Eastcote House Gardens: A Tudor Heritage and Tranquil Green Oasis

Legacy of the Hawtrey Family and Tudor Roots

Eastcote House Gardens stand on the grounds of the former Eastcote House, once home to the Hawtrey family from the early 16th century. The family’s influence shaped the local landscape, with some oak trees they planted still thriving in the gardens today. Though the original mansion no longer exists, the site preserves Tudor heritage through its restored buildings, including the timber-framed stables dating from the 17th century and the Grade II listed brick dovecote from the 18th century. These structures reflect the historical importance of the estate and its agricultural past.

Gardens and Natural Features

The gardens are a blend of ornamental and practical horticulture, centered around the Lesley Crowcroft Walled Garden, where shrubs, herbaceous borders, and herb beds flourish under expert care. An old orchard preserves traditional fruit trees such as mulberry, fig, apple, walnut, and medlar, while a newer orchard commemorates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The grounds also include grassland dotted with mature trees, a topiary garden featuring yew and box shaped into decorative forms, and a ha-ha—a sunken stone wall designed to keep livestock out without interrupting garden views. The River Pinn runs nearby, adding to the tranquil natural setting.

Community Stewardship and Restoration Efforts

Eastcote House Gardens are owned by the London Borough of Hillingdon but lovingly maintained by the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens, a volunteer group awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. In 2014, the group secured National Lottery funding of £1.3 million to restore the Tudor buildings and improve the gardens. The coach house was converted into a tea room, and a new sundial was installed in the walled garden, enhancing visitor experience. The Friends also organize events and educational activities that connect visitors with the heritage and ecology of the site.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through varied garden areas, spot wildlife on the dedicated trails, and relax in the café open daily from 9am to 3pm. The stables provide a charming venue for community and private events, though they have restrictions on commercial use and entertainment. The gardens are open year-round with seasonal opening hours, offering a serene green space for picnics, family outings, and quiet reflection. The dovecote is occasionally open during special events, allowing a glimpse into historic pigeon keeping.

Architectural and Landscape Highlights

The Tudor stables and 18th-century dovecote are architectural highlights, showcasing timber framing and brickwork typical of their eras. The topiary garden and the walled garden’s parterre design reflect historic gardening styles, blending Tudor decorative gravel fillings with later bedding plant traditions. The ha-ha wall is a subtle landscape feature that preserves uninterrupted views while serving a practical purpose. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of history, horticulture, and landscape design.

Connection to the Wider Environment

Eastcote House Gardens connect via a footbridge over the River Pinn to Long Meadow, a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. This linkage expands the natural habitat and offers visitors extended green space for exploration. The River Pinn itself has a rich history, once a thriving fishing stream, and adds ecological value to the gardens. The site’s integration of heritage, community involvement, and natural conservation makes it a unique and cherished green oasis in Greater London.