Felley Priory Gardens
A hidden gem garden escape with 'Bridgerton'-esque beauty, delightful tearoom, and unique plant nursery, just off the M1.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom
Felley Priory Gardens
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem garden escape with 'Bridgerton'-esque beauty, delightful tearoom, and unique plant nursery, just off the M1.
"What a gem, right on my doorstep! The gardens are simply beautiful. It was like a scene out of Bridgerton!"
🚗 Easy M1 Access
Just minutes from M1 junction, a perfect detour for a peaceful break. :car:
🍰 Book Afternoon Tea
Pre-book for afternoon tea to guarantee your spot and enjoy a delightful spread. :cake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Gardens
Main Garden Area
A 'scene out of Bridgerton' with vibrant flowers, neat topiary, and colorful borders. Simply beautiful!
Delicious Tearoom Fare
Tearoom
Enjoy homemade cakes, locally made pork pies, and scotch eggs. Afternoon tea is available with booking.
Unique Plant Nursery
Garden Centre
Discover an amazing range of plants and trees not seen elsewhere, with helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hidden Gem Near the M1
Garden Access & Tearoom Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy M1 Access
Just minutes from M1 junction, a perfect detour for a peaceful break. :car:
🍰 Book Afternoon Tea
Pre-book for afternoon tea to guarantee your spot and enjoy a delightful spread. :cake:
⏰ Check Tearoom Times
Some food items are limited to set times, so check before you visit. :clock:
🌿 Knowledgeable Staff
The garden centre staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about their plants. :seedling:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy M1 Access
Just minutes from M1 junction, a perfect detour for a peaceful break. :car:
🍰 Book Afternoon Tea
Pre-book for afternoon tea to guarantee your spot and enjoy a delightful spread. :cake:
⏰ Check Tearoom Times
Some food items are limited to set times, so check before you visit. :clock:
🌿 Knowledgeable Staff
The garden centre staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about their plants. :seedling:
💰 Garden Entry Fee
There's a fee to enter the gardens, but it's worth it for the beauty. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Felley Priory Gardens as a beautiful and peaceful hidden gem, especially its 'Bridgerton'-esque gardens and delicious tearoom offerings. While some find the garden entry fee a little steep for the size, the overall experience is highly enjoyable and recommended as a delightful escape.
"I've lived locally for over 50 years and although I passed Felley Priory regularly, I'd never actually visited.
I decided to visit on the first Sunday of the month when the gardens are open.
What a gem, right on my doorstep! We visited the tearooms and had the most delicious Ploughman's lunch. The pork pie and scotch eggs are made by the local butchers and were delicious. They also offer afternoon tea, but I think you have to book for that. The homemade cakes looked divine
We then visited the gardens. Wow! They are simply beautiful. It was like a scene out of Bridgerton! The array of flowers were so pretty and the topiary was so neat. The gardeners must work so hard to keep the grounds looking so beautiful.
We will definitely be back!"
Michelle Saxton
"A lovely little garden. Am amazing range of plants and trees that we've not seen elsewhere. The cafe provides an excellent choice and quality of food and cake. Well worth the detour if you're traveling on the M1. Only a few minutes drive from the junction and so much nicer than a service station."
Matthew Watkins
"Felley Priory was listed as a hidden gem. I can confirm it is. The entrance is a little hidden, but Sat Nav gets you close enough. We went to the tea room first, which was lovely. Many things on offer. But please note that different foods are limited to set times. There are bench seats outside. You pay for the garden walk in the very nice garden centre. That incidentally sells a good variety of plants, and the staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. The gardens are really nice, with spectacular scenery abounding. The planting scheme in the main garden was fabulous on our visit. It was indeed a hidden gem that we will definitely revisit in the future. We would thoroughly recommend to all. Please note, the gardens are open to the public, but the historic priory, now house is now in private hands, so not open to view, but it is a great backdrop to the marvellous setting."
Stephen Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Felley Priory Gardens is conveniently located just a few minutes from the M1 motorway, making it an easy detour. Sat Nav will guide you close to the entrance, which is described as a little hidden.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but its proximity to the M1 suggests it's best reached by car.
While Sat Nav gets you close, some visitors note the entrance can be a little hidden. Keep an eye out for signage once you're near the location.
