East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
About
The garden is open from 3rd March to 31st October on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 12pm to 5.30pm. The gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage are one of the most exciting surprises in the county, who would expect to find a verdant, sheltered garden in the prairie landscape that is north east Norfolk? Enter the garden and you are worlds away from the local landscape for here there are many gardens within the whole including a new Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Woodland Garden, Mediterranean Garden and a stunning Desert inspired by the landscape of Arizona. These areas are connected by magical avenues and areas of informal planting with some places allowed to be wildlife friendly which includes a stunning Corn Field that contains the corn field weeds of yesteryear and has been known to move visitors to tears.
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- Joyce D20 contributionsFabulous10 out of 10 for every aspect of this wonderful garden. Staff in plant sales exceptionally helpful. Staff in cafe also extremely polite and courteous. Can't wait for re -opening in spring to see this captivating garden. Well done to all employees. Thank you.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten September 15, 2023
- CorneliusfudgeGMStockport, United Kingdom1,503 contributionsLovely gardensVery impressive when you walk around the gardens and consider how it all started as a grass field. Many aspects to this garden and a nice cafe with some nice food to make the visit worthwhile. All the staff you encounter are friendly and helpful.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 17, 2023
- Caroline S1 contributionWonderful gardensA lovely day spent wandering through these beautiful private gardens that the owners generously open to the public. We arrived as the gardens were opened, toilets very clean. Everyone working there was welcoming and the cakes in the tea room were delicious. We bought a guide book and followed the layout - plenty of benches and seats to take a rest and admire the very different areas of this 32 acre garden. Areas where you can shelter if there is a shower or it’s very sunny. The website makes it clear who these gardens are suitable for. Hope to go back in the Autumn to see how the garden has changed with the seasons. We live in South Suffolk but if we lived closer we’d be visiting as often as we could.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 9, 2024
- MarcusHurleyCalne, United Kingdom10,472 contributionsExtensive and varied gardens with a nice cafe tooThese gardens are 50 years old and a real labour of love, there was a room showing the photos of the property when they bought it and then at each stage of creation and expansion. The gardens covered a huge area and were lots of independent sections, separated by hedges, trees or walls and each section had its own theme. We got the impression that the upkeep was now too much as lots of the areas were in need of some TLC and there was also a distant lack of signage or any obvious route so we just wandered around and may have missed some areas entirely. The online map was pointless as there was no signal so we did buy the guide book before we sat down for cake and Deb read that. There were some fantastic sections with lots of colour and insect life and we saw some recently shorn alpacas too and it was a pleasant 2.5 hours.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 24, 2024
- David nManchester, United Kingdom4,762 contributionsWonderfulThe place is awash with beautiful areas / rooms / views as you wander around. The only complaint we heard from other visitors was that they were "lost" and did not want to miss anything ! So, to make sure that you see everything do purchase the guide book - its only ÂŁ5 and well worth it to support these two guy's venture !Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 7, 2024
- ErasedcitizenLowestoft, United Kingdom122 contributionsStunning!!Me and my mother came here by chance when looking for a garden to visit in the local area and what a find!!! We were both blown away by the imagination, passion, creativity and dedication over the years that has resulted in these simply stunning gardens. We were met with colour, variation and tranquility in abundance. As an added bonus the plants you could buy are taken from the gardens and in a lot of cases are plants you wouldn’t find in most nurseries. To finish off our meander we had a pleasant tea and cake at the cafe; which capped a perfect day. This place is incredible and an absolute MUST!!Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten August 24, 2024
- caroline bWest Sussex, United Kingdom39 contributionsBeautiful gardens wonderful day outWe had a great family day out at these beautiful gardens. So peaceful you could be lost for hours in the beautiful gardens. Lovely little cafe on site we had amazing home made cream teas. It’s a great place for families or just if you feel you need to escape from the world for a bit. The gardens are so well kept and presented one we had been here others we visited just couldn’t compare. The price to get in was reasonable and good value as you can be there for hours. Would definitely recommend fantastic day outVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,064 reviews
Excellent
828
Very good
163
Average
52
Poor
12
Terrible
9
Elliot
3 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
£12 a ticket, £4 for a map. We’ll come back to that.
