Located in Enfield, north London, Capel Manor is a Georgian manor house that now serves as a college specialising in horticulture and garden design. It’s surrounded by 9 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens, which are open to the public. It’s a lovely place to explore, especially when everything is in full bloom. I highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for a peaceful green escape in the city.
It’s not a place that’s widely known by the general public, or by tourists, and that’s exactly part of its charm. I visited in July, and the gardens were in full bloom and absolutely beautiful. As you can see from my photos, there were hardly any people around during my visit. Combined with the lovely weather, it made for a perfect, peaceful afternoon wandering through Capel Manor’s gardens.
Of course, it’s not as vast or as grand as Kew Gardens, but that’s the beauty of it, it’s much quieter, more intimate, and just as enjoyable in its own way.
Capel Manor Gardens
Capel Manor Gardens features around 60 individual gardens open to the public, each with its own theme and style. What makes them unique is that they’re maintained by students as part of their training.
It’s worth noting that the term college in England doesn’t mean the same thing as in France or the U.S. Here, students are usually over 16 years old and have already completed their mandatory schooling. Capel Manor College focuses on vocational and hands-on education, especially in horticulture, garden design, and environmental studies.
Capel Manor Gardens also include greenhouses, ponds, mazes, and even a few recreated house façades that help place the gardens in a real-life setting. These themed spaces allow visitors to imagine how different garden designs would look in a home environment. Many of these gardens were actually designed by former students, showcasing the creativity and expertise developed during their time at the college.
The Manor
Capel Manor College is housed in a former Georgian manor, built in the 1750s. The term Georgian architecture refers to the style common in English-speaking countries between 1720 and 1840, known for its symmetry and classical proportions.
The history of Capel Manor goes back even further, all the way to the 13th century. The current building is actually the third to be constructed on the site. As for the college itself, it was founded in 1968, and its restoration took an impressive 18 years, which probably tells you just how much work it needed!
Practical Information
Getting There
Capel Manor is located in Enfield, in north London. You can reach it by train from Waltham Cross or via the London Overground to Turkey Street. From either station, it’s about a 25–35 minute walk to the gardens, so be sure to wear comfy shoes!
Address: Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, London, Greater London, England, EN1 4RQ
Opening Times
Open daily from 10am to 5:30pm (last entry at 4pm)
Closed on certain holidays, check the official website before your visit.
Ticket Prices
Adults: £8
Children (3–15 years): £6
Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 children): £24
Concessions: £6
