The famous Birdcage Arbour was crafted by the renowned ironworker Robert Bakewell in the early 1700s.
The gardens were designed to incorporate the 'Le Nôtre' influence, characterized by long vistas and geometric precision.
The site was once the rectory of the Bishop of Carlisle during the Middle Ages.
The property served as the Prime Minister’s residence for William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, after whom the city of Melbourne, Australia, is named.
The pond and its surrounding paths were part of a design layout that has remained largely unchanged since the 1700s.
Melbourne Hall is a historic manor house situated in South Derbyshire, recognized for its early 18th-century formal gardens designed by Thomas Coke and inspired by French landscape styles. The estate includes the iconic wrought-iron Birdcage Arbour, commissioned by Robert Bakewell. The gardens feature a series of terraces, topiary, and water features that follow the original layout established in 1704. The manor itself retains architectural elements reflecting centuries of family residence. Visitors can explore the grounds, which are maintained to preserve the historical aesthetic of the Baroque garden movement. The estate is currently the home of the Marquess of Lothian. It stands as one of the most complete surviving examples of an early 18th-century formal garden in England.
From the edge of the large pool looking back toward the hall and the Birdcage Arbour.
Wear sturdy footwear as the gravel paths and garden terrain require significant walking.
Check the official website for event dates, as the gardens occasionally host outdoor theater or craft fairs.
Allow extra time to walk toward the pool, which provides the best perspective of the manor's rear architecture.
Do not attempt to access private rooms of the hall if they are not explicitly listed on the current public tour schedule.
The gardens and hall are open seasonally, typically from spring through early autumn, and are generally closed during winter months.
Stick to designated pathways to protect historical flora and ground structures.
