About the garden
Owned by
The Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust
Four hectares (10 acres) of rescued 17th-18th century, pre-Capability Brown gardens give a taste of a baroque country estate in a 21st century city. There are formal walks, parterres, espaliered fruit, a holly maze and vegetable garden as well as family-friendly wild areas.
Although not a botanical garden, the Trust tries to maintain a period-relevant style and species, keeping to the period 1680-1760. Among the 600 different trees, plants and shrubs are two apple and pear orchards growing ancient heritage species. Apple juice, honey and vegetables on sale seasonally form the outdoor courtyard shop and cafe.
During the 17th–18th century, the Bridgeman family developed and extended the gardens to the designs of George London and William Winde (tercentenary exhibition from 2022). The fashion-conscious Sir Henry Bridgeman (1725-1800) can be thanked for the complete nature of the current Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens. When Sir Henry inherited the title Earl of Bradford and moved to Weston Park, Castle Bromwich was left in the ‘old style’ while Sir Henry commissioned Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to run his 18th-century 'bulldozer' through Weston to create a more modern style.
The main walls, orangery and music room and garden shapes remained intact, to be rediscovered, rescued and restored by the independent Trust in the 1980s. Although set only yards from junction 5 of the M6, the garden is a quiet green haven from the hectic and industrialised surroundings and happily served as a place or respite and relaxation for local people during the recent pandemic restrictions. The adjacent 30 acres of historic parkland are now a Local Nature Reserve and free to roam, with the Trust embarking on a series of improvements to paths and nature trails. Snowdrops, daffodils and tulips suit the formal gardens well in spring and box, yew, hornbeam and holly hedges provide a framework for some summer and lots of autumn colour.
The gardens run more than 100 different cultural, seasonal events and other public activities throughout the year and are adjacent to the ancestral Jacobean Hall.
Please note: this garden is partially accessible.
