Bates Green Garden

Beautiful garden path with green trees and flowers.
Field of blooming daffodils in springtime forest
Wooden bench in a spring meadow with flowers.
Rustic wooden garden gate with surrounding greenery.

This naturalistic garden has been owned by the McCutchan family since 1921 and was developed and skillfully planted by Carolyn McCutchan from 1968 until her death in 2019.

The garden has very distinct areas, which enable plants from different ecological conditions to thrive.
In the Woodland Garden spring bulbs abound followed by herbaceous woodlanders and hardy cyclamen. In the more formal shaped Middle Garden colour is the main theme, starting with tulips and alliums, and then herbaceous and woody plants take over until the asters and dahlias shine out in autumn. The Winter Garden is positioned so that the low rays of sun make the most of the coloured leaves and stems of the many cornus, with bulbs and plants grown for interest from spring through to autumn. Other beds flow with a good mixture of grasses and all manner of exciting plants to give colour, texture and movement. Autumn tones are provided in abundance by the mature trees and shrubs within the Garden and around the farmhouse.

The 6-acre Wildflower Meadow contains a wealth of flora and fauna. It is traditionally managed with mown paths and seating for visitors. Beatons Wood is an ancient oak and hornbeam wood- home to the Arlington Bluebell Walk for the past 50 years. Spring
visitors will enjoy the wild daffodil glade, whilst autumn walkers can hunt for the many species of fungi present in the woods. The garden is managed with wildlife in mind and is naturalistic with a relaxed feel.

Fact File

Opening Times: Open every Wednesday and Saturday 10am-4pm 25 February 2026 - 28 October 2026
Admission Rates: Adults £10.00 Children (3-16yrs) £5.00 FRIENDS free entry RHS members free* Gardeners' World and CPRE get 2-for-1* *Offer not valid during the Arlington Bluebell Walk opening season; please see the website for more details
Facilities: The Laurel Café at Bates Green offers freshy made local food. Visit the well-stocked Book Room,
managed by Heron's Ghyll Driving for the Disabled. Plants for sale.
Dogs: We regret that dogs are not permitted in the Garden (except guide dogs) but are welcome in the Café and on short leads in Beatons Wood.
Disabled Access: There are benches and ramps situated throughout the Garden and Wood. Accessible toilets. Mobility scooters can be hired free of charge.
Group Visits &
Guided Tours: See website for details
Special Events: Plant propagation workshops, nature-based events and creative workshops are held throughout the year. See website for details.
Coach/car parking: Coaches welcome. Accessible parking bays. Ample car parking.
Contact: +44 (0)7818 888440 info@batesgreengarden.co.uk
Website: www.batesgreengarden.co.uk
Location: Bates Green Garden, Tye Hill Road, Arlington, near Polegate, BN26 6SH

Updated: January 2026