Gibberd Garden
A 14-acre haven of diverse themed gardens and over 90 English sculptures, offering a unique blend of art and nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Open hours for exploration
Gibberd Garden
Best Time
Open hours for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14-acre haven of diverse themed gardens and over 90 English sculptures, offering a unique blend of art and nature.
"A national treasure with a surprising diversity of gardens and wonderful sculptures, highly recommended!"
🎯 Buy the Garden Guide
Essential for finding sculptures & understanding themes. Only £1 and worth every penny!
🚗 Drive Carefully
Narrow, winding access road with obscured bends. Drive slowly, below 20mph.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Themed Garden Diversity
Explore unique, individually themed gardens offering a surprising variety for all visitors, even non-enthusiasts.
Sculpture Collection
Discover a national treasure with 90 pieces of English sculpture scattered throughout the beautifully manicured grounds.
Snowdrop Season
Witness a special display of snowdrops during February, offering a unique and beautiful time to visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I ran out of places to go shopping and garden centres near me. What do I do now?
🎯 Buy the Garden Guide
Essential for finding sculptures & understanding themes. Only £1 and worth every penny!
🚗 Drive Carefully
Narrow, winding access road with obscured bends. Drive slowly, below 20mph.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least two hours to fully appreciate the diverse gardens and sculptures.
☕ Enjoy the Tea Room
Reasonably priced snacks and drinks available. A lovely spot to relax after exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy the Garden Guide
Essential for finding sculptures & understanding themes. Only £1 and worth every penny!
🚗 Drive Carefully
Narrow, winding access road with obscured bends. Drive slowly, below 20mph.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least two hours to fully appreciate the diverse gardens and sculptures.
☕ Enjoy the Tea Room
Reasonably priced snacks and drinks available. A lovely spot to relax after exploring.
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Some sculptures are hidden; the exploration aspect is part of the fun!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gibberd Garden as a 'national treasure' and a 'lovely part of the world.' They highlight the surprising diversity of its themed gardens and the impressive collection of sculptures. While some areas could benefit from minor TLC, the overall experience is described as wonderful and highly recommended, with many planning return visits.
"Absolutely lovely part of the world on my doorstep... we shall be returning and taking out membership. We can only imagine at this stage what it must be like throughout the year... it was so lovely today.. a day of mixed weather. Mr & Mrs Gibberd have left a legacy for sure. 🙌"
Dave Coles
"A wonderful afternoon my partner and I had at The Gibberd Gardens.
We thought our afternoon would just consist of looking around a garden, however our expectations were greatly exceeded due to the diversity of gardens on offer. Each garden is individual and offers something different; my partner and I are relatively young and are not garden enthusiasts, however we really enjoyed the diversity on offer and had an appreciation for the work involved in bringing each garden to life, each with its own theme.
The gardens themselves are truly beautiful, the sculptures are wonderful, some need your imagination. The descriptions for a number of the sculptures within the guide are rather comical with a no nonsense approach such as "bird", "untitled" and "abstract"....but using the guide to find the various sculptures meant we were able to explore the grounds fully and it was quite fun. Some areas did need a little TLC, as overgrown areas obscured some sculptures, two we had a hard time finding; but perhaps this was intentional so to make you really search for them.
Personally I feel children will enjoy an afternoon here, they'll definitely enjoy some of the large open spaces and will find the exploration aspect entertaining. Just be aware some areas contain ponds/water features and due to the fact some gardens require some finding it could be easy to lose sight of them, so keep them close between gardens.
Open on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 2pm – 5pm, last entry 4pm.
Give yourself a couple of hours to have a good look around.
Tickets are £5 per person and £1 for the guide (do buy the guide as it's extremely useful and informative).
There is an on site cafe and gift shop.
Parking is very accessible as the carpark is ample, just be careful on the narrow road leading there and keep the speed below 20mph as it's very tight and some bends are obscured...it's one way in and out so there will be two way traffic.
