No scrumping allowed! Visit Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens and leave with no fruity bulges in pockets. But fill your Wellington boots with sights, smells and healthy invigorations from walking round the 400 year old gardens. (You don't actually need wellies, plenty of paths.)
Left derelict, vandalised and overgrown, the gardens were rediscovered in 1982 and have since been restored, with new plants reflecting cultivation before 1740.
A beautiful and peaceful area surrounded by vast urban developments, the gardens are a real hidden treasure. You might be surprised at how often you could have driven on and off the M6 at the Castle Brom junction 5 and not realised the existence of this oasis, just there, on the hill bounding the exit roundabout.
Orchards laden with apple and pear varieties from the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries along with 600 historically correct plants, are all nurtured within the original formal garden structure.
Apparently, from the 1730's, most formal gardens of this period were removed; their walls, terracing and geometric structures replaced following the trend to more romantic and naturalistic layouts.
The Trust leaflet describes how the ' .. North Garden has been planted to demonstrate the design shown in Henry Beighton's 'South Prospect' of 1726 and the vegetable garden is fashioned after Batty Langley's design taken from his publication; 'New Principles of Gardening (1728).' Any veg garden designed by someone called Batty, has got to be good.
And if you think you have a lost soul, lose your whole body in the amazing maze, a prickly holly trap based on George London and Henry Wise's example at Hampton Court.
Or just relax and take in the vista and the sun on one of the strategically placed benches around the grounds. Bring a picnic why not? Bring your kiddies, only 50p a piece, (such a very small price considering their overall cost!).
The upkeep and future development of the gardens and surrounding areas is dependent on visitors like you and me and upon the work of its volunteers and the Friends organisation. What a bargain, feel invigorated and refreshed by the beautiful surroundings whilst contributing to the garden's future at the same time.
You can obtain tangible refreshments from the cheerful little cafe, with coffees and teas and snacky things, buy plants and souvenirs. You can join a free guided tour, bring your dog (with lead) and even book a wheelchair if required. Group and school visits can be arranged and the venue hired for functions. Clean and fresh toilet facilities are available. There is a free car park and a small entrance charge currently £3.50 for adults and 50p for children - a snip (metaphorically, as no snipping allowed either). Visit the web site for more details.
Hope this is useful and you enjoy your visit(s). read more