Wander the beautifully laid out green space that is the Plantation Garden. This jewel of a park close to Norwich town center is an unexpectedly secluded spot amid the hubbub of the city. It is pretty, carefully designed and includes a range of different features that recall times gone by. Choose a sunny day, bring a picnic with you and prepare to want to spend the whole afternoon here.
The garden owes its existence to wealthy upholsterer and carpenter Henry Trevor, who transformed this 3-acre (1-hectare) patch of land just outside the city walls. In 1856, he began work on the garden, planting flowerbeds and wooded areas and erecting a range of different structures. These include the likes of the Gothic fountain, which you can still visit.
Look for the other areas of the garden where Trevor’s legacy can be seen, too. These include the foundations of the glass palm house, as well as the splendid Plantation House itself, which still stands to the north of the palm house foundations.
As the garden is relatively small, it doesn’t take long to see the whole thing. Stroll along the pathways looking for nostalgic features such as the rustic bridge and the Victorian greenhouse, both built to mimic old-fashioned architecture. Enjoy a romantic walk along the Italian Terrace, inspired by the styles of Renaissance Italy, and spot the Gothic alcove, a reconstructed stone archway that looks truly authentic.
Find out what is happening before you visit, as the garden hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Expect fun for people of all ages, with activities often including things such as treasure hunts and outdoor movie screenings.
Note that there is a small admission fee to enter the Plantation Garden, but children under 16 years of age enter for free.
Find the garden close to the beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It is also within easy walking distance of other popular city center attractions such as Strangers’ Hall and Norwich Castle.
