17 secret Norfolk gardens opening to the public in July 2023

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) has announced the private gardens in Norfolk opening to the public in July 2023. 

The scheme raises money for nursing and health charities through admissions, tea and cake. 

Graham and Sally Watts, who are opening their garden at Dale Farm in Dereham, said: "We are looking forward to showing off the significant improvements we have made for better access around our garden.

"Visitors will also be able to see how resilient plants are after the tough winter weather.” 

READ MORE: 17 private Norfolk gardens opening to the public in June

SUNDAY, JULY 2 

1. MANOR FARM COSTON, COSTON LANE, WYMONDHAM, NR9 4DT 

An oasis with a walled kitchen garden, herbaceous and shrub borders, box parterres and areas of wildflowers, with sculptures throughout too. 

2. WALCOTT HOUSE, WALCOTT GREEN, WALCOTT, NR12 0NU 

A 12-acre site with formal gardens planted around farm buildings, with a woodland area and small arboretum.  

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5 

3. THE WALLED GARDEN, LITTLE PLUMSTEAD, NR13 5FA 

Visit a recently restored Victorian walled garden, created and maintained by the community. 

SUNDAY, JULY 9 

4. HOLME HALE HALL, SWAFFHAM, IP25 7ED 

A walled kitchen garden with a soft palette of herbaceous plants, which includes some unusual varieties.

5. KERDISTON MANOR, REEPHAM, NR10 4RY 

Two acres with mature trees and colourful herbaceous borders alongside a 15-acre wild meadow walk. 

Explore secret gardens in Norfolk this summer (Image: Supplied by NGS)

SATURDAY, JULY 15  

6. SWAFIELD HALL, KNAPTON ROAD, SWAFIELD, NORTH WALSHAM, NR28 ORP (ALSO OPEN JULY 16) 

Four acres with a parterre, summer garden, orchard, secret oriental garden, pond and woodland walk. 

READ MORE: Is this market town the most underrated place in Norfolk?

SUNDAY, JULY 16

7. DUNBHEAGAN, DEREHAM ROAD, WESTFIELD, NR19 1QF 

Rare and unusual plants grow with the more recognisable in densely planted borders to make a riot of colour. 

8. 4 COACH HOUSE COURT, UNTHANK ROAD, NORWICH, NR4 7QR 

A tiny, compact city garden full of interesting plants which provide interest all year.

9. NORTH LODGE, 51 BOWTHORPE ROAD, NORWICH, NR2 3TN (ALSO OPEN JULY 30) 

A Victorian gothic cemetery lodge garden with herbaceous beds, water features and vistas. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

10. LEXHAM HALL, LITCHAM, PE32 2QJ 

This popular mature garden has great variety and year-round interest, with a walled garden and woodland walk set within parkland. 

SUNDAY, JULY 23  

11. SOUTHGATE HOUSE, SOUTHGATE LANE, NORWICH, NR1 2AQ 

The garden, approximately an acre in size, is a mixture of Victorian and contemporary styles.

12. 1 WOODSIDE COTTAGES, BRACONDALE, NORWICH NR1 2AY 

A colourful and productive cottage garden attached to a pretty and historic cottage not far from Norwich. 

13. TUDOR LODGINGS, CASTLE ACRE, KINGS LYNN, PE32 2AN 

A two-acre garden uniquely situated within Norman earthworks, boasting fine views across the Nar Valley. 

READ MORE: Pick-your-own bouquet garden returns to country park bigger and better

Dale Farm in Dereham is opening to the public in July 2023 Picture: Supplied by NGS (Image: Supplied by NGS)

SUNDAY, JULY 30

14. DALE FARM, SANDY LANE, DEREHAM, NR19 2EA 

A two-acre garden with more than 1,0000 plant varieties surrounding a pond and there will also be a plant sale and music.

15. FERNDALE, 14 PORINGLAND ROAD, UPPER STOKE HOLY CROSS, NR14 8NL  

This garden is packed with colour and features seating areas, arches, flower borders, a pond, vegetable plots and a greenhouse.

16. THE LONG BARN, FLORDON ROAD, NEWTON FLOTMAN, NR15 1QX 

An informal garden with Mediterranean influences, featuring olive trees, figs and vines and herbaceous borders.

17. 61 TRAFFORD WAY, SPIXWORTH, NR10 3QL 

This is a fine example of what you can pack into a very small garden with gravel planting, herbaceous borders, roses, pleached hornbeams and pot plants. 

Visit ngs.org.uk to pre-book tickets and see timings and prices - for some gardens, you can turn up on the day and pay.