Wentworth Castle Gardens
Wednesday February 1 2017: John Edwards, Chair of the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust said : “It is with sadness we have decided that the gardens will have to close to the public from Spring 2017."
The Heritage Trust behind the gardens says it has not been able to make enough money to cover the running costs and management of the site - despite a £3.74 million restoration of the garden's Victorian conservatory back in 2013.
We visited today for the last time and here are the memories of a garden nationally famous for "Lady Lucy's Walk" and its vast collection of azaleas and rhododendrons.
We managed to see some early rhododendrons in flower, feast our eyes on the conservatory and eat at the excellent cafe. All for the last time. This is a loss for all who love gardens and a particular one for our family for we have enjoyed many days there over the years. Do visit my Instagram pages to comment. We hope the staff find alternative employment. But most of all we hope some benefactor arrives to save the day.
Wednesday February 1 2017: John Edwards, Chair of the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust said : “It is with sadness we have decided that the gardens will have to close to the public from Spring 2017."
The Heritage Trust behind the gardens says it has not been able to make enough money to cover the running costs and management of the site - despite a £3.74 million restoration of the garden's Victorian conservatory back in 2013.
We visited today for the last time and here are the memories of a garden nationally famous for "Lady Lucy's Walk" and its vast collection of azaleas and rhododendrons.
We managed to see some early rhododendrons in flower, feast our eyes on the conservatory and eat at the excellent cafe. All for the last time. This is a loss for all who love gardens and a particular one for our family for we have enjoyed many days there over the years. Do visit my Instagram pages to comment. We hope the staff find alternative employment. But most of all we hope some benefactor arrives to save the day.
How disappointing to have a nearby garden close, especially one with so many memories.
ReplyDeleteI'm not entirely sure what it means though, is it still a protected property just not open for visitors?
Moot point. The woodlands and gardens are attached to a college for adults and have in any case been visited or generations so I presume will still be accessible. The more formal parts are already being neglected as the gardeners are laid off and bedding not planted for the season. The incredibly expensive restored conservatory fell into ruin before the Trust launched a national appeal for funding. The UK is gradually being starved of funds for projects like this as the government builds up a "war chest" to cope with our leaving Europe - but don't let me get on to that!
DeleteWhat a shame, it looks like a beautiful garden.
ReplyDeleteA delight. See my comment above.
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