Set within the peaceful landscape of the Broads National Park, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden has quietly welcomed visitors for 50 years. Now, as it celebrates this special anniversary, the garden begins a new journey with the arrival of Kristopher Harper-Allison (RHS), MCIHort, FLS as Trust Manager. With a deep respect for nature and a love of horticulture, Kristopher is eager to honour Fairhaven’s legacy while helping it grow into the future. It’s the perfect time to explore this hidden gem and see what lies ahead.
Discover Fairhaven with a boat trip on their private Broad!
Fairhaven’s roots stretch back over centuries, but the garden as we know it today began to take shape in the mid-20th century under the care of the 2nd Lord Fairhaven, who lovingly cultivated this unique landscape. Originally part of the South Walsham Hall Estate, the garden became a public space in 1975, allowing visitors to experience its rare combination of cultivated plantings and untamed wetland wilderness. It’s one of the few places in the UK where ancient woodland, a private Broad, and a rich mix of wildlife are all accessible in one walk.
Thank you! Yes, 2025 is a milestone year for the garden, and we’re marking it with a series of events that honour both our heritage and our hopes for the future. One of the highlights is the planting of specially chosen golden oaks- aptly golden and symbolically linked to our ancient King and Queen oaks- as part of a summer woodland celebration.
We’re also excited about community planting sessions with local schools and volunteers, an enchanting outdoor theatre evening of The Wind in the Willows for children and families, and the launch of a new volunteer campaign, aiming to welcome 50 new volunteers, each pledging 50 hours in support of the garden’s ongoing care and conservation.
The garden is known for its colourful candelabra primulas
Fairhaven offers something different with every season. Spring brings a wave of colour with wild primroses, bluebells, and the famed candelabra primulas. Summer is perfect for spotting dragonflies and enjoying the shady walks along the dykes. Autumn turns the woodland golden, and in winter, the peaceful, misty paths have their own quiet magic. For first-time visitors, May and June are ideal, with both flora and wildlife at their most vibrant.
Absolutely, open water swimming has become a real community activity here. Our Swim Club meets regularly during the warmer months, with sessions on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and welcomes swimmers of all experience levels. The sessions are well-managed, with safety as a top priority. It’s a refreshing and invigorating way to connect with nature- whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer or just curious to give it a try for the first time.
Boat trips on South Walsham Inner Broad give visitors a rare chance to experience one of the quieter corners of the Broads National Park. These guided trips offer glimpses of kingfishers, herons, grebes, and even otters, along with stunning views of ancient trees leaning over the water. Because the Broad is privately managed, it’s much more peaceful than the busier stretches of the Broads, offering a truly serene experience.
Fairhaven is open everyday of the year and looks different in each season!
Yes, an annual pass (£49.50 for an adult) is a great option, especially for those who live locally or enjoy visiting throughout the seasons. It provides unlimited access year-round, along with perks like reduced rates for events and boat trips. More importantly, it supports the ongoing care and conservation of the garden- everything from maintaining pathways to protecting wildlife habitats. Dogs are welcome on short leads, making it a peaceful and reliable place for regular walks, especially for those with more nervous dogs. And as a bonus, there’s a large free car park on site, making visits easy and hassle-free.
The Trust plays a vital role in ensuring that Fairhaven remains a thriving natural space for both wildlife and people. Its work ranges from managing woodland health and clearing invasive species to maintaining water quality in the dykes and Broad.
Education is also a key focus- schools, colleges, and volunteer groups are regularly involved in learning about and helping care for the environment. The Trust’s work is about long-term stewardship: keeping the balance between access, enjoyment, and ecological integrity.
Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden is celebrating their 50th birthday in 2025! See their ancient 950-year-old King and Queen oaks as part of the summer woodland celebration.
The garden is open daily throughout the year from 9am – 5pm. Admission starts from £12.50 for adults and £5.95 for children, including Gift Aid. You can join their Swim Club on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, from £12.50, free for members. For more details and event updates, visit their website: www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.
