Blackpool Gardens
Blackpool Gardens are temporarily closed – see update below…
In 1896 Robert Lydston Newman, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, established a garden on land which had already been in the family for almost 100 years. Robert’s eldest son, Sir Ralph Newman BT, extended the garden adding to the collection of semi-tropical plants gathered from the four corners of the world.
As recently as the 1970’s, this garden regularly supplied vegetables and flowers to London’s markets.
In Spring 2000, Sir Geoffrey Newman BT set about the restoration of the garden. This presents a garden married to the landscape, not one filled with regimented ornamental flower beds. A plantsman’s garden that reflects a family’s use of the land over the centuries and the social development of a small estate by a family rooted in the economy of the area.
Follow the gently sloping paths that criss-cross through the trees and shrubs, catching glimpses of the sea as you go. Visit the Crow’s Nest and the Captain’s Seat for spectacular views of Start Bay. On your way study the different plants or take a seat and enjoy a few quiet moments.
Before you know it, you’ll have climbed high above the ocean, you’ll have reached another country and feel at home in another time.
Garden Opening Times
Update: Due to heavy rainfall during the winter of 2024, restoration work is currently being done on the paths and borders of Blackpool Gardens to make access safe. Consequently, the gardens are temporarily closed whilst these works are being completed. We hope to be able to open in the Spring of 2026 and will update further here once completed. Thank you for your patience.
For further information, or to leave a message, please call 01803 771801.
Entry Charges
£5 per adult, children are free – purchase your entry ticket from the car park attendant at Blackpool Sands car park, who will direct you to the gardens.
Parking is usually available by the beachside café, but the car parks can become very busy during the high season and spaces cannot be guaranteed, dogs are not permitted into the Gardens.
Private and school parties by prior appointment please.
