Espalier Trained Fruit Locations

Espalier fruit collections are concentrated in North-Western Europe: in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. This article provides an overview of important collections with trained fruit trees, and describes their unique qualities and highlights. The overview is a selection of the most beautiful espalier fruit locations that I know and most of which I have visited myself. Locations with espalier fruit are usually situated on country estates and estates with a rich history.

List and Map of Fruitwalls in The Netherlands, Belgium, France and England

Overview of fruit walls in the Netherlands

Fruit walls are garden walls that were specially built for the cultivation of espalier fruit trees. Dutch fruit walls are often located on country estates and estates with a rich and centuries-old history. Here you can see a handy overview of all historical fruit walls in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and England in the table below or on the map.

The Netherlands has approximately 100 historical fruit walls. Many of them are part of our regional and cultural heritage. The table below provides an overview. Useful if you want to visit multiple fruit walls during an excursion.

Tips for using the table:

Click on a Title in the first line to sort the data. For example, by Type Fruit Wall or Province.
Use the Search box (top right) to make a selection. For example, “Snake Walls”.
Use the Scrollbar (bottom of table) if part of the entire line is not visible.
Click on the small image in the right column for an enlarged view.

Credits for pictures in the table:

Websites:

Rijksmonumenten.nl, Erfgoedfoto.nl, CultureelErfgoed.nl, MuseumTijdschrift.nl, TastbaarErfgoed.nl, Natuurmonumenten.nl, RegionaleBronnenbank.nl, Kennisbankherbestemming.nl, Ruimtelijkeplannen.nl, ThuisInBrabant.nl, Wikipedia.org, ilibrariana.wordpress.com (A.J. van der Wal), fotosite.lwcreatives.nl (Louise Wolffensperger), DeTanteVanTjorven.Blogspot.nl, MoestuinLeyduin.Blogspot.nl, Vijftigplusser.nl, Panoramio.com (Martin Klumper), Hindersteyn.nl, SlotZuylen.nl, BuitenplaatsCromvliet.nl, BuitenplaatsBerbice.nl, LandgoedVollenhoven.nl, Sonnehoeck.nl

Plan Your Day Trip

Plan your visit for a day trip to an estate with espaliered fruit along fruit walls. Educated fruit trees are typically Dutch and beautiful to see. During the blossom (end of April / beginning of May), but also later in the growing season, when the fruit is hanging on the trees, it is a nice day out. Educated fruit along fruit walls can often be found at country estates, estates and castles, which are more than worth a visit. Ideally suited for people with an interest in nature and culture.

When spring breaks loose, tulips bloom and the sun feels warmer, many Dutch people go out for a day of cycling or walking through nature. In April, the Bloesemtocht in the Betuwe is very popular. But there are so many more nice places to discover in the Netherlands! For example, historical country estates with espalier fruit.

Top 10 of the most beautiful collections in The Netherlands

Country Estate Berbice

Fruit Growing Museum Kappelle

Huis te Manpad

Castle Twickel

Castle Middachten

Clingendael Estate

Palace Het Loo

Perenlaantje

Villa Augustus

Slot Zuylen

Opening Hours & Admission Prices

Many estates with espalier fruit trees are owned by Natuurmonumenten. These locations are often (but not always) freely accessible and can be visited on your own. Some locations are only open during Open Monument Day (2^nd weekend in September) or on another Open Day.

Cycling & Hiking routes

For cycling and walking routes, please consult the following websites:

Natuurmonumenten
On the Natuurmonumenten website you can search and download cycling routes and walking routes. In ‘s Graveland Natuurmonumenten also has a Visitors Centre Gooi en Vechtstreek^* where you can go for information, printed walking routes or cycling routes.
* Address: Noordereinde 54 b, 1243 JJ ’s Graveland
RouteYou.com
At RouteYou.com you can choose and download online cycling and walking routes . This website is international and also provides extensive information per route about: elevation maps, maps, sights, rest areas for something to eat or drink.

'Round of Six'

The Round of Six is a short but popular walking route around the Jagtlust estate in ‘s Graveland (near Hilversum). During the walk (800 m) you will walk past 8 country estates with 6 fruit walls. View walking route and photos Round of Six.

Note: ‘s Graveland is officially located in the province of North Holland, but is practically adjacent to the province of Utrecht. It therefore has a central location in the Netherlands.