Beth Chatto Gardens Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Clacton Rd, Elmstead, Colchester CO7 7DB, UK

Beth Chatto OBE is an award-winning plantswoman. Her work here at the Gardens began in 1960. She took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches, transforming it using plants adapted by nature to thrive in different conditions. An inspirational, informal garden has developed. Beth continues to oversee the development of the Gardens, and works closely with her team which include Garden and Nursery Director, David Ward, and Head Gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg. The Gardens remain a family-run business, managed by Beth's granddaughter, Julia Boulton.

What was once a car park is now a world-renowned Gravel Garden (which is never watered), and the dozens of plants Beth used to give to friends and family have morphed into one of the UK's leading plantsman's nurseries. 

A light and airy Tearoom, built in 2006, allows visitors to relax and take in their surroundings over a homemade cake and is also available for special private events such as wedding receptions, christenings and wakes.

Accessibility

The Beth Chatto Gardens aims to be accessible to all our visitors, if you have any special requirements please do contact us and we will help you make the most of your visit.

• Full wheelchair and pushchair access to all areas of the Gardens, Nursery and Tea Room. Please be aware that the main entrance to the Gardens is Gravel, there is a ramp to the Water Gardens and the remainder of the Gardens are gently sloping lawn or earth and bark paths. On wet days the earth paths can be muddy and unsuitable for mobility equipment. There are benches available throughout the Gardens.
• Disabled parking is available to the left of the main entrance, disabled toilets are also available near the entrance.
• A transcript can be provided of the Guided Tour for the hard of hearing.
• Although mobility scooters and wheelchairs are very welcome within the Gardens we cannot currently offer any for customers to borrow.
• One companion can be admitted free for visually impaired visitors or a visitor whose disability necessitates a carer.