Absolutely! Many visitors find it a much nicer and more peaceful alternative to a motorway service station.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an admission fee to visit the gardens themselves. The garden centre is free to enter.
The gardens are open to the public, with specific opening times often noted as the first Sunday of the month for wider access. It's advisable to check their official schedule.
No, the historic priory itself is now in private hands and is not open to the public for viewing.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the entry fee is generally considered reasonable for the experience.
Yes, you can visit the garden centre and nursery without paying the garden entry fee.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The gardens are described as beautiful, like a scene out of Bridgerton, featuring a spectacular array of flowers, neat topiary, colorful borders, and a pond area in summer. +1
Visitors rave about the unique planting schemes, the well-maintained yew hedges, and the overall spectacular scenery. +1
The garden centre offers a good variety of plants at reasonable prices, and the staff are noted for being very helpful and knowledgeable. +1
With its 'Bridgerton'-esque beauty, colorful borders, and neat topiary, it's a picturesque spot perfect for photography enthusiasts.
The gardens are described as pretty and a little gem, suggesting a visit of a couple of hours would be ample to explore fully.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The tearoom offers a lovely selection, including delicious Ploughman's lunches with locally made pork pies and scotch eggs, as well as homemade cakes.
While walk-ins are welcome for general tearoom items, afternoon tea typically requires advance booking.
The tearoom offers a good choice of food and cake, and while specific vegetarian options aren't detailed, the Ploughman's lunch can often be adapted.
The food and cakes are described as delicious and of excellent quality, with prices considered reasonable for the offerings.
Yes, there are bench seats available outside the tearoom for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant flower borders, meticulously kept topiary, and the overall picturesque garden landscape offer numerous stunning photo opportunities.
With its 'Bridgerton'-esque charm and beautiful floral backdrops, it's an ideal location for portrait photography.
No specific restrictions on photography are mentioned, so feel free to capture the beauty of the gardens.
Morning light often provides soft, beautiful illumination for garden photography, enhancing the colors and textures.
There are no mentions of drone usage, and it's generally advisable to avoid drone photography in private gardens or areas with potential privacy concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The tearoom is also family-friendly, offering treats like homemade cakes that are sure to be a hit. While the gardens themselves are the main attraction, the garden centre also provides an opportunity for children to see a variety of plants. It's a peaceful outing that can be both educational and enjoyable for younger visitors, offering a refreshing break from screens and busy schedules.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers
It's perfect for a leisurely lunch at the tearoom or a refreshing stroll through the gardens. The garden centre also offers a chance to pick up unique plants or gifts. This makes it a fantastic destination for a spontaneous day trip or a planned stop on a longer journey, offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some natural beauty.
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
The garden centre is equally appealing, featuring a diverse selection of plants, some of which are quite rare. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer advice, making it a great spot to find new additions for your own garden. Whether you're looking for inspiration or specific plants, Felley Priory Gardens is a horticultural treat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Felley Priory Gardens
The gardens boast a remarkable variety of plants and trees, some of which are unique and not commonly found elsewhere. This horticultural richness, combined with the charming layout featuring colorful borders and a tranquil pond area, creates a truly special environment. Beyond the gardens themselves, the on-site nursery is a significant draw, offering a good selection of plants at reasonable prices. The staff here are frequently praised for their helpfulness and extensive knowledge, adding to the positive visitor experience.
While the historic priory building is privately owned and not accessible, its presence adds a picturesque backdrop to the gardens. The tearoom is another highlight, serving delicious homemade cakes and locally sourced savory treats like pork pies and scotch eggs. Although some food items have specific serving times, the quality and taste are consistently lauded. For those looking for a delightful day out that combines natural beauty, horticultural interest, and excellent refreshments, Felley Priory Gardens is a must-visit.
Culinary Delights at the Tearoom
Beyond the savory options, the homemade cakes are a major draw, with their appearance described as 'divine.' While specific cake varieties change, the consistent praise suggests a high standard of baking. For those seeking a more formal treat, afternoon tea is available, though it's important to note that this usually requires advance booking. This ensures a dedicated experience for those wishing to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea.
It's worth noting that some food items at the tearoom are subject to set serving times. Visitors are advised to check these times upon arrival or in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if a particular dish is a must-try. Despite this minor logistical point, the tearoom is consistently praised for its excellent choice and quality, making it a highly recommended stop during a visit to Felley Priory Gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit