Thornbridge Hall Gardens

Set in the Derbyshire Dales between Bakewell and Ashford in the Water Thornbridge Hall has had a succession of owners over the last 150 years. Although the owners have changed the essence of the gardens has remained the same.

When the gardens were laid in out in 1890s the then owner of Thornbridge Hall, George Marples, wanted to create 'a thousand shades of green' which he could see from his bedroom window. Today those shades can still be seen.

Around the garden there is a range of statues, temples and grottos. Some of the statues came from Clumber Park and Chatsworth whilst others were gifts from the Greek government. One of its past owners was Charles Boot – a Sheffield house builder. His company, Henry Boot Construction, was responsible for the demolition of Clumber House after it was destroyed by fire in 1938 but saved many items from the surrounding garden.

With Boot as the owner of Thornbridge Hall he allowed for the first time the public to come and view the gardens. Since then restorations have been made and new additions have been added by the owner of the time such as this area of grasses.

In the extreme heat of this summer the woodland areas are able to provide shade.

Take a rest in one of the grottos. There are surprising little structures all around the garden.

One of the most formal parts of the garden is the kitchen garden in front of the orangery.

The back wall is surrounded by agapanthus.

One of the striking features in the middle of the crops is the succulent table.

Arches are used to their full with crops growing up them. Here apples share the space with other plants.

On another arch cultivated blackberries grow freely up and without thorns.

The mix of Victorian Italianate with modern day touches works really well with a contrast of colour and shape in the planting. For the real ale lovers the estate is also home to the Thornbridge Brewery!