Grounds & Gardens
The grounds of Paxton House today are a tranquil haven for wildlife but also a place for entertainment with plenty of space to walk and explore. Come with the whole family and bring the dog!
Woodland Gardens
Paths wind through a shady woodland garden between natural ravines while specimen trees screen and reveal the outstanding views across the river Tweed to the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland to the South. As new species of plants were introduced to Britain in the 19th century the woodland gardens were planted with varieties of rhododendrons.
Spring Bulbs
Paxton House is famous for displays of daffodils. Lining the roads and massed at the entrance to the house, daffodils and narcissus have come to mean the arrival of Spring at Paxton House. Make a spring visit a family tradition. A varied collection of spring bulbs is also a feature of the Well Garden.
Flower Gardens
There are two main areas of flower gardens. The flower garden terraces to the South and West of the house were introduced by George Home when pure landscape became less fashionable in the Regency. Today, colourful, well stocked herbaceous borders lead to a circular lily pond. Further down the slope is the Well Garden, developed by John Home Robertson in the 1960s with ornamental shrubs, azaleas and ferns. There is something to see in every season lovingly maintained by our team of garden volunteers.
The Appleyard
The south facing brick wall dates from the 1760s and makes this a real sun trap. Heritage apple trees, plums and mulberries are trained up the wall and the surrounding beds are planted with soft fruits and herbs. The Appleyard garden is centred on the elegant Edinburgh Window, a favourite place for selfies.
The Edinburgh Window
The Edinburgh Window is a single window surround rescued from the lofty Life Association of Scotland building, which once stood on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, when it was demolished over 50 years ago. It has now been rebuilt as the centrepiece of the Appleyard. It dates from 1855 when geologist David Milne-Home lived at Paxton and would have walked past it regularly on his journeys round Edinburgh. Now we can all enjoy the intricate stone carving, its cherubs, columns and swags. This striking historic garden feature is a great spot for a selfie or maybe a romantic tryst.
Wildlife
Go quietly and you may spot some of our plentiful wildlife. We are actively encouraging habitat cover for birds, small mammals and invertebrates. The Bird and Squirrel Hide is the best place to spot some of our shy creatures. Along the river Tweed, herons, cormorants, mute swans, mallard, otters and sometimes even the occasional seal all visit the riverbanks.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Paxton. There are 80 acres to explore so just make sure you keep them on the lead and pick up after them (there are regular dog poo bins). Your pooch is welcome in the Stables Tearoom, either outside in the Courtyard or inside the Harness Room (though not in the main house). You might even find something for your doggie wardrobe in the Gift Shop. And don’t forget to hashtag your social media photographs with #dogsatpaxton.