The extensive gardens at Stagshaw House are in a stunning location with wonderful views to the South over parkland and the Tyne Valley. The gardens span more than 5 acres, combining a mix of formal herbaceous and shrub terraces, woodland with mature rhododendrons and specimen trees and a walled garden with a 19th Century glasshouse, partially restored.
The formal terraces were developed by Alice Straker (nee Allgood) who lived at Stagshaw between 1880 and 1949 and was also responsible for many of the major developments of the House including the construction of the West Wing.
Many of the rhododendrons in the woodland walk were collected from the Himalayas on plant hunting expeditions between the wars, a time when 20 gardeners tended the grounds. One of those gardeners included John Borthwick, who learned his trade at Stagshaw. His duties included tending 300 chrysanthemums for use in the house, maintaining an unusual Chinese border and working in the orchid glasshouse. John met and married his wife here who worked in the house and he went on to become a much sought after head gardener at some of the great estates in England including Luton Hoo.
The ancient lime trees along the drive as you arrive at Stagshaw are said to be one of the oldest avenues of limes in Northumberland and look particularly pretty in January when the snowdrops make their annual appearance. Alpacas now roam part of the walled garden and we are gradually restoring some of the Victorian greenhouses, which date to the 1880’s and are a fine example of the architect Mackenzie
Open Garden Days
Stagshaw has had an Open Garden Day in aid of the Red Cross since 1932, the first year that five gardens were chosen to open in Northumberland. There has been a Garden Opening every year since then, barring the Second World War and covid years.
The gardens are open on the Sunday of the first week of June (7th June 2026) from 12.00 until 5.00pm with teas and refreshments, music and a plant stall and Songs of Praise in the Chapel. It’s a great event, everyone is welcome.
Visit Stagshaw House Open Gardens – British Red Cross
From time to time we open the gardens in aid of the Parish of St John Lee and in 2026 we will also be joining the National Garden scheme and opening the gardens on the 31st May in aid of local charities in Northumberland.
Private Garden Tours
Private tours of the gardens at other times of the year for gardening clubs and other interested groups are available upon request. Teas in the house will be provided and a donation made to local charities.