Capel Manor Gardens
Capel Manor Gardens, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Greater London, EN1 4RQ
More than 30 acres of themed gardens at Capel Manor College in Enfield, tended by horticulture students, with around 60 gardens, the UK's only holly maze and award-winning show designs.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Capel Manor Gardens?
Capel Manor Gardens is a working teaching garden on the Enfield campus of Capel Manor College, London's specialist environmental college. Over 30 acres hold around 60 colourful gardens, and because they are tended by students as part of their courses, the place has a practical, learn-by-looking feel that suits home gardeners well.
The gardens cover a wide range of styles, so you can move from one idea to the next in a short walk. Look out for the UK's only holly maze, the Old Manor House Garden, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, and a Japanese garden. The college has a long record at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, starting with its first garden, A Garden for Everyone, which won a Silver-Gilt medal, and including a Gold in 2018. There is also a zoo, which makes the visit a good option for families.
For gardeners, the value is in the variety. Seeing many small, themed gardens side by side makes it easy to compare planting styles, materials and layouts, and to pick up ideas sized for real London plots. The site also has a florist, Manor Flowers, and a restaurant. As Capel Manor is primarily a college, opening arrangements for the public can differ from a typical visitor attraction, and parts of the site may be in use for teaching, so check what is open on the day you plan to go.
What to see
- Around 60 themed gardens across more than 30 acres.
- The UK's only holly maze.
- The Old Manor House Garden, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
- A Japanese garden.
- Gardens tended by horticulture and garden design students.
- A zoo on the campus, popular with families.
Capel Manor Gardens through the year
- spring
- New planting across the themed gardens makes spring a good time to gather ideas for the year.
- summer
- The colourful themed gardens are at their fullest, and it is the best season for comparing planting styles.
- autumn
- Later borders and changing foliage keep the gardens interesting as the year winds down.
- winter
- The holly maze and evergreen structure come into focus, but check opening before travelling.
The story behind the garden
In 1913 the Capel Manor estate in Enfield was owned by the Warren family, tea merchants. In 1932 it was sold to Colonel Sydney Medcalf, a man passionate about horticulture and Clydesdale horses who introduced soil steam sterilisation to the Lea Valley glasshouse industry. After his death in 1958 parts of the estate were sold and it became neglected.
Local horticulturist Frances Perry led the plan to turn the estate into a horticultural college with gardens open to the public. The first 15 students arrived in 1968. The Duchess of Devonshire Pavilion opened in 2000, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Old Manor House Garden in 2010, and in 2018 the college marked its 50th anniversary with a Gold medal at RHS Chelsea. Students still tend the gardens as part of their studies.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Home gardeners looking for ideas sized for real plots, students of horticulture and design, and families who will enjoy the zoo.
- Getting there
- Capel Manor Gardens is at the college's Enfield campus on Bullsmoor Lane, in the London Borough of Enfield in north London.
- Before you go
- As a working college, Capel Manor's public opening can change around teaching and events. Check the college website for current opening times and tickets.
Source: Wikipedia: Capel Manor College
Questions about visiting Capel Manor Gardens
What is Capel Manor Gardens?
Capel Manor Gardens is the public garden at Capel Manor College's Enfield campus. It has over 30 acres and around 60 gardens, tended by students as part of their horticulture and garden design courses.
Does Capel Manor have a maze?
Yes. Capel Manor has the UK's only holly maze, a good feature for families to explore. It sits among around 60 themed gardens across more than 30 acres.
Is there a zoo at Capel Manor?
Yes, the Enfield campus includes a zoo alongside the gardens, a florist and a restaurant, which makes it a good day out for families as well as gardeners.
Who started Capel Manor College?
Local horticulturist Frances Perry led the transformation of the estate into a horticultural college with gardens open to the public. The first 15 students started in 1968.
Garden features
Location
Capel Manor Gardens, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Greater London, EN1 4RQ
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