McBean's Heritage Orchid Collection

About

Borde Hill are pleased to be collaborating with McBean's the oldest Orchid Nursery in the UK to give visitors the opportunity to view a selection of Cymbidium orchids at the height of their flowering in Borde Hill's Victorian Glasshouse.

In addition to the wonderful plants, visitors will be able to learn why orchids became so popular in Victorian England and view items from both the Borde Hill and McBeans' archives.

McBean's was established in 1879 by James McBean and to this day holds a historic collection of orchids which are unique in terms of their diversity, quality and longevity. The collection is held in a nursery near Lewes, East Sussex and is arguably the finest collection of Oncidiums and Cymbidiums in the world. During the flowering season, the whole collection of plants can be viewed at the nursery.

Colonel Stephenson R Clarke, the creator of Borde Hill Garden, like other keen horticulturists of his generation loved the vibrancy of the orchid. In 1922 seven glasshouses were given over to 2,644 orchid plants. Even on his death following the shortages of staff and coal due to the Second World War there remained 1,100 plants at Borde Hill, many purchased from McBean's.

Included in Garden admission.

For an additional charge, groups (15+ people) can book a specialist tour with Borde Hill's Head of Horticulture Harry Baldwin.

Day Tickets*
Adult– £11.50
Concession – £11.00
Child (aged 3-16) – £8.00
Child under 3 – Free
Carer – Free

Concession rates apply to visitors with a disability, students with ID and 60+ claiming a pension

Family Day Tickets*
2 Adults + up to 3 Children – £35.00
1 Adult + up to 3 Children – £26.00

* note a £1.00 online discount is available for Day Tickets pre-booked at least a day in advance

2023 Borde Hill Membership
Adult – £32.00 (or £2.67 monthly*)
Child – £17.50 (or £1.46 monthly*)
Couple – £56.00 (or £4.67 monthly *)
Family 2 Adults + up to 3 Children – £91.00 (or £7.58 monthly*)
Family 1 Adult + up to 3 Children – £67.00 (or £5.58 monthly*)

*For 12 months by Direct Debit