3rd June 2026
On a wet Wednesday morning seventeen members made their way to Renishaw Hall Gardens. Most of us decided to leave the Morgans, or in our case the MG, safely tucked up in their garages. However four Morgans did venture out with their owners and parked together on the grass near the archway leading to the Stable Block.
As is usual on these events we all met in the café. It was good to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. After being watered and in some cases fed, we made our way to the gardens. By now the rain was intermittent but we were all determined not to let the weather spoil our visit. We had never been to Renishaw before and we do not know how this gem has previously evaded our radar.
The Hall and Gardens have been home to the Sitwell family for over 400 years. The formal garden was laid out in 1885 by Sir George Sitwell (1860-1943) – the great-grandfather of the current owner, Alexandra Hayward (née Sitwell). It is in the classical Italianate style and covers an area of about seven acres. It has been the subject of many awards and is said by some, to be one of the most important classical Italianate gardens in Britain. The formal garden is divided into areas featuring clipped yew hedges, ornamental ponds, classical statues and overflowing herbaceous borders which host a superb collection of plants to ensure that throughout the year there is always a display of colour. At the time of our visit there was a great variety of rose bushes in bloom. In the Orangery is the National Collection of Yuccas, with over 40 species on display. Including the wider grounds comprising acres of woodland and lakes there are over twenty areas to explore.
After having a good explore, we made our way back to the Stable Block for a very enjoyable lunch. We then had a look round the small but nevertheless interesting Sitwell Museum. The museum features amongst other things historical costumes, as well as information and items relating to the famous literary trio, Edith, Osbert, and Sacheverell Sitwell who were all patrons of the arts. They played a significant part in the artistic and literary world at the beginning of the 20th-century.
Thank you Richard and Jenny for organising this visit which was enjoyed by all.
Words & Picture – Derek and Kath