The 6 secret gardens in Suffolk open to the public in August

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) gives unique access to private gardens across the country and it raises money for nursing and health charities through admissions, tea and cake. 

Tickets can be purchased on the NGS website or, for most places, it will be possible to turn up on the day.

Here are the six Suffolk secret gardens opening to the public this month. 

Saturday, August 3

Gislingham Gardens

Visit two lovely gardens in the picturesque village with a number of Suffolk timbered houses. 

Ivy Chimneys is planted for year-round interest with ornamental trees, some topiary, exotic borders and fishpond set in an area of Japanese style.

Wisteria draped pergola supports a productive vine and there is also a separate ornamental vegetable garden.

Sunday, August 4

The Old Rectory, Ingham

Enjoy teas, scones and cakes in the lovely setting or the large gardens of a Georgian rectory. 

There are formal parterre, lawns, and a wide variety of mature trees including weeping willows and a wellingtonia.

Gislingham Gardens

Here you can find a tiny garden which has been exquisitely planted and an absolute riot of colour despite the garden’s size.

Wednesday, August 14

The Red House, Aldeburgh

The former home of the renowned British composer Benjamin Britten and partner, the tenor Peter Pears. 

The five-acre garden provides an atmospheric setting for the house they shared and contain many plants loved by the couple.

Sunday, August 25

Bridges 6 Henstead Exotic Garden, Beccles

A two acre exotic garden featuring 100 large palms, 20 plus bananas and giant bamboo, some of biggest in the UK.

The Priory, Woodbridge 

The garden has been designed by Frederic Whyte, Chelsea Gold Medal winner.

A kitchen garden with raised vegetable beds, a rose garden and perennial borders.

A half moon lawn is framed by clusters of flowering trees whilst formal drifts of agapanthus, hydrangeas and white roses are set against the house.