Rare Plant Fair

*From the organisers (correct at the time of publishing), please see the organiser’s website for the latest details.

Lamport Hall was home to the Isham family for over four centuries, and the fortunes, interests and trials of each generation have left their mark. The Hall is set in approximately 10 acres of tranquil gardens, the result of over 450 years of love and dedication, enclosed by a spacious park. Although their size and location are the same as when they were first laid out, their design has been strongly influenced by the interests and tastes of successive owners.
Although the size and location of the gardens has remained the same since they were first laid out, the design has changed significantly over the generations.
In the 17th century, Sir Thomas Isham entrusted the development of the gardens to his land agent, Gilbert Clerke, while he was away in Europe. The surrounding banks and large wrought iron gates survive from this time. One of the main changes in the 18th century was in 1750, when Sir Edmund planted box edgings to seven groups of shrubs. All but one of these ‘rooms’ would later be removed in the twentieth century.
It was the keen eye of Mary, Lady Isham in the 1820s and later the passion of her son Sir Charles, which gave the gardens their present layout. Sir Charles planted the Irish yews to create the Eagle Walk, so called because it led to an aviary of eagle owls. He also created the Italian garden in front of the Drawing Room windows and planted the climbing wisteria which still thrives today.
Sir Charles’ pride and joy however was his remarkable rockery. He began work on the rockery in 1847. Standing some 24 foot high, 90 foot long and 47 foot wide, it was built right up against the Hall so that Sir Charles could see it from his bedroom window. It was made to look like a miniature world, with tiny crevices and caves, and planted dwarf trees.
Today the gardens include extensive herbaceous borders, woodland gardens and shrubbery walks containing some rare and interesting plants, providing year round interest. The Walled Garden was replanted in 2010 and is full of unusual tall perennial plants, many sourced from Piet Oudolf’s nursery in the Netherlands. A vibrant array of colour and variety of plants are intersected by gravelled pathways with hidden doors and relaxing benches to be found.
Admission
Adults £11.00, children aged 11-17 £6.00. Children under 11 free. Admission includes access to both the Fair and Gardens.
Please note that no concessions, including the Lamport Hall Annual Pass, Gardener’s World 2 for 1 tickets or Historic Houses Association passes, are valid on the day of the Fair.
Well behaved dogs on a short lead are allowed in the Fair and Gardens.
Parking
On site free parking on the grass in the front park. Disabled parking available on a first come, first serve basis.
Accessibility
Comprehensive information is available on the Accessibility Page on the Lamport Hall website at https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/
Refreshments
Delicious refreshments will be available from the Stables Cafe.