Birkheads Secret Gardens

We’re open Wed-Friday 10am – 5pm  Sats.& Suns. 11am-5pm           Closed  Mondays & Tuesdays until Oct 14th then we change to winter hours. Come this week and see our spectacular show of late summer flowers. The arboretum has a beautiful display of fully grown trees planted for 3 seasons of interest: Blossom, Fruit & Autumn colour. The ‘Toffee Apple tree is changing colour and the scent is carrying all over the garden.  An abundance of Bees, Butterflies & Birds everywhere are feeding on the fruit trees, its been a good year we’ve even got Walnuts and Medlars. Colchicums with flowers the size of a tea plate also Autumn & Saffron crocuses are in flower this week. They’re a spectacular way of extending the season. We have a few of these very unusual bulbs for sale this weekend. I’ll keep adding images weekly to the Blog so that you can see how the season is progressing in the garden. Go ahead take a peek!

The Secret Gardens were created by the present owners Christine & Mike Liddle. The three acre garden, situated in rural Gateshead between Beamish Open Air Museum & Tanfield Steam Railway, comprises of a series of inspirational gardens displaying a wide variety of hardy plants to provide colour, scent etc. to suit the diverse conditions found here, working to improve the environment. No garden ticket is necessary to visit the coffee shop, gift shop or nursery sales area so call in for coffee and browse our range of hardy garden plants grown 650 ft above sea level. Sorry, no dogs allowed in our open plan coffee shop, but plenty of outdoor seating for you and your pet with orders brought to your table. Groups welcome – please read our ‘Groups’ page if you are more than 16 members.

1.3 Spring blossom1.5 Ladies in GArden

You can enjoy the gardens, enjoy the views & look for inspiration.  

Unwind with a drink and a bite to eat on the terrace or on cooler days stay inside the cosy coffee shop with its wood burning stove. There are sweet and savoury delights to tempt all customers with seasonal, locally sourced food where possible; snacks & light lunches, delicious cakes with speciality teas & coffees.

July Bowes Garden July Pink &Purple border

 

REGULAR OPENING TIMES ( Below) UNTIL OCT 14th. Then we’re closed the remainder of October for school holidays.  

SPECIAL SUNDAYS 4th, 11th, 18th in November 11am-2.30pm with free entry to the gardens.

GARDENS & COFFEE SHOP

WED-FRIDAY 10am-4.30pm

SAT. & SUNDAYS 11am-4.30pm

We are closed every Monday & Tuesday  

NO ENTRY CHARGE FOR THE PLANT SALES & COFFEE SHOP AREAS

 

USUAL ENTRY PRICES APPLY TO THE SECRET GARDENS
Adults: £5.00 Seniors & Students £4.50
Child: aged 4-15 £2.00 includes an I spy trail around the gardens & a Key for the wishing tree 

ADMISSION charges are essential to help pay for maintenance  of the gardens, thank you for your support.

RHS Members Please check your handbook, Friday is RHS day.

SEASON TICKETS If you’re planning to visit the gardens more than twice this year, the season ticket will save you money.     Adult/Senior single season tickets: £12.50 or  Bring a friend (double) season ticket: £25.00 Weather permitting we try to add a few ‘extra’ days at the beginning and end of the season. These are also free to season ticket holders.

SEASON TICKET RENEWALS SPECIAL OFFER -bring your key ring from last year and your replacement will be discounted to £12 or £23.

SEASON TICKETS– grant unlimited access to the gardens, nursery & coffee shop during normal business hours. 

SORRY NO PICNICS 

OFFERS & DISCOUNT Coffee Loyalty Card