Highlights
- The North Garden, designed by Geoffrey Jellicoe in the 1940s, with pleached limes and box-edged beds
- The Upper and Lower Lakes, made for the future Edward VII in the late 19th century
- The Shrubbery of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias, laid out by Sir Eric Savill in the 1960s
- Geometric gardens added in 2023, including a Topiary Garden
- Rock garden, arboretum and champion trees
About Sandringham Gardens
Sandringham has been the Norfolk country retreat of the royal family since 1862, and each monarch since has left a mark on its gardens. The future Edward VII commissioned the two large lakes in the late 19th century, Geoffrey Jellicoe designed the formal North Garden in the 1940s, and Sir Eric Savill planted a shrubbery for Elizabeth II in the 1960s.
The gardens cover around 60 acres within a much larger estate and continue to change under the King. New geometric gardens, including a Topiary Garden, were added in 2023, and young rare trees are being planted to form a future canopy.
What to see
- North Garden: a formal frame of hedges and pleached limes with box-edged beds of herbaceous plants inside.
- Lakes and lawns: the Upper Lake leads into the Lower Lake with its wooded island, framed by lawns and specimen trees.
- The Shrubbery: rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias, many brought from Windsor Great Park.
- Topiary Garden and maze garden: geometric gardens added in 2023.
- Rock garden, water garden and arboretum: with champion trees.
Planning your visit
Sandringham is north-east of King's Lynn. The House and Gardens open seasonally, from late March to early October, and close for some periods in July and August, including around the RHS Sandringham Flower Show in late July. Pre-booking is recommended, and parking can be booked online for £5.
The Royal Parkland, courtyard facilities and children's play area are open all year and free to enter, though car parking is charged. There are refreshments, plant sales and toilets. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Sandringham Gardens?
In 2026 a gardens-only adult ticket is £15 booked online in advance or £17 on the day. House and Gardens costs £26 online or £28 on the day. Children aged 16 and under go free.
Can I take my dog to Sandringham Gardens?
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens.
When is Sandringham open?
The House and Gardens open seasonally. In 2026 the season runs from 28 March to 9 October, with closures from 19 to 28 July and 19 to 23 August. The Royal Parkland is open all year and free to enter, though car parking charges apply.