We brought a picnic which was not allowed to be brought in, honestly given the Disney level of prices in the cafe and entry fee, you would have thought bringing a sandwich and tidying up after yourself is not unreasonable.
The ÂŁ4 map, of which there is no free alternative, is poorly drawn, navigation is nearly impossible due to the poor labelling and lack of signage around the gardens.
The gardens themselves are the only redeeming thing, a few interesting plants and areas, if you’re able to find them on the map. A bit repetitive, lots of tulips and hedges. Disappointingly lots of paths and greenhouse areas that look beautiful but you’re not able to access. Honestly what’s the point!
Half the price would have been fair value, I’ll be sticking to National Trust areas.
We brought a picnic which was not allowed to be brought in, honestly given the Disney level of prices in the cafe and entry fee, you would have thought bringing a sandwich and tidying up after yourself is not unreasonable.
The ÂŁ4 map, of which there is no free alternative, is poorly drawn, navigation is nearly impossible due to the poor labelling and lack of signage around the gardens.
The gardens themselves are the only redeeming thing, a few interesting plants and areas, if you’re able to find them on the map. A bit repetitive, lots of tulips and hedges. Disappointingly lots of paths and greenhouse areas that look beautiful but you’re not able to access. Honestly what’s the point!
Half the price would have been fair value, I’ll be sticking to National Trust areas.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firstly, it is not “£4 for a map” but for a 38 page guide to the garden.
We used to allow picnics in the garden but it was abused by a minority who set up picnics in busy areas or inside garden pavilions, spoiling it for other visitors.
A “few” interesting plants – really!
As for not being able to access “beautiful” areas this is not correct. All four display greenhouses are open to visitors, only the two stock greenhouses are closed which are working areas for the garden, also all paths are accessible to visitors with just three service areas excluded containing our stores, delivery and workshop areas.
It is noteworthy that every other review left by this reviewer is a negative one star.
Written May 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
theheadgardener
England, UK110 contributions
Sept 2021
After a gap of a few years it was time to re-visit and we weren't left disappointed. The scale of the gardens wasn't a surprise but this time it was about the detail, how the plants and colours had been skillfully planted and arranged. It was a sheer pleasure to meander from room to room enjoying the artistic displays. Since last visiting certain areas of the gardens had matured to perfection and those which had become tired were being revamped and like any garden it's a living breathing thing so it's great to see it evolve. The skilled gardeners were working very hard cutting the miles of hedges and tending to the dry garden. A true gardener would appreciate visiting here, and would understand that as noted in some comments there are areas which have gone past their best, is a natural part of the lifecycle of a garden of this magnitude and so it's no bother to see areas that are waiting to be tweaked or replanted.
We enjoyed a light lunch, of quiche and fresh salad followed by apple crumble cake and coffee. A simple but tasty offering which is all that was required. The staff were all lovely, attentive and jovial too especially when I bought my third slice of cake!
Bought a few plants from the nursery area, some grown on site and some bought in, but all interesting and mostly unusual cultivars so you can create your own version of East Ruston Old Vicarage at home.
It's a priviledge the creators of the garden allow the public to enjoy and share their private garden, the entry fee is worth every penny. If you choose to visit, arrive in good time so you can spend the 5 1/2 hours exploring and embracing all it has to offer.
A place to marvel at, enjoy and feel so welcome it could be home.
We enjoyed a light lunch, of quiche and fresh salad followed by apple crumble cake and coffee. A simple but tasty offering which is all that was required. The staff were all lovely, attentive and jovial too especially when I bought my third slice of cake!
Bought a few plants from the nursery area, some grown on site and some bought in, but all interesting and mostly unusual cultivars so you can create your own version of East Ruston Old Vicarage at home.
It's a priviledge the creators of the garden allow the public to enjoy and share their private garden, the entry fee is worth every penny. If you choose to visit, arrive in good time so you can spend the 5 1/2 hours exploring and embracing all it has to offer.
