Welcome to our secret garden

The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay is a 1½ acre, Grade B 1 listed, Victorian Walled Garden built in 1886

Wall Garden

The Walled Garden was built in 1886 by Thomas Workman, a wealthy, Belfast linen and muslin merchant, to supply fresh fruit and vegetables for his large household. It fell into disuse after the World Wars when family fortunes declined, and lay neglected for over 60 years.

This "secret" garden is currently undergoing an ambitious restoration project to become a unique visitor destination focusing on organic vegetable, fruit, herb and flower growing as well as a wide variety of education, cultural, community and private events.

The gardens will be designed to be inclusive and accessible, providing year-round interest for our local community and the wider public.

The Walled Garden will remain closed during restoration and will only be open for pre-booked events and private functions

Water Color

Our Story

With over 130 years of history, the Walled Garden Helen’s Bay has many tales to tell!

In 2011, custodians James and Lorraine Small, along with a dedicated team of enthusiastic gardeners and volunteers, began the cultivation of the garden, bringing the garden into production using sustainable, horticultural, practices and organic, growing principles. This was done with aresponsibility to increase biodiversity and reduce our environmental impact.

Today the Walled Garden has developed into a fine working example of a Victorian kitchen garden producing seasonal organic fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers throughout the year. It sustains the sale of CSA vegetables boxes, a seasonal Farm Shop and a wide range of events closely connected with nature, horticulture, organic food, arts, crafts as well as health & wellbeing.

The journey isn’t over yet as an ambitious, restoration and sympathetic building project is currently underway to restore the walls, the pathways, the gates, the old steel glasshouse, the Gardeners’ cottages and stables as well as the adjacent property, Old Mill House, a 19th C Mill Manager’s residence.

It will take a few years to see this through to completion but inspiration comes from the potential of this unique, magical space.

Our Story

What's On

Steeped in history, the Walled Garden is full of heritage and charm and offers a unique setting to any event. Our passion for nature, arts, crafts, health and wellbeing as well as food is refiected in our events programme engaging with our visitors in a practical and informative manner.

This year we are open for pre-booked events only. Please contact us if you would like to book a private event or garden group visit.

We also welcome Group Bookings for the gardens from local gardening or horticultural clubs