The Rise of Kitchen Gardens: 5 Inspiring Locations in the UK

Kitchen gardens are experiencing a resurgence, blending tradition with modern sustainability practices. From historical estates to luxury hotels, these spaces offer both beauty and practicality, serving as hubs for growing fresh produce and enhancing outdoor living experiences. Here are five kitchen gardens in the UK that stand out for their innovation, design, and rich history.

1. Hoveton Hall, Norfolk

Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, the kitchen garden at Hoveton Hall blends heritage with modern horticulture. Originally a Victorian walled garden, it has been transformed into a vibrant space with fresh fruits and herbaceous borders, supplying seasonal produce to the estate’s events. With Harrod Horticultural products integrated into its design, including raised beds and obelisks, Hoveton Hall offers an inspiring blend of history and modern garden solutions.

Why visit? Explore how modern kitchen garden products enhance this historical gem, offering practical, sustainable solutions for today's gardeners.

2. Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire

Soho Farmhouse, a luxury countryside retreat, seamlessly incorporates a kitchen garden into its hospitality offerings. This beautifully designed garden supplies fresh, organic produce to the farm-to-table restaurant, offering guests a culinary experience rooted in sustainability. The garden is also used for wellness events and serves as a centrepiece for mindfulness activities.

Why visit? Soho Farmhouse is a prime example of how modern luxury can integrate kitchen gardens into resort settings, promoting healthy eating and eco-conscious living.

3. Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire

At Raymond Blanc’s renowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the kitchen garden is the backbone of culinary excellence. The garden produces over 90 varieties of vegetables and 70 different herbs, all used to create seasonal dishes for Le Manoir’s guests. The design combines aesthetic beauty with practical, sustainable gardening methods, inspiring both chefs and garden designers.

Why visit? For those interested in culinary gardening, Le Manoir’s kitchen garden offers a masterclass in how home-grown produce can elevate dining experiences.

4. Gravetye Manor, West Sussex

Gravetye Manor’s kitchen garden serves as both a functional and beautiful space, supplying fresh produce to its Michelin-starred restaurant. The garden features traditional English techniques, including a walled design and expansive beds, demonstrating how practicality can coexist with luxury and visual appeal.

Why visit? Gravetye Manor is a must-see for garden enthusiasts seeking inspiration for kitchen gardens that are both productive and visually stunning.

5. The Newt, Somerset

The Newt in Somerset is famed for its walled kitchen garden, which balances functionality with elegant design. Featuring raised beds and fruit cages, the garden supplies fresh ingredients to the estate’s restaurant and is an excellent example of how modern kitchen gardens can be both productive and aesthetically pleasing.

Why visit? The Newt showcases how practical garden structures, like raised beds, can enhance both the productivity and beauty of a kitchen garden.

These five kitchen gardens reflect a growing trend across the UK towards sustainable living, with an emphasis on fresh, home-grown produce. Whether you're a garden enthusiast, a designer, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, visiting these sites will leave you inspired to incorporate your own kitchen garden into your outdoor space.