A place to marvel at, enjoy and feel so welcome it could be home.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn R
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
I treated myself to a season ticket after my first visit to the gardens and the seasons have not disappointed. A trip to the gardens is like a holiday - you enter another world and leave your cares and worries at the gate. The views from the multiple garden rooms are just breathtaking in the way they borrow from the landscape. However, I think the thing I most enjoy is taking the ideas, plants used in this magnificent setting and bringing a little bit back to my own. All staff are so helpful and accommodating and the owners themselves have been on hand during every visit and are so approachable and happy to share their knowledge. The cafe is a welcome rest with multiple treats to cater for all diets but my joy is the nursery where I never fail to leave empty handed. This visit I was tempted by a number of plants but my firm favourite was the Angel Wings. I would whole heartedly recommend an afternoon spent in the great outdoors here but don’t take my word for it.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MollyNorwich
Norwich, Norfolk69 contributions
Jun 2021
Our visit this time was very disappointing. No discount for seniors and thought ÂŁ11 each for this experience was a bit pricey. Quite a lot of dead flowers and weeds. Just returned today June 16th 2021, the hottest day of the year and they did not serve cold drinks , only squash at ÂŁ1.30 a glass. It tasted awful, full of saccharin and probably low calorie. Canned or bottled drinks do not go off or deteriate, even if they are not chilled. We did take in a bottle of water in with us, which we drank but some other refreshment would have been good and in the summer I would say essential.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LandSd
Walsham-le-Willows, UK350 contributions
Aug 2021
Really enjoyed our afternoon here. The gardens are laid out in mainly an informal manner in different 'rooms'. Stunning features such as the magnificent Pergola and the fruit cage is amazing.
I was a little disappointed with their catering facilities. As they open at 12.00 and close at 5pm many people, it would seem, arrive at midday to enable them to spend enough time there. This means they require lunch which is a very small affair. Not much choice, there was an enormous queue, and the only cold drinks on offer were water or squash. The water used was from large bottles, not kept in a fridge, so on a hot day I was drinking warm squash. Unfortunately you cannot take a picnic to get round this problem but I don't blame them as rubbish is an enormous problem.
Having said the above, lunch may have been a necessity but the real reason for going was to visit the garden which was fabulous.
I was a little disappointed with their catering facilities. As they open at 12.00 and close at 5pm many people, it would seem, arrive at midday to enable them to spend enough time there. This means they require lunch which is a very small affair. Not much choice, there was an enormous queue, and the only cold drinks on offer were water or squash. The water used was from large bottles, not kept in a fridge, so on a hot day I was drinking warm squash. Unfortunately you cannot take a picnic to get round this problem but I don't blame them as rubbish is an enormous problem.
Having said the above, lunch may have been a necessity but the real reason for going was to visit the garden which was fabulous.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia R
Ipswich, England, United Kingdom14 contributions
Sept 2020
My mother, aged 92, and I walked around most of the areas together, she walking further than she would normally, as she was enjoying it so much! I left her at our tea table, after delicious tea and cake, then went back to find the desert garden and was so pleased I did -it was amazing! The piles of large white stones contrasted so well with the cacti, palms and succulents, and little wooden bridges added further interest.
I love that each small garden is created differently from the next, with interesting hedging or walls between sections, so you can only catch a glimpse of the next one through a gap.
Wonderful plants throughout. A must to see!
I love that each small garden is created differently from the next, with interesting hedging or walls between sections, so you can only catch a glimpse of the next one through a gap.
Wonderful plants throughout. A must to see!
