About

Christopher & Catherine Foyle bought the Abbey in 2000, maintaining previous family ownership. A wide variety of recent garden projects have added to the sense of scale and peace within the glorious historic setting.

Completed in summer 2019 was a herb garden and ornamental glasshouse. The herb garden includes a patio area, water rill and water feature as well as growing a wide range of both culinary and medicinal herbs. The glasshouse measures 13M x 3.5M. and is divided into 3 growing areas. The central area houses tender climbers and citrus. The left hand side will grow peach, grapes, tomatoes and other seasonal fruit and vegetables. The right hand side will display seasonal pot plants.

The grounds at Beeleigh Abbey include three acres of beautifully maintained gardens in a historic countryside setting, with mature trees surrounding the many plant and water features. There are also woodland walks leading to the tidal River Chelmer, Beeleigh Falls, cottage & bog gardens, along with an extensive formal rose garden filled with over 300 English roses, kitchen & soft fruit garden, orchard, wildflower meadow, wisteria walk, and stunning 85 metre long mixed border displays.

Specimen trees include species such as Magnolia, Tulip, and Indian Bean to name just a few.

The extensive lawn contains the remains of a 12th century abbey incorporated into a mainly 17th century private residence, with a new ornamental glasshouse & herb garden being completed in 2020.

A new feature for the gardens from 2021 is the new Tea Cabin and Courtyard refreshment area. This new space has been created in the midst of Mediterranean style planting and with COVID-19 safety measures in place to help you enjoy your visit.

Beeleigh Abbey Gardens open days 2023 - Gardening Event in Maldon , Maldon - Visit Maldon District

What to see in the season:

April starts the season with primroses, daffodils and tulips, together with camellias, magnolias and fruit blossom. A further 4,000 bulbs were planted in autumn 2019

May has spring bedding, and bulbs displayed in the mixed borders, along with magnolias and rhododendrons. Enjoy the bluebells that lead down to the river, and then later in the month the wisteria arches that divide the soft fruit garden from the rose garden.

In June Roses take centre stage now totalling around 600, from the formal rose garden & hybrid tea bed to many shrub, climbing & rambling roses.

In July the cottage, bog gardens and meadow are at their best. With the kitchen, soft fruit gardens full of produce.

In August summer bedding displays are at their peak. The extensive mixed borders are now full of colour with many different perennials & shrubs.

September The roses put on another great display. Harvest time in the kitchen garden & orchard.

Level gravel paths and grass give access to most of the gardens with gentle slopes down to the river. There is a wheelchair accessible WC.