Hill Close Gardens Trust

Trip Adviser Review : An Oasis in Warwick This is a wonderful place, hidden away in Warwick, entrance just off a car park by the racecourse, you wonder if you are in the right place! The gentleman behind the reception was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the gardens. There was a good sized cafeteria where during the week you can help yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, crisps etc., everything is priced and you return to reception to pay. At weekends there is a proper service. The cafeteria looks out on to the gardens, and that wall is completely glass so everyone can get a good view. A patio in front would be a lovely place to sit in good weather. On one wall is a time-line depicting the restoration of these gardens and there is also a tv showing a similar thing. It is a great shame that many of these gardens have been lost over the years by being built on but fortunately The Trust were able to save sixteen, albeit in a sorry condition, there must have been a huge amount of work to restore these gardens to their former glory and it is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours, especially in good weather. It was cold and dreary when we went and trying to rain, even so it couldn't spoil this wonderful area. The gardens all have their original numbers and at the entry to each one is a potted history of who first owned them and where they lived and traded as many were shopkeepers. They are very different to our allotments which are usually some distance from where you live and mostly given to growing vegetables. These gardens were in the middle of the town, close to where the people lived and worked. It must have been lovely to go and spend a restorative hour or two after a long day at work. They are laid out as if they were gardens attached to their homes with a lawn, flower beds and vegetable plots, fruit trees and some with little summerhouses. The apple trees are still producing an abundance of apples and you can buy them at the plant sales area. Each garden is being well looked after and I envy the people nearby who can see these gardens from their windows!

DawnC

An Afternoon Delight! If you haven't already visited these fabulous gardens, I would urge you to do so. You can almost feel the love with which they've been returned to their former glory, giving a living glimpse into times gone by and providing a much needed haven for rare plants and insects. Each garden is unique, abundances of fruit trees, and vegetables harmonize perfectly with striking cutting flowers which at first seem odd bed fellows. Dilapidated sheds, summer houses and animal shelters have been painstakingly restored and there's also a nursery and cafe, making the £4 entrance fee great value for what could be a good half day out. I took my 84 year old Mother because I thought she'd enjoy a ride out. What it turned out to be was far more than that - a walk down memory lane, an afternoon of gentle reminiscence and an opportunity for me to hear stories from her childhood I might never have known. And don't let that put you off if you have young kids - it's a great place for them to run around and perhaps begin to understand why having a garden is a privilege.

WixfordD

Trip Adviser Review: Friendly Staff & Inspiring Gardens I have been to visit these gorgeous gardens with my mother on a number of occasions and every time I have been greeted with a big friendly smile, a helpful mapped guide and of course, a taste of the scrumptious tea and cake for afters! The gardens are an inspiration and the tiny summerhouses are filled with history and wonderment. It feels like a tiny haven and a step back in time once you walk into the little segmented allotments. The staff are happy to answer questions about the plants, history and anything else that comes to mind at the time and also you can buy some homegrown produce to grow in your own garden too! With events popping up throughout the year including the infamous apple day and pleasant picnics accompanied by music, who wouldn't want to visit this hidden, well cared for gem in Warwick? 10/10 to the staff at Hill Close Gardens for making my visits so wonderful!

JessA

Beautiful example of Victorian Gardens. Tucked away between the centre of town and the racecourse, this gem is both a quiet garden retreat and one of the last surviving examples of the Victorian Garden. You don't have to be any good with gardening to appreciate the work and talent that has gone into creating these gardens. There is a point near the middle where you can easily forget you are just a few metres from a busy town. Check the website for times and prices, and keep an eye out for shows and events held throughout the year. If driving, parking is at the end of Bread and Meat Close off Friars Street (A4189). If walking in from town centre, cross Bowling Green Street near the Bus Station, walk to Puckering's Lane and follow the signs. Alternatively, call in at the Tourist Information Centre on the corner of Jury and Castle Streets, where they have just about everything you need to visit the whole area.

SteveW

Enchanting, I loved it, if I was local I would be there all the time. Thank goodness this was saved from the bulldozers and lovingly restored by local volunteers - and what a job they have done! The remaining Victorian gardens have been nursed back to their former splendour and listed summerhouses restored to former glory. We visited in July when the flowers are still possibly at their best and it was wonderful. It was like visiting a series of rooms, each with their own charm and sense of tranquillity. Simply wonderful, a must-see for any garden lover. As a bonus, if any were needed, the plants on sale were of very good quality, reasonably priced and sold by someone with a bit of horticultural knowledge.

MesnilpatJ

A living time-capsule Reminded me of visiting my grandparents garden all those years ago. Old blue brick edging to the well tended borders, flowers and thriving allotment crops, amazing restored small summerhouses that you just want to sit in forever. It really is a fascinating glimpse on how gardens used to look... great cafe, plants and crops for sale with excellent parking (free for 2 hours) at the racecourse, and a very short walk through the gardens takes you right into the centre of Warwick. A real hidden gem, loved it. Events throughout the year... thoroughly recommended.

RoyL

Beautiful Victorian Gardens This is the third time I have been to these beautiful gardens but I took my friend of 86 today and she thought they were wonderful. So much hard work and passion has gone in to saving these amazing gardens. It takes you back in time to your childhood with all the lovely flowers and fruit trees and such a peaceful place to sit. There is 2 hours free parking at the racecorse carpark which is right by the gardens entrance, making it very easy to get to. This is a must for anyone visiting Warwick.

AngelaB

Trip Adviser review : A 'Gem' in the heart of Warwick. Friendly welcome A friendly and informative welcome before exploring these set of gardens. The cafe is open on weekends throughout the summer but they offer hot & cold drinks during the week along with small snacks. This suited us and we found a nice secluded seat in one of the gardens to have a our drinks. Lots of fruit trees and well maintained gardens that take you back to a time gone by. All credit to all involved. If we lived closer we would become members.

JamesH

Wow As allotment people really look forward to these gardens and they are great. Victorian gardens renovated over a number of years. Listed summer house. Lots of Apple and pear trees lovely flowers and a warm welcome on arrival. Shame it rained at the end.

HelenL