The National Trust has completed a major restoration of the Long Garden at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire, breathing new life into one of the estate’s most iconic formal spaces. The 200-metre garden, originally designed in the 1930s by celebrated garden designer Norah Lindsay [1] for the Astor family, has undergone a transformation that blends its heritage with a more contemporary, resilient solution.
The restoration project has reimagined the garden’s planting and overall structure to meet the challenges of a changing climate and enhance visitor accessibility while honouring Lindsay’s original vision. Known for her textured planting, vertical elements and sculptural topiary, Lindsay’s influence remains central to the new design, which features yew ‘pin cushions’, tall beech ‘beehives’, and a rich tapestry of herbaceous plants and ornamental grasses.
Cliveden General Manager Robert Miles said: “This restoration is about more than preserving a beautiful garden – it’s about reinterpreting a historic design for the future. Norah Lindsay’s bold vision has guided us, and we’ve worked to ensure the Long Garden remains a place of inspiration, biodiversity and accessibility for generations to come.”
The Long Garden is just one of the many delights that visitors can see for free this week as the National Trust open the gardens at Cliveden for free as part of the Heritage Open Days. There are glorious gardens overlooking the River Thames with extensive network of walks through the woodland and riverside. Children’s playground, play trails and maze. First-come-first-served tours throughout the week of the house, sculptures and garden. Daily talks at 11.30, 1pm and 2.30pm. Plus, outdoor pop-up history talks.
England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days, is back between 12th and 21st September. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the festival allows organisations to highlight the history, heritage and culture of places and communities across the country. As part of the festival each year, many National Trust places throw open their gates to give everyone free access on select days. It’s a great opportunity for those who have not visited their local National Trust place before to experience their nature, beauty and history.
For more information about Cliveden, please check out the National Trust Website
Images (c) James Dobson
Above aerial view of Long Garden
Below Helena Tabb and Natalie Hughes maintaining the reimagined scheme, designed by James Scott.
