Landmark anniversaries reflect success of beautiful Walled Garden Baumber

The beautiful Walled Garden Baumber, complete with tearooms and glorious grounds, is located on the A158 between Horncastle and Wragby and hosts an array of events, including weddings and live music, throughout the year.

But 2026 is a special time because it represents 200 years since the building of the walled garden and ten years since it was first opened to the public.

So a grand opening to mark the new season is being held over the weekend, with VIP guests and dignitaries joining members of the public.

Invited guests include local politicians and councillors, business leaders and regular visitors who have supported the family business over the years.

The innovative, four-acre walled garden, on Clays Lane in the village of Baumber, is full of hidden surprises and vastly different from the traditional 19th century kitchen garden that it once was.

The site used to house Stourton Hall, which was demolished in 1953. It is now owned by designer and photographer, Sonia and David Elton, who took it on 20 years ago when the remaining house and gardens were derelict.

In 2016, they decided to open the gates to the public on Friday afternoons simply to see if anyone wanted to go and have a look.

But they were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors and the positive comments that were made.

By May 2017, the former potting shed had been transformed into a tearoom, a plant sales area had been developed and a series of courses and events had been added to the calendar. Now it is a hugely successful business.

A spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing aim to keep the garden an interesting and surprising place to visit and to continually improve facilities for visitors, we are in the process of creating a new outdoor seating area for the tearooms.

"Not content with a run-of-the-mill space, Sonia has designed three covered courtyard seating areas, each with its own theme and feel – from a Greek taverna to a Mexican cantina and a Marrakesh bazaar.”

Although collection boxes are available for donations, admission to the Walled Garden Baumber continues to be free, despite the challenge of running a small, independent business in the current economic climate.

The spokesperson went on: “Increased costs over recent years, in terms of staffing and running costs, are making it harder to survive in this rural area.

"But it is, and always will be, our policy to keep entry to the garden area free to visitors, including to the many and varied events we put on every year.

"We also employ many locals, including young people offered their first working opportunity as part-time staff, in our tearooms.”

The site has matured too into a charming and tranquil venue for weddings, which take place on Saturdays throughout the year.

At least a dozen live music events are scheduled to take place between June and September.

And other events planned for the 2026 season include garden tours and talks, arts and craft fairs, a wedding fair, a vintage festival, a classic car show, a health and wellbeing day and barbecues.