Public votes for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year
Wentworth Woodhouse, in South Yorkshire, has won the 2022 Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, sponsored by Christie’s, in a public vote.
People cast votes between April and September to give Wentworth Woodhouse the title. They beat more than seven other contenders for the crown. This award, which began in 1984, recognises the importance of the country’s most spectacular gardens with horticultural and public appeal. The public voted for the gardens based on a variety of factors.
Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust has owned the 82-acre garden since 2017, at the Grade I-listed stately home in Rotherham. In 2020 they fully opened for the first time, offering locals tranquil and beautiful spaces during the pandemic. They remain open five days a week. Read more about this year’s finalists. The winners in 2020 were Mapperton House.
Praise for the garden’s accessibility
A key feature of the gardens is accessibility. In 2021, historic garden paths were rediscovered and renovated. This enabled all ages and abilities to enjoy the varied landscape. Two book-in-advance garden cabins provide homes-from-home for day visitors with mobility issues or special needs.
Scott Jamieson is the head gardener at Wentworth Woodhouse. He said: “We’re so glad that the hard work we’ve put in over the past few years has been recognised by Historic Houses. You can imagine how difficult it is to maintain and preserve 82 acres of gardens at such a popular place.
“I know that we definitely couldn’t achieve what we do without our amazing team of volunteers. They work tirelessly, come rain or shine, to ensure high standards. We have the best team we could wish for and this award is their award!”
‘Significant heritage achievements’
Ben Cowell, director general of Historic Houses, said: “The rescue of the house at Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the most significant heritage achievements of recent years. The work the team has achieved with the gardens is also nothing short of spectacular and deserves just as much attention”
Orlando Rock, the chairman of Christie’s UK, said: “We recognise the important achievements of Wentworth Woodhouse. The team of staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to achieve their ambitious plans to transform the private gardens into a tranquil, relaxing, accessible public space.”
Upton Wold, set in a hidden Cotswold landscape, is the Judges’ Choice this year, with its herbaceous borders, pond garden, and fountains. Despite being hard hit by drought, the garden plans to reopen to the public in 2023.
For more information, visit wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk.
