OUR STORY
With over 130 years of history, the Walled Garden Helen’s Bay has many tales to tell!
In 2011, custodians James & Lorraine Small, along with a dedicated team of enthusiastic gardeners & volunteers, began the cultivation of the garden
Since then, this once-forgotten space has been transformed into a fine working Victorian kitchen garden, producing seasonal organic fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the year. It has also become a vibrant hub for workshops, experiences and events celebrating history, horticulture, seasonal food, and traditional arts and crafts.
James & Lorraine’s vision is to revive the garden through sustainable, organic practices that increase biodiversity, reduce environmental impact, and support the local community by creating employment opportunities. Above all, they are dedicated to preserving this unique heritage garden for future generations, ensuring it remains a thriving and cherished place.
While ongoing building works have temporarily limited their ability to grow produce, they continue with their sensitive restoration programme. This includes the repair of the historic walls, pathways, gates, steel glasshouse, gardeners’ cottages, stables, and the adjacent Old Mill House, a 19th-century Mill Manager’s residence.
Although the full restoration will take several years, their passion is driven by the incredible potential of this special place. They look forward to welcoming visitors who share their love of history, heritage, nature, and sustainability.
What visitors say
