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Places to Visit in Sandwich, Kent
The Secret Gardens of Sandwich
The Salutation
Knightrider Street
Sandwich
Kent
CT13 9EW
Tel: 44 (0)1304 619919
Email: click here
The Secret Gardens of Sandwich online: information and bookings
Set in the heart of the town of Sandwich and almost entirely enclosed by ancient city walls, The Secret Gardens are an oasis of calm and serenity. In the centre stands The Salutation manor house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911 as a weekend retreat for society brothers William, Gaspard and Henry Farrer to enable them to enjoy the coastal air. The house serves as an excellent visual anchor for the 3.5 acres of stunning gardens which stretch out around it.
Lutyens on this occasion also designed the Gardens, resulting in strong architectural lines, tree-lined avenues and the framing effect achieved by archways and hedges all perfectly complemented by the artistic planting style of his famous gardening partner Gertrude Jekyll.
Having been lost to wilderness for 25 years, an extensive restoration and re-planting programme by a dedicated team of gardeners has returned the gardens to their original beauty. Now open to the public, some original garden features such as the elegant Bowling Lawn and Holm Oak Walk have been revived. The White and Yellow gardens, the enchanting Woodland area and the wild Spring garden with its purple pyramid orchids can all be enjoyed by guests wandering in the garden.
Whilst keeping a firm handle on the traditional layout and style of the original garden, several more recent additions have been made. The Tropical Border creates a more exotic dimension to the planting and provides colour late into the season. This is also where you will find a Wollemi Pine, an incredibly rare tree which will be of special interest to anyone with a passion for unusual plants. Throughout the grounds you will discover several sculptures which give the garden an entirely new role as a glorious natural art gallery for their resident sculptor Emily Stone.
The kitchen garden still fulfils its original purpose in providing the house with vegetables and herbs and like the rest of the gardens is propagated using fully organic methods.
The Tea Room at the Secret Gardens is really very special. Situated in the Old Gatehouse and extended onto a charming wooden veranda beneath lofty lime trees; the Tea Room provides a perfect location, come rain or shine. The crockery, silverware and cake stands are sourced from the Savoy Hotel helping to evoke the elegant Edwardian pastime of taking tea. The delicious cream teas, home made cakes and light lunches mean the Tea Room has something for any time of day and is the ideal place to while away an hour or two.
Facilities
Licensed Tea Room serving cream teas and light lunches with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Plant shop.
Admission
Please refer to website for opening times and admission prices
Opening Times
In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting
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