St Paul's Walden Bury, Hitchin SG4 8BP

Celebrated 18th century Landscape Garden, home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

5 miles south of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, on B651

This charming small stately home was the English home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon until she married. The 9th of 10 children, her brother's descendants now live here. A tour of the house includes the beautiful 18th century hall and drawing rooms, now used for concerts and weddings.

The house was built about 1720 by Edward Gilbert, whose notorious grand daughter Eleanor Bowes married John Lyon, Earl of Strathmore. Hence the name Bowes Lyon.

The beautiful garden covering more than 50 acres is based on a classical formal design, and the original patte d'oie (goose foot) architecture has been retained. Long avenues lead to temples, statues, lake and ponds. More recent flower gardens bloom in spring and summer, with beautiful displays of  magnolias, rhododendrons, irises, lilies. Wild flowers are encouraged, especially cowslips, bluebells, spotted orchids.

The surrounding estate, with its arable and livestock farm and its ancient woodland, is a traditional country estate set in the heart of the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.                   

See menu on the left for links to Weddings and other activities. Garden Open for charity Sundays 7th April, 12th May, 9th June 2-7pm, £5 adults, £1 children. Home made teas. Dogs on leads welcome.

The house and garden can also be visited by appointment  Garden only (for charity) £7.50. House and Garden £15.00.  

Suggest dates and times you would like to visit. (Minimum 4 people for house tour) Email stpaulswalden@gmail.com

Weddings and Civil Ceremonies take place in the house or in one of the temples in the garden. The garden can be hired for wedding receptions or other events. See link to Weddings and other events on the left. Email stpaulswalden@gmail.com