The Grounds and Gardens at Cringletie House

From the minute you cross the old railway bridge and wind your way up the drive you will begin to appreciate the 28 acres of the Cringletie estate.

The woodlands shimmer in white when the snowdrops abound and the manicured lawns glisten with dew as the millions of daffodils rise in the spring sunshine interspersed with the mauve of the crocuses. The area around the old Doocot sees a concentration amongst the tress of the glorious rhododendrons and with the azaleas together they

provide the blaze of colour opposite the house with the backdrop of the paddock and the highland cows gently feeding from morning to night.

Wander through the “secret garden” and cross the wooden “Pooh” like bridge, down

the path by the stream and savour the views across the valley to the heather covered hills. Interesting flora and fauna sneak out from borders through out the grounds and nowhere better than in the ancient walled garden  – first created back in 1660 the traditional kitchen garden is dominated initially by the Yew hedge that was

planted at its inception. Over the centuries this area has become less of a producer of vegetables and more of an

escape for visitors to relax in and enjoy the beauty of the plants ranging from the tall grasses to the rose beds and a whole variety of small bushes and ground plants throughout the beds and borders just waiting for the wanderer to discover. All the herbaceous borders were cleaned and re-planted in 2005 with support from a load full of trees

and shrubs from the Netherlands. Skilful masons have repaired the walls of the walled garden so that along

them various seating areas have been created to enjoy morning or afternoon sun in quiet reflection – around the

walls grow a range of pears, plums, apples and in the 19th century greenhouse the camellia blossoms ahead of the carpet of geraniums and chrysanthemum’s watched over by a hedge of sweet peas. This enclosed beautiful garden also boasts a spectacular arbour that is a joy to behold when the laburnum and honeysuckle spread their beauty.

The chestnut trees along with the beech and oak stand tall around the estate shielding the house and its gardens from the road and hiding in amongst them is even an original elm that survived the dreaded massacre. New paths have been developed and created to give more and longer walking pleasure plus this year sees the birth of our very own specialised nature walk which will be signposted with the wildlife, plants and trees that one may be expected to

chance upon as the visitor strolls their way round.

The waterfall at the front of the house is again visible and the walk down the gorge is as tranquil as the gushing steam will allow. The former tennis court has been replaced by a formal parterre garden and a grand stone staircase leads up from it to the magnificent house itself. The grounds too include space to participate in a little exercise with a choice of Croquet, Boules and a small pitch and putt along with giant chess and garden bowls – not to mention wildlife to watch from badger, deer and even otter – the birds abound with woodpecker, nuthatch and buzzard flying over watching all your moves.

Whether to sit and think or to leisurely walk there is something for everyone in the outdoors on the Cringletie land and we are always very pleased to hear what our visitors enjoy about their experience and to take their advice as to how we can add or improve it whatever the time of year as our aim is to ensure that the estate reflects the quality of the House itself and is ready to be enjoyed no matter the weather or season. – Wellies are provided at the front door just in case!