Cool Gardens: Enjoy this hidden gem on Tyneside
It’s not often you find a place that’s so special, so obviously loved by the people who volunteer there… Whickham Hermitage Community Garden is all of these things and so much more. Thanks to Vanessa Sundin for contributing most of the pictures!
History of Whickham Hermitage Community Garden
The Hermitage was originally built in 1790 by the brewing family the Taylors. The garden was laid out during the early 19th century with features including a lake and boathouse with a bridge of “willow pattern design”, a pagoda, a tennis court and a two-storey watchtower.
However, the garden fell into disuse for about 60 years. It wasn’t until 2002 when local resident Dave Peacock (now sadly passed away) formed a committee to gain planning permission. It generated funding in order to restore the garden and prevent it from being turned into a car park.
Between 2004 and 2006, the garden was extensively restored. The lake became a wildlife pond and bog garden, and a new wooden watchtower with fitted a disabled toilet made its debut. A summerhouse (pagoda), a pergola and paths were built and laid, and the garden was extensively planted.
The garden opened on September 8, 2006, and became the Whickham Hermitage Community Garden, reflecting the garden’s creation and maintenance by volunteers, open for everyone.
A tranquil, happy place, full of memories
The garden is like a Tardis. It’s on a slope and it’s only when you’re past the first bed of Acers that the rest of the garden opens out… then keeps on going!
Flowering highlights when we were there were Rhododendrons, Azaleas, candelabra primulas, peonies and tree peonies, Clematis montana and Wisteria on the pergola. The garden is worth visiting for the foliage as much as the flowers – lush new hostas, ornamental rhubarb, and Acers. If you have a shady garden, planting is a masterclass in how to excel in these conditions.
And there are memorials everywhere to friends and volunteers who are no longer with us. Benches, plaques, statues, even the cafe are funded from a bequest. It’s a truly contemplative and restful place.
Help to support Whickham Hermitage Community Garden
- Hire the garden or Orangery for events: The cafe (includes tables, seating, wine glasses and coffee machine), television screen, wi-fi, projector for hire. For more information, email [email protected].
- Volunteer: You don’t have to be a gardener and any age group is welcome. Give advice or expertise, help to arrange events or with fundraising, and even provide tools and equipment.
- Use the cafe: It’s open to all, and the garden is free, so if you live nearby or want a trip out with cake at the end, use this lovely, tranquil place (I highly recommend the chocolate orange cake).
- Make a donation: The garden depends entirely on public money, grants, donations and funds raised by groups from the community centre.
- Buy from the nursery: The plant centre has a lovely range of bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and small trees at very competitive prices.
Essential information
- Address: Whickham Hermitage Community Garden, Behind Whickham Community Centre, Front Street, Whickham, Tyne and Wear NE16 4JL, whickhamhermitagegarden.co.uk.
- Parking: Available on the other side of Front Street.
- Buses: Stop regularly along Front Street connecting with the MetroCentre, Gateshead Interchange and Newcastle.
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; closed Sunday.
Accessibility: The whole garden is wheelchair accessible, with a disabled toilet on-site.
Update: since this review was first written in 2018, both Dave and his daughter Sharon Peacock have passed away. A plaque commemorates their huge efforts in restoring the garden.