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanette P
Lutterworth, UK82 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
My husband and I arrived at the gardens knowing full well that dogs weren't allowed. I get that. As in the case of people abusing having picnics I suppose some dog owners aren't responsible (unlike myself, a law abiding citizen), & therefore spoil it for others. As we approached the ticket booth the woman called out NO DOGS. I politely explained that I wanted to look around the gardens but my husband would like to sit & look after the dog outside the tea room. No he can't was her reply. You will have to take him a cup of tea to the car. And this is reluctantly what happened. I considered this to be most unfriendly & not in keeping with everywhere else in Norfolk. A great shame as the gardens were a sight to behold (hence the 4 star rating) but I rushed around knowing my husband was waiting which completely destroyed my enjoyment. And to top it all, I saw 2 dogs in the gardens presumably belonging to the owners! According to someone who recommended the gardens these dogs were in the cafe when she visited!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter J
Balsham, UK29 contributions
Aug 2021
What an amazing experience- beautiful gardens and a stunning experience. We had a great day out and would recommend the experience to anyone. We also met the owners who were so polite and helpful and gave us great insight into the work.
We also met their lovely well behaved dogs who were so brilliant with all the children they met.
We would recommend this experience to all types of families and will definitely be returning soon
We also met their lovely well behaved dogs who were so brilliant with all the children they met.
We would recommend this experience to all types of families and will definitely be returning soon
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francesca S
4 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Having travelled from Norwich to visit the gardens, I was quite shocked at how expensive entry was. I thought I was going to a plant sale but on top of the £11.75 entrance fee there was a charge of £4 for the plant sale. With travelling costs and entrance into the garden this seemed a lot. I never made it to the plant sale! The gardens were lovely, but essentially someone’s house!
The food in the cafe was very average and the staff were chaotic to say the least. It would have been nice if the food was or looked like it was at least home made. The cafe was dated and certainly had been missed off the creative touch that had been so well done in the gardens. Perhaps refreshments might be included in the entry price? It would certainly be a sweetener for the entry fee.
Confusion over the map/guide was evident amongst some in the gardens almost to the point of bewilderment!
I’m disappointed to say the least, and noting the negative comments from the owners to other reviewers, I will await with baited breath for the onslaught! Your customer service is equally disappointing
The food in the cafe was very average and the staff were chaotic to say the least. It would have been nice if the food was or looked like it was at least home made. The cafe was dated and certainly had been missed off the creative touch that had been so well done in the gardens. Perhaps refreshments might be included in the entry price? It would certainly be a sweetener for the entry fee.
Confusion over the map/guide was evident amongst some in the gardens almost to the point of bewilderment!
I’m disappointed to say the least, and noting the negative comments from the owners to other reviewers, I will await with baited breath for the onslaught! Your customer service is equally disappointing
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hastiesyston
syston10 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Had never been to the gardens before and what a delight
The gardens were stunning and the was so much to see. Plenty of seating to enable you to take in the views. Slight downside quite slow in restaurant at lunchtime probably because of covid 19 measures could have organised a bit better.
The gardens are well worth a visit and will go back when next in Norfolk
The gardens were stunning and the was so much to see. Plenty of seating to enable you to take in the views. Slight downside quite slow in restaurant at lunchtime probably because of covid 19 measures could have organised a bit better.
The gardens are well worth a visit and will go back when next in Norfolk
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Am I right, are the gardens closed from November?
Written November 1, 2019
Dogs are not allowed and I remember it being ÂŁ8 each but judging by the other review, it must have gone up since I last went a year ago.
Written July 10, 2019
EastRustonOldVic
Norwich, United Kingdom
Hi Sorry I have only just seen your message. We do not allow dogs in the garden.
Written April 15, 2019
I would like to bring my elderly mother however she walks with a stick ,will she be able to get around the gardens?
Written June 23, 2018
Whilst there are some uneven gravel paths and a few steps, I would think your mum would be able to navigate the garden with no issues.
Written June 27, 2018
Hi
Do you have snowdrops? Thanks
Written February 8, 2018
EastRustonOldVic
Norwich, United Kingdom
Hello, we have snowdrops in the garden but we are not open until 3rd March.
Written February 8, 2018
I want to get a gift voucher for my parents for Christmas but can’t decide on whether to book the tour or just let them wander around on their own, what do you recommend? Thanks
Written December 10, 2017
hi, please give me a ring on 01692 650432 and I can help you.
Written December 11, 2017
How is the best way to get there (aside car)? Thanks.
Written October 20, 2017
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