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as warm, inviting, beautiful, and magical. It's a place to enjoy remoteness, nature, and a sense of historical charm. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, during open days and events, there are often tea rooms offering delicious tea and cakes. It's a lovely way to enhance your visit. :cake:

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check the specific event guidelines. Some venues allow picnics in designated areas, while others may not. :sandwich:

The nearest town with a good selection of restaurants and cafes is Hitchin. You can find various dining options there before or after your visit. :forkandknife:

Typically, you can expect tea, coffee, and a selection of cakes and light snacks. It's a charming addition to the garden experience. :cupwithstraw:

Alcohol is generally not a focus of the refreshments offered, which tend to be traditional tea room fare. For alcoholic beverages, you would need to visit nearby establishments. :wine_glass:

📸 📸 Photography

The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, from the ancient trees and statues to the formal garden areas and any architectural features. Capture the natural beauty and historical elements. :camera:

Personal photography is usually allowed, but it's wise to confirm if there are any specific rules regarding drone usage or professional shoots. :noentrysign:

Many visitors capture the stunning garden landscapes, seasonal blooms, and the historic architecture. Wedding photography is also popular here. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted at private estates and gardens due to privacy and safety concerns. It's essential to contact the venue directly to inquire about drone policies. :aerial_tramway:

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for landscape and portrait photography. Mid-morning can also be lovely with soft light. :sunriseovermountains:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St Paul's Walden Bury offers a wonderful opportunity for families to explore beautiful, open grounds. The park-like setting is perfect for children to roam and enjoy nature, with plenty of space for them to run around. Look out for rope swings mentioned by visitors, which can add an extra element of fun! Instagram

While the house tours might be less engaging for very young children, the gardens provide ample space for exploration and discovery. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenery, and check for any family-friendly events like outdoor theatre that might be scheduled during your visit. It's a chance for kids to experience a bit of history and nature in a relaxed environment.

❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples seeking a tranquil and picturesque escape, St Paul's Walden Bury offers a charming setting. The beautiful gardens provide a romantic backdrop for a leisurely stroll, hand-in-hand, surrounded by nature's beauty. The intimate atmosphere, often free from large crowds, allows for quality time together. Instagram

Consider visiting during the spring for the vibrant floral displays or in autumn for the rich colors of the ancient trees. If an open-air theatre performance or concert is scheduled, it can add a unique and memorable element to a romantic outing. Enjoying tea and cake together amidst the serene surroundings is also a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts

Solo travelers will find St Paul's Walden Bury to be a peaceful sanctuary. The expansive gardens and park-like grounds are ideal for a long, relaxing walk, allowing for deep immersion in nature and quiet contemplation. The remoteness of the area means you can often enjoy the beauty without significant crowds, making it a truly personal experience. Reddit

Bring a book to enjoy under one of the ancient trees, or simply wander and appreciate the diverse plantings and historical features. The opportunity for an intimate house tour also provides a chance to connect with the estate's rich history on a personal level.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Royal Connection: Queen Mother's Legacy

St Paul's Walden Bury holds a special place in British history as the childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later known as the Queen Mother. She spent her early years here, surrounded by the estate's natural beauty and aristocratic charm. This connection imbues the property with a unique historical significance, offering visitors a tangible link to a beloved royal figure. The estate played a role in shaping her early life before her marriage to King George VI and her subsequent life as Queen Consort and later Queen Mother. Instagram

Exploring the grounds, one can imagine the young Elizabeth playing amidst the ancient trees and formal gardens. The house itself, though privately owned and only occasionally open for tours, provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the prominent Bowes-Lyon family. This royal heritage makes St Paul's Walden Bury a destination of interest for those fascinated by British monarchy and its history. Reddit

Gardens of Serenity and Beauty

The gardens at St Paul's Walden Bury are a significant draw, offering a tranquil and picturesque escape. Described as park-like, they feature a variety of elements that appeal to nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. Visitors can expect to find statues, temple-like structures, and a magnificent collection of ancient trees that lend a sense of grandeur and history to the landscape. Reddit

During spring, the gardens are particularly vibrant with extensive plantings of bulbs, rhododendrons, and magnolias, creating a spectacular display of color. The formal garden areas provide a more manicured experience, contrasting with the wilder, natural beauty of the wider parkland. The remoteness and lack of crowds allow for an immersive experience, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing walk and quiet contemplation. Instagram+1

Experiencing St Paul's Walden Bury: Events and Performances

Beyond its historical and horticultural appeal, St Paul's Walden Bury occasionally hosts a variety of cultural events, transforming the estate into a unique venue. These can include open-air theatre productions, particularly Shakespearean plays, which leverage the natural beauty of the grounds as a backdrop. Such events offer a magical experience, combining the charm of the historic estate with the magic of live performance. Instagram

Music concerts, such as string quartet performances or salon concerts featuring classical works, also take place here, further enriching the visitor experience. These events are often highlighted by local musicians and ensembles, showcasing talent within the serene setting of the Bury. Attending an event provides a special opportunity to see St Paul's Walden Bury in a different light, often creating memorable evenings under the stars. Instagram+1

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