Farringford Gardens, Isle of Wight

Discover Farringford House and Gardens the home of the renowned 19th century poet Lord Albert Tennyson. During your time here you will enjoy learning more about his family, lifestyle and his love of gardening and the natural world.

The Walled Garden where he and his wife Emily spent much of their time tending the garden has been restored as much as possible to the original layout. Walk down the garden paths which criss-cross amongst flower borders, shrubs, trees and vegetables and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside.
As you walk through the garden you will find wonderfully worded excerpts of his poems relating to gardens and nature.
There is a good exhibition showing the history of the garden and its restoration in a separate building near the front of the house.
Alfred was very much involved in the selection of plants and was not too proud to get his hands dirty. One of his favourite tasks was to cut the grass with a scythe outside the walled garden.
The House is also open to visitors by pre-booking and is a must visit!

Regional Winner RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2024!
Ther garden is aptly described by Tennyson in this poem!
"To the Rev. F. D. Maurice.":-
"Went to our withey bed, such beautiful blue hyacinths, orchises, marsh marigolds and cowslips. Wild cherry trees too with single white blossom.
The park has for many days been rich with cowslips and furze in flower. The elms are a golden wreath at the foot of the down, we admired the mespilus in flower and the apple trees with their rosy buds. [Alfred] dug the bed ready for the rhodedendrons.
A thrush was singing among the other birds, as he said 'mad with joy'. At sunset the burning splendour of Blackgang Chine, and St Catherine's, and the red bank of the primeval river contrasted with the turkis-blue of the sea (that is our view from the drawing-room) make altogether, a miracle of beauty. We are glad that Farringford is ours."
You may also be lucky enough to catch sight of the red squirrels that have made Farringford their home.

DIMBOLA MUSEUM AND TEAROOM - Consider visiting the neaby Dimbola Museum and it's photographic exhibition featuring the works Julia Margaret Cameron including portraits of Lord Tennyson.

FAQS
Where did Alfred Lord Tennyson live? - One of his favourite homes was Faringford on the Isle of Wight

Why did Alfred Lord Tennyson move to the Isle of Wight?
He acquired 'superstar status' and needed a more secluded house away from his adoring fans.