The Upper and Lower lakes are home to a National Collection of over 100 varieties of Hardy Water Lily (Nymphaea).
The Upper Lake, (the larger of the two) was created in 1904, with the Lower Lake being added in the 1920’s, and both were originally designed as fishing lakes for Major Stewart.
However, in 1935 he and his wife Katharine engaged Amos Perry, of Perry’s of Enfield, to plant 50 varieties of Hardy Water Lilies on the lakes, creating the beginnings of the National Collection of Nymphaea which is enjoyed today.
The Upper Lake was fully restored as part of our Golden Jubilee Restoration Project (2016 – 19).