(Last visited summer 2018)
This is a little magical little garden tucked away near the Roman Catholic Cathedral. It has an amazing Gothic fountain, a Medieval wall, a rustic bridge, woodland walkways and beautiful lawns and is a Grade II English Heritage registered garden. It’s very small – a beautiful garden spot for a micro adventure, rather than a ‘walk’. With a pushchair or wheelchair, you will only be able to access the bottom level (which still has plenty to offer), but it’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy.
We first visited here in winter when there was nothing in bloom save a few winter flowering pansies, but it was still a feast of fun for toddlers. We’ve been back several times since.
Some local schools have helped develop some great learning resources such as treasure hunts which are brilliant – take a look at the website which has everything you need to know before you visit.
🌿 Start point: Entrance 4 Earlham Road, NR2 3DB – what3words ///ended.brings.shrimp
🌿 Length: ‘Bijou’ – only about quarter of a mile round
🌿 Café: No – but The Narthex (at the cathedral), The Black Horse, The Georgian Townhouse and Norwich City Centre are nearby – check websites for details
🌿 Play area: No but it’s certainly full of interesting features, nooks and crannies!
🌿 Pushchairs/Wheelchairs: Entrance and main part of the garden are fully accessible. Steps up to the Italian Terrace at the end of the garden. Some steps and steep slopes on the woodland paths around the top of the garden.
🌿 Dogs: Guide dogs only
🌿 Toilets: Accessible toilets at the Narthex at the Roman Catholic Cathedral (check website for current opening times)
🌿 Seats: Yes
🌿 Picnic area: Lovely spot on the grass for a picnic
🌿 Opening times: 9am to dusk
🌿 Entrance fee: (Honesty box) Adults: £2, Under 16s: Free
🌿 Parking: There is paid for parking adjacent to the garden on Earlham Road – I think this is expensive, Chapelfield car park may be a better alternative On Sundays and after 6.30pm you can park on the Earlham Road or use the Norwich City car parks
🌿 Website: https://www.plantationgarden.co.uk/ – look at the “Schools” section for some fantastic resources and activities
