Fairhaven Garden

Beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad in the heart of the Norfolk Broads

An Introduction to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

The Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden comprises 53 hectares (131 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The garden was left in trust by the 2nd Lord Fairhaven in 1973, and was opened to the public in 1975. The garden is renowned for its fabulous collection of candelabra primulas – the best naturalised collection in the UK – which can be seen in May. It is also well known for magnificent Autumn Colour's in late October and early November. Fairhaven also organise events throughout the year, such as jazz music.

Local Websites

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden (see for opening times and prices)

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Plan

Click plan to open a larger image

View a detailed tourist information map of Norfolk

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Guided Picture Tour

We start our tour of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Gardens at the entrance, where you can not only buy tickets for the garden, but also browse the gift shop and view the map of the garden. There is also a large tea room (with both indoor and covered outdoor seating) and plant sales.
The Sensual Garden, near the entrance to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
The tea-room cafe and plant sales	Plenty of bench seats for a picnic

The first part of the garden is called King Oak Path and the highlight of this section is the King Oak Tree, a 950ish year old tree! The tree is home to many different species of animals and birds, as well as providing food for many others. A path leads to the ice hole, where buried ice was used to cool fresh food, preserving it for months.
The King Oak Tree
Woodland path near the King Oak tree	The trunk of the King Oak
Beautiful Woodland Water Views	New spring growth
Ice Hole Sign	The Ice Hole

The West Garden is located over a series of wooden bridges and walkways. Here you get see different kinds of water plants, some with huge and dense foliage. Across the bridges, in the West Garden, you will find some newly planted Hydrangea and a rest area.
A bridge over the water to the West Garden
Dense undergrowth	Massive foliage
Wooden Bridge to the West Garden	Board walks over water at Fairhaven

SUMMER. The garden is famous for its carpet of yellow primroses and in late spring, candelabra primroses. There are also many daffodils, camellia, azaleas and rhododendron. Spring is a time to see all the new shoots and growth, such as fern fronds opening out. It has been a few months since our last visit, so we went to see what the gardens are like in summer. We were not disappointed! A green canopy shades the hot sun from a dense green undergrowth containing many ferns, foxgloves and some enormous foliage. Water Lilies and Hydrangeas were just coming into flower.
Old Oak tree in Summer	Green water
Dense undergrowth	Massive foliage

The bridges and paths are surrounded by dense green plants, with peaceful woodland and water walks.
Water bridges	Woodland walks
Peaceful water walks	White water lilies

On hot days, the canopy of leaves is welcome!	There is a bamboo tunnel, near the water.
Tree canopy	Bamboo tunnel

Throughout the year the paths are well sign posted and there are little pieces of information along the way.	You can take boat trips around the private Broad from the gardens own staithe.
Path signpost	Fairhaven boat trips around the Broad

Fairhaven Garden summary of what to SEE and DO

Beautiful woodland paths

Candelabra Primulas in spring

Magnificent autumn colours

Private broad views and boat trips

Special events such as jazz

Tea rooms an plant sales

Our Verdict

We love Fairhaven as there is always something to see all year round. They allow dogs on leads, so it makes somewhere that your dog can join in too. Even on busy days, you can feel that you are the only visitor in the garden!