Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

About the garden

Ten acres of rescued 17th-18th century, pre-'Capability' Brown gardens give a taste of a baroque country estate in a 21st century city. There are formal walks, parterres, espaliered fruit, a holly maze and vegetable garden as well as family-friendly wild areas. The adjoining 30 acres of parkland, also historically part of the Bradford estate, is now a freely accessible local nature reserve, managed jointly by the Trust and Birmingham City Council.

Although not a botanical garden, the Trust tries to maintain a period-relevant style and species, keeping to the period 1680-1760. Among the 600 different trees, plants and shrubs are two apple and pear orchards growing ancient heritage species. Apple juice, honey and vegetables are on sale seasonally form the outdoor courtyard shop and cafe.

During the 17th–18th century, the Bridgeman family developed and extended the gardens to the designs of George London and William Winde. The fashion-conscious Sir Henry Bridgeman (1725-1800) can be thanked for the complete nature of the current Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens. Sir Henry moved to Weston Park on inheriting the title Earl of Bradford. Castle Bromwich was left in the ‘old style’ while Sir Henry commissioned Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to run his 18th-century 'bulldozer' through Weston.    

The main walls, orangery and music room and garden shapes remained intact, to be rediscovered, rescued and restored by the independent Trust in the 1980s. Set only yards from junction 5 of the M6, the garden is a quiet green haven from the hectic and industrialised surroundings and happily serving as a place for respite for local people during the pandemic. Snowdrops, daffodils and tulips suit the formal gardens well in spring and box, yew, hornbeam and holly hedges provide a framework for summer and lots of autumn colour. The gardens run more than 100 different cultural, seasonal events and other public activities throughout the year and are adjacent to the ancestral Jacobean Hall.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.