I highly recommend giving The Gibberd Gardens a visit."
Simon
"Lovely afternoon wandering around looking at the snowdrops and sculptures! Also a lovely tea room selling reasonably priced snacks and drinks"
Claire Doyle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gibberd Garden is located in Harlow. The easiest way to reach it is by car. The access road is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. There is ample parking available on-site.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but it's generally recommended to travel by car for ease of access.
There is ample parking available at Gibberd Garden. However, be mindful of the narrow and winding access road leading to the car park.
Yes, the road leading to the garden is narrow with obscured bends. It's a one-way system with two-way traffic, so drive slowly (below 20mph) and be cautious.
While the garden itself is a destination, the access road can be a bit tricky. Following navigation and driving slowly will help you find it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gibberd Garden is open on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 2 PM to 5 PM. Last entry is at 4 PM.
Admission is £5 per person. A guide is also available for £1, which is highly recommended.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not readily available, but tickets are typically purchased on arrival during opening hours.
Yes, a guide is available for £1 and is highly recommended for its usefulness in locating sculptures and understanding the garden's themes.
Gibberd Garden has hosted events like a beer festival and is known for its snowdrop season in February. Check their website for current event information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Gibberd Garden features 14 acres of manicured lawns, diverse themed gardens, and approximately 90 sculptures by English artists. It's a national treasure with a unique legacy.
Yes, children will likely enjoy the large open spaces and the exploration aspect of finding sculptures. However, supervise them closely near ponds and water features.
It's recommended to give yourself a couple of hours to have a good look around and fully appreciate the gardens and sculptures.
Yes, there is an on-site cafe selling reasonably priced snacks and drinks, as well as a gift shop.
Photography is generally welcomed at Gibberd Garden, allowing you to capture the beauty of the sculptures and diverse garden settings.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse themed gardens and the numerous sculptures offer a wide range of photographic opportunities. Look for interesting compositions between the plants and art.
While specific restrictions are not mentioned, photography is generally encouraged to capture the beauty of the gardens and sculptures.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the expanse of the gardens and a macro lens for close-ups of sculptures or plants.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlights on the sculptures and foliage. Visiting during snowdrop season also offers unique photographic subjects.
Tripod usage policies are not explicitly stated, but it's advisable to be considerate of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be mindful of ponds and water features in some garden areas, so keeping a close eye on younger children is essential. The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks and drinks, making it easy to manage a family visit. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging a fun and educational experience for all ages.
🚶♀️ Garden Enthusiasts & Art Lovers
Consider visiting during snowdrop season in February for a unique botanical display, or in summer when the gardens are in full bloom. The detailed guide, though brief, enhances the appreciation of both the gardens and the sculptures, making it a deeply rewarding visit for enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Richard and Margaret Gibberd
Richard Gibberd, an architect known for his work on Harlow's town center, brought his design sensibilities to the garden. The couple's personal touch is evident in the quirky and often humorous descriptions of the sculptures, adding a layer of personality to the experience. Their aim was to create a space that was both beautiful and engaging, offering something for everyone.
The garden's collection of over 90 sculptures by English artists is a significant feature. These artworks are integrated into the landscape, inviting visitors to discover them as they wander through the different garden areas. The combination of horticulture and sculpture makes Gibberd Garden a unique destination, blending artistic expression with natural beauty.
Exploring the Diverse Garden Themes
Even those who don't consider themselves avid gardeners often find themselves captivated by the variety. The gardens are designed to be appreciated throughout the year, with different plants coming into their own during various seasons. This makes repeat visits a rewarding experience, as the landscape constantly evolves.
The inclusion of sculptures within each garden theme adds another layer of interest. The guide, though humorously brief in its descriptions, helps visitors locate these artistic pieces, turning the exploration into a delightful treasure hunt. This thoughtful integration of art and nature is a hallmark of Gibberd Garden's appeal.
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