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.
or visit http://www.shuttleworth.org/