Hidden gem might be an overused term but in the case of The Plantation Garden in Norwich there couldn’t be a more perfect description.
Although in the heart of the city, next to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, only a small sign on the busy Earlham Road gives away the location of this restored Victorian garden – and I know some people who have walked past it for years and have never been in.
I’ve known of its existence for some time but sadly never got around to visiting until very recently, which I now think is a shame as it is such a wonderful place (you can see more photos of the fountain which I used for #MySundayPhoto by clicking the link).
Even though I’d been to the website to find its exact location and flicked through the gallery of photographs to see what was there, coming down the slope, turning the corner and stepping into the almost three-acre garden for the first (and second) time still stopped me in my tracks.
It is not just because it is so visually breathtaking and unexpected but there is something magical about the peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What is even more incredible is that after the second world war up to 1980 the garden, which was originally created by a prosperous upholsterer and cabinet-maker named Henry Trevor in the late 1850s, was effectively abandoned. What we see today is the result of the hard work of the trust and volunteers who have brought it back to its former glory. It is an amazing restoration and one all those involved should be proud of. Please take a look at their website to find out more about its fascinating history.
When we visited early on a Sunday morning we were the only ones there which gave us chance to really explore and see all the wonderful details of the Grade II English Heritage garden, which includes “a Gothic fountain, flower beds, lawns, an Italianate terrace, ‘Medieval’ wall, summer-house, woodland walkways and a rustic bridge”.
Since our first visit, I’ve already been back (on my own this time) and I can’t wait to see it in spring and summer. I think my camera is even more excited.
As well as allowing visitors to just wander about and soak up the atmosphere, there are also events run throughout the year. This year they have included a vintage fair, Sunday teas and screenings of popular films, including The Breakfast Club.
The garden is open every day and entry costs £2 per adult (children under 16 with an adult go free). You can find out more about facilities (there is no parking on site, for example), opening times and a map of how to find it here.
Top tip: Should you happen to have a lively toddler with you, you could always park at Intu Chapelfield (the shopping centre) and walk through Chapelfield Gardens nextdoor to make use of their play equipment for 15 mins or so as it is on the way.
Update: Check out our return visit in Spring 2017.
Here’s a little 30-second pan around the garden I did on my phone (it features some rather happy guitar music, if you have your sound on).
After The Rain 
Wow I can really see why this became your happy place, it is stunning!! xx
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And the thing is, the photos really don’t do it justice. Wishing you a lovely Thursday 🙂
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I am going to tell my cousins to go and check it out, they often go to Norfolk! I think their kids would love it after London. I hope you have a lovely Thursday too, I am counting down to Bon Jovi!
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Please take photos! I hope you have an amazing night 🙂
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Thanks for your great blog Tara….my name is Marj and I am chief gardener at the Plantation Garden( look after the volunteers and steer them in the right direction to keep beloved Plantation garden looking good). Your kind comments are much appreciated, many thanks …..come and visit us throughout the seasons…
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Thank you for taking the time to comment, Marj. The garden was a pleasure to visit and to write about. We will definitely keep visiting.
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I’m the same, never been though known about it for years. Half term trip planned!
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Isn’t that strange? I don’t even know why I haven’t been before it just never happened. I was so impressed though, as you can tell. I hope you guys enjoy it.
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Oh wow it is absolutely picturesque there. I bet it looks stunning all year round. Xx
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I agree, I bet it would be great to capture all the seasons. It must take a lot of work from the volunteers to keep it looking that good.
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Oh yes could you imagine what a time lapse of all the seasons would look like 😍. I was telling John about it over the phone at lunchtime and how I’d love to go there. Oh yes definitely and the volunteers are doing an absolutely fantastic job of looking after it!xx
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Ooh that would be amazing. Let me know if you come and we will meet you there 🙂
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Ooò that would be lovely, will do hon.xx
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It’s gorgeous! Whenever we end up in Norwich we always head to the castle as we don’t know what else to do. Next time we’ll certainly visit here. 🙂
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We love the castle too. I was wondering if there is a cache there? If there isn’t there really should be 🙂
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I did look. (I really am so predictable!) and there isn’t. Shocking! Actually Norwich is quite rubbish for caches.
I wonder if they’d let me put one there….hmmm….
A cache there would help lots of people discover such a hidden gem. 🙂
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That would be amazing. They are on Twitter, you could ask maybe? Can you make it simple so I have a chance of finding it? Hehe.
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Loved this post. The pictures are gorgeous- that wall! It’s just beautiful. I want to go there so badly now! X
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Thanks, Ella 🙂 Such an amazing place, I hope you get to visit one day.
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Looks beautiful
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A good place to sit and think 🙂
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Just catching up with this post. Beautiful place. They really have made it look stunning!
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Honestly, it was amazing. Such a magical atmosphere. I bet your camera would love it too 🙂
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