Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa, Warwick
Voted "Best Park in Britain 2004" by the Royal Horticultural Society
First laid out in 1831 as informal riverside walks, the original Newbold Gardens were developed as more formal pleasure grounds after 1846 in honour of Dr Henry Jephson, who had promoted the town as a spa. The Jephson Gardens gained renown for their entertainments, military bands, promenading, croquet and tennis, fountains, illuminations, trees and flowers. They are listed as Grade II on the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens.
Improvements to the river through the Victorian era culminated in the construction of Mill Bridge, Mill Gardens and boathouse, 1901-03, creating one riverside landscape. Like many parks they fell into slow decline after World War II but since 1999 have been restored and renewed by Warwick District Council thanks to a grant of over £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This delightful Victorian oasis is now complemented by a stunning sub-tropical glasshouse, restaurant and teaching studio – the jewel in the crown of Leamington’s wealth of parks and gardens.
Things to enjoy;
Flowers - Colourful floral displays from spring to autumn
More flowers - Varied beds and mixed borders for year-round pleasure
Lawns for informal relaxation. Spacious upper lawn. Quiet area by the river
Wheelchairs and pushchairs – all areas accessible
Trees – fine collection of beautiful and unusual specimens
Senory garden – plants to touch and smell
Glasshouse – exotic plants from around the world
The Aviary Café – lovingly-restored Victorian tea pavilion
The Restaurant in the Park – lunches, dinners and functions. Bookings – 01926 311178
Memorials to notable past citizens of Leamington
Fountains – crowns, a parachute, and a geology lesson!
Feed the ducks and swans on the lake and by the river.
Boating on the river or the boating pond – from Leam Boat Centre, Mill Gardens.
Exhibitions about plants and the history of the Gardens.
Open every day, 8am – dusk. Ranger service. Toilets, disabled toilets and baby change.
For further information please see http://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/WDC/Leisure+and+culture/Parks+and+recreation/Major+parks/Jephson+Gardens.htm
Opening times
Please contact the attraction direct for details of opening times.
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