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Leisure and culture

The Swiss Garden

The Swiss Garden

Swiss Garden
Old Warden Park
Old Warden
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire
SG18 9ER

A charming early 19th century landscape garden, with plants from all over the world, ponds, bridges, rose arbours, miniature buildings, a grotto and fernery, and a tiny, thatched Swiss Cottage. The adjoining woodland and lakeside picnic area are open all year, and there are good facilities for disabled people. Souvenirs are on sale at the entrance kiosk. Dogs allowed only in the woodland area. The garden may be hired for special events and holds a civil wedding licence. Visitors approach the Garden on foot from the Shuttleworth Mansion, having driven through stately Old Warden Park. Restaurant, bar and tea-room facilities are available and the Mansion will be open on a number of days throughout the season.

Within just 10 acres you can wander among splendid shrubs and rare trees; around tiny islands and ponds; and over intricate ironwork bridges. At the centre of this romantic scene is a tiny thatched Swiss Cottage, lined with intricate fretwork and perched on a grassy knoll. Hidden nearby is a breathtaking Fernery and Grotto, full of dazzling light and mysterious darkness. Other exotic structures you will find in the garden include a brilliantly-coloured Indian Kiosk and miniature chapel’. Trees and shrubs from all over the world flourish in The Swiss Garden. In spring there is a magnificent display of daffodils, and later the azaleas and great banks of rhododendrons make a brilliant splash of colour.  There is also a fine pieris, or lily of the valley bush, reputed to be the largest in the country, and the rambling roses are among the earliest examples of their type.

For information telephone : (01767) 627666.

Directions : 2 miles west of the A1. Open January, February and October : Sundays and New Year’s Day 11am - 3pm. March - September : Mondays - Saturdays 1pm - 6pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 10am - 6pm. Last admission 45 minutes before closing. Admission : adults £3, concessions £2, family ticket, season ticket and special rates for groups.

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