The Japanese Garden encompasses original designer Thomas Simpson’s love for the unique elegance and incomparable beauty of Japanese horticulture.

He imported genuine stone and bronze artefacts from Japan to enhance the garden and aimed to make it as authentic as possible. The garden is therefore still renowned as one of the finest examples in the country. To maintain this prestigious reputation, only plants native to the region are added. The Tea House is draped with Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), and other shrubs include the spectacular Kurume Hybrid Azaleas, the beautiful blossoms of several species of Prunus, and the varied leaf colour of Acer palmatum (Japanese maples). Although not technically native, we also have the unique Ginkgo biloba, introduced to Japan from China in the 7th century and now an iconic feature of Japanese gardens. The garden peaks when the azaleas are in flower in May, but there is plenty of year-round interest too – not least from the large koi carp that congregate as you wander across the pond via the stepping stones.

Take a look around The Japanese Garden with our virtual tour below. Simply click on the image and use the arrows to navigate you way around the garden and picture your perfect day out with us.