A HIDDEN English garden has been praised by tourists who say it looks like another continent entirely.
Biddulph Grange Garden is a National Trust spot in Staffordshire home to thousands of variations of flowers, plants, trees and sculptures from all corners of the world.
The Chinese garden has a bright red and green pagoda[/caption]
The gardens are attached to a house which is privately owned[/caption]
The garden was first created in the 19th century by horticulturist James Bateman for his collection of plants from around the world from China to Egypt – which is why it doesn’t look like it belongs in the UK.
Across various different gardens, there are lots of variations of plants, sculptures and buildings from the country they originated in.
Most impressive is the Chinese garden, a peaceful space with a bright red pagoda and bridge and golden statues all set amongst oriental plants.
You can enter the Egyptian garden through a tomb-like tunnel guarded by two huge stone sphinxes.
Other places they pay homages to are Italy and the Himalayas.
In terms of what flowers and plants you’ll find, the list is endless, from rhododendrons to azaleas, dahlias, junipers and lillies.
There’s even the oldest surviving golden larch (a tree with bright yellow leaves) which was brought from China to Britain in the 1850s.
It’s probably best to explore the garden on a sunny, or at least dry day, as there are over 400 steps and 15 acres to explore.
Central to the garden are the rare and exotic plants from all over the globe from Monkey puzzle trees to Wellingtonias, which are tall evergreen trees.
One visitor on TripAdvisor called it a “wonderful secret National Trust garden” with lots of people saying they loved discovering hidden entrance ways.
These two sphinxes guard the entryway to the Egyptian garden[/caption]
There are lots of tunnels, bridges and archways around the gardens all leading somewhere new[/caption]
Another described the Chinese garden as the “jewel” of Biddulph Grange Garden.
Dotted around the gallery, which is included in the National Trust fee, are also lots of fossils and artefacts found by James Bateman.
Biddulph Grange Garden is also home to the oldest stumpery, a garden feature made from tree stumps, lots and wood – it’s similar to a rockery but made from wood and was designed in 1856.
On-site is a cafe that serves soups, sandwiches and cakes. There are also certain recipes that have been inspired by places in the garden.
The golden buffalo sits in the Chinese Garden[/caption]
There’s also a tea room in the Camellia House which has been recently restored.
As for the best times to visit, spring and summer are obviously more likely to be dry with flowers in bloom.
However, anyone wanting to make the most of the Dahlia Walk should go in early autumn.
Entry to the Biddulph Grange Garden costs £13 for adults and £6.50 for children between five and 17.
Children under five go free, or there’s also a deal for a family ticket which is two adults and up to three children for £32.50.
This Subtropical Garden is Here in the UK
The subtropical garden in has thousands of species of plants…
Located just 20 minutes from the longest beach in the UK, the village of Abbotsbury is home to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is home to over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.
Because of its coastal location, which benefits from mild winters and cooler summers, several species of plants can thrive in the Victorian gardens.
Spread over 30 acres, visitors can walk along winding paths through lush landscapes, featuring stunning displays of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.
Another exotic park is Japanese Island in Regent’s Park – here’s what its like.
And we’ve rounded up some UK spots that look like they are abroad.
There are lots shrubbery from all over the world in the Biddulph Grange Garden[/caption]
