Raveningham Gardens, like many other great gardens is the work of one person. My mother, Priscilla Bacon, lived here for 50 years and in that time enlarged the garden, energetically creating magnificent borders.

When she began her gardening campaign in 1950, the Edwardian summerhouse and rosebeds in front of the portico were the only evidence that the garden was more than just an extension to the park.

My wife and I have continued my mother’s work by developing a new herb garden, refurbishing the walled garden’s Victorian conservatory, planting an arboretum and introducing contemporary sculpture.

We recently created a lake in the park to celebrate the millennium, and over the next few years will concentrate on improving the arboretum and the lake’s landscape setting.

A new area has been developed in the old plant nursery, which incorporates restoration of the melon pits and the creation of a Time garden, based on Francis Bacon’s Essay of Gardens.

This is a place away from the hurly burly of modern life, where you can reflect on how a modern garden can evolve and explore a traditional walled garden which still produces fruit and vegetables for the family as it did for my Victorian ancestors.

We look forward to welcoming you to our living garden.


Sir Nicholas and Lady Bacon








"The gardens at Raveningham are always a delight to visit." Sunday Times

"Obviously a plantsman's garden, but far more than that." Country Life

"The garden is crammed with interesting and rare specimens."
Sunday Telegraph
Most of the garden is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs - telephone for details.

   *
     Teas on Sun & BH Mons only.
     Dogs on leads are welcome.
   * Opening Times 2008 :
     Feb: Snowdrop Days (in aid of Priscilla Bacon Lodge) - check local press
     From Easter to the end of August:
     Monday to Friday 11am-4pm
     Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays: 2-5pm
     (Closed at Christmas and New Year)