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Replanting Heritage at Athelhampton House & Gardens

As a historic house, with equally historic gardens, we're particularly keen to protect our heritage at Athelhampton House & Gardens. Sometimes that means preserving things perfectly, as they always have been. At other times, that requires us to make alterations: keeping things the same isn't always the best way to protect them. And sometimes, returning things to the way they once were is impossible.


A closeup of lavender being planted. The plant is central to the frame, surrounded by earth, and two pink gloved hands are putting it into place.
Planting Lavender at Athelhampton House & Gardens

Three years ago, we were devastated to discover that our iconic lime avenue was riddled with honey fungus. The magnificent trees, which had defined this walk for generations, could not be saved. Thanks to the fungus, it's impossible to replant trees here. Instead, after three years of careful rest and restoration, we're beginning a new chapter here.


A pale path leads from the right hand side of the picture away from the viewer. In the distance it's bordered by bushes, but closer to the viewer it's bordered by flat grass, and pots of lavender. Two gardeners are kneeling on the left hand side of the path. They're planting the lavender into the soil. They're wearing pale sun hats, dark green t-shirts, and black shorts. On the grass on the left is a yellow hose and a large black wheelbarrow
Planting Lavender at Athelhampton House & Gardens

Despite the heat of the recent weeks, Athelhampton’s gardening team have been hard at work, planting 250 Hidcote lavender plants along this walk. As the lavender becomes established, it will in time will bring colour, fragrance and a haven for pollinators.


A pale gravel path stretches across the foreground. In the bottom left corner, planted lavender plants are visible. In the bottom right corner, a gardener kneels wearing a dark green t-shirt, black shorts, and a pale sunhat. She is planting the lavender on the far side of the path. On the far side of the path, stretching towards the left, are lavender plants in pots, waiting to be planted. Behind them, the path is bordered by grass, and then a herbaceous border, behind which is a stone wall
Planting Lavender at Athelhampton House & Gardens

The next step in restoring the former lime walk is to begin work on an oak pergola. This structure will follow the line of the former avenue, providing a solid structure that can, in time, be covered in a riot of colour from climbing plants.


The former lime walk at Athelhampton, now planted up with lavender. The path in the foreground is bordered by grass, and in the distance it stretches into being bordered by bushes and trees.
The former lime walk at Athelhampton House & Gardens, now replanted with lavender

While nothing could ever replace the lime trees, we hope this new space will become a destination in its own right, a place to pause, reflect and enjoy for generations to come. Come and see the changes to our gardens, and witness the slow evolution of these beautiful places for yourself. We're open 7 days a week all year round, save for a few days at Christmas, and if you book here, you can save 10% of what you would pay on the door!

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