Lancelot “Capability” Brown (1716–1783) was one of Britain’s most influential landscape gardeners, renowned for transforming formal gardens into rolling, naturalistic parklands.
He worked on over 170 estates, but here are ten of the most celebrated and representative gardens attributed to him:
1. Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Located near Buckingham, Stowe was a formative project for Brown, where he began as head gardener. The landscape features classical temples, serpentine lakes, and wide lawns, all laid out to create dramatic, idealized views.
It represents the early evolution of the English landscape garden.
2. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Set in Woodstock, Blenheim Palace is one of Brown’s most iconic works. He transformed the formal gardens by creating an immense lake through damming the River Glyme and opened up views to emphasize the grandeur of the palace.
It showcases his masterful use of water and scale.
3. Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Located in the Peak District, Chatsworth’s grounds were reimagined by Brown to enhance the natural contours of the landscape. He removed formal features and created open parkland, wooded areas, and subtle planting to frame the house.
Though altered later, Brown’s influence is still evident in the parkland design.
4. Burghley House, Lincolnshire
Near Stamford, Burghley House saw a major transformation under Brown in the 1770s. He replaced the formal gardens with a naturalistic landscape, including a large lake, sweeping lawns, and wooded areas.
His work softened the imposing Elizabethan architecture with a more pastoral setting.
5. Croome Court, Worcestershire
Located near Worcester, Croome was one of Brown’s most comprehensive projects, involving both house and landscape design. He drained marshy land, rerouted the River Severn, and created elegant parkland with a central lake and winding paths.
It remains one of the most intact Brown landscapes.
6. Harewood House, West Yorkshire
Harewood, near Leeds, is a collaborative masterpiece between Brown and architect John Carr. Brown created a large, naturalistic lake and designed views to and from the house through strategic planting.
His landscape blends seamlessly with the rolling Yorkshire countryside.
7. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
In the far north of England, Alnwick Castle’s landscape was reshaped by Brown to enhance its medieval grandeur. He introduced gentle parkland and meandering water features to contrast with the fortress-like architecture.
The grounds now blend castle drama with Romantic naturalism.
8. Syon Park, London
Situated on the north bank of the Thames in West London, Syon Park was redesigned by Brown alongside Robert Adam. He introduced smooth lawns, curving paths, and water features, creating a tranquil green oasis in the city.
The landscape transitions beautifully into the adjacent Thames riverbank.
9. Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Near Newbury, Highclere Castle—famous as Downton Abbey—features a classic Brownian landscape. He replaced earlier formal gardens with expansive parkland, gentle hills, and clumps of trees to complement the house’s neoclassical design.
The result is a grand yet naturalistic setting.
10. Bowood House, Wiltshire
Located near Calne, Bowood is a fine example of Brown’s integration of water and land. He created a large serpentine lake, balanced by sweeping lawns and woodland belts.
The design emphasizes long views and a sense of spaciousness, central to Brown’s vision.