Warwick Castle Gardens are a must-visit destination for castles touring enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and architectural marvels. Spread over an extensive area, the gardens feature various sections, each with its distinct charm and character.
The Peacock Garden: A Showcase of Sculptured Topiaries
The Peacock Garden, designed by Robert Marnock in the mid to late 19th century, is a standout feature of Warwick Castle Gardens. Named after the magnificent peacocks that reside there, the garden showcases sculptured topiaries, manicured hedges, and a centerpiece fountain, offering stunning views across the Pageant Fields. The garden is accessible to wheelchairs, with numerous benches for guests to rest and enjoy the spectacular landscape.
The Mill Garden: A Tranquil Oasis on the River Avon
Another notable feature of the gardens is the Mill Garden, situated at the end of Mill Street, famous for its 15th and 16th-century buildings. This beautiful oasis is renowned for the quality of its planting and breathtaking position on the banks of the River Avon, lying beneath the walls of Warwick Castle. The garden is open daily from April to October, from 10 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is £3, payable only in cash.
The Evolving Landscape of Warwick Castle Gardens
Warwick Castle Gardens are part of a larger medieval castle complex beside the River Avon, with park and garden. Lancelot Brown, a renowned landscape architect, removed the old parterres and swept the land down from the castle to the river in the 18th century. In the nineteenth century, Robert Marnock added a hexagonal parterre and a rose garden, known as the Peacock Garden, in front of the conservatory which contains a reproduction of the famous Warwick Vase.
Accessibility and Admission
The gardens are open all year, except for Christmas Day, from 10 am to 6 pm (or 5 pm from October to March). Admission prices vary depending on the season, and it is recommended to check the official Warwick Castle website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Unique Features of Warwick Castle Gardens
Here are some of the unique features and highlights of Warwick Castle Gardens:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Peacock Garden | Designed by Robert Marnock, featuring sculptured topiaries, manicured hedges, and a centerpiece fountain |
| Mill Garden | Situated on the banks of the River Avon, renowned for its quality planting and 15th-16th century buildings |
| Lancelot Brown’s Landscape Design | Renowned landscape architect Lancelot Brown removed the old parterres and swept the land down from the castle to the river in the 18th century |
| Reproduction of the Warwick Vase | The conservatory at Warwick Castle Gardens contains a reproduction of the famous Warwick Vase |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | The Peacock Garden is accessible to wheelchairs, with numerous benches for guests to rest and enjoy the landscape |
Warwick Castle Gardens offer a unique and captivating experience for castles touring enthusiasts, with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a variety of features to explore. Whether you’re interested in the Peacock Garden’s sculptured topiaries, the tranquil Mill Garden, or the castle’s architectural marvels, Warwick Castle Gardens is a must-visit destination.
References:
– Warwick Castle: The Peacock Garden
– Warwick Castle Garden
– The Mill Garden, Warwick