“A fine lawn spreads its verdant turf before the house and extends to the road. On its side front, a prospect more charming is seen. A beautiful piece of water lies in the bottom, and it is agreeably planted with trees.”
The park and gardens are not yet open to the public. Small ticketed groups are taken on a guided walk each Wednesday afternoon — an unhurried two hours through the lake, the woodland, the lime avenue and the place where Charles I is said to have hidden during his island escape. All proceeds go directly back into the gardens.