The Oteley Estate’s 10 acres of private gardens are once again part of the National Garden Scheme. The garden open day is taking place on Sunday 5 May from 11am to 4pm.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to exceptional private gardens across the UK. In 2023 a record £3,403,960 was raised and donated to nursing and health charities in the UK. The scheme began in 1927 and the Oteley Estate was one of the original gardens to be included. It has opened most years since then.

The estate in Ellesmere has remained in the same family since the 1500s and is now run by Ian and Clare Mainwaring, who rear cattle, sheep and pigs on the farm. The estate has an on-site farm shop which sells Oteley’s homegrown beef, lamb and pork plus Oteley cured bacon, ready meals and pies, and locally sourced food, drink and gifts. There is also a café in the old coach house. Both are open on every Thursday and Sunday, and they will be open during the open garden event.

There will also be a plant sale on Sunday, with proceeds going to the National Garden Scheme.

Sarah Evans, who is a local artist from Wem is installing an art trail featuring her work. She specialises in painting on silk and mixed media/textile collage. Her trail will launch on Sunday and be open for the rest of May.

There is free parking on site, and dogs on leads are welcome. Tickets are £6 for adults and children go free. You can pre-book tickets here or buy tickets at the gate on the day.

On Sunday 9 June, Oteley will be opening the farm gates for Open Farm Sunday. Find out more about Oteley’s events at oteley.com.