If you’re looking for a beautiful garden to wander through, look no further than the Gooderstone Trail English Garden.
The Gooderstone Trail English Garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon with your loved one, or just by yourself. It’s the perfect place to take a walk, enjoy the scenery, and relax under the shade of these trees. You can also find many different types of plants that you might not see anywhere else.
Its garden is full of vibrant colors and lush greenery that will make your heart sing. It’s located in Norfolk, so it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country!
What is Gooderstone Trail Garden
Gooderstone Trail Garden is a 6.5-acre water garden that was founded in 1970 by a retired farmer. The garden features a stream, four ponds, and thirteen bridges across flowing waters. The land was a flat, treeless, wet meadow that was too wet for cattle to graze. Trees, bushes, and moisture-loving perennials are used to create a natural look in the garden.
The History of Gooderstone Trail Garden
Gooderstone Trail Garden was established in 1970 by Billy Knights after he purchased 6 acres of land. With little training but a lot of enthusiasm, this “Enchanting Garden” is the product of his preferences and dislikes being determined by what he saw in nature rather than what was trendy when he started. In what was a flat, treeless wet grassland, Billy Knights created ponds and streams spanned by thirteen bridges from the natural stream that runs through the property. It is truly a refuge for humans and animals with the addition of an 8-acre Nature Trail and a Kingfisher hide. Billy Knights passed away in 1994 at the age of 93, but his legacy lives on in Gooderstone Trail Garden. The garden is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination. It is also a refuge for local wildlife. The Nature Trail provides a safe haven for animals to escape from hunters and there are many different types of plants and trees they can eat.
The Grounds at Gooderstone Trail
The Grounds at Gooderstone Trail Garden is a public garden and nature reserve located in the village of Gooderstone, Norfolk, England. The garden occupies 8 acres (36,000 m2) of land and contains a variety of different gardens, including a kitchen garden, a herb garden, a rose garden, and a water garden. The garden also has a number of different walking trails, which allow visitors to explore the different gardens and nature reserves. The total length of these trails is about 1 mile (1.6 km).
It contains over 800 different species of plants, including apple trees, black currant bushes, cherry trees, fruit trees, native tree species, and rose varieties that are often considered to be historically significant. There are also several sculptures located in the garden, including a sundial and a stone bench.
How to get to Gooderstone Trail
To get to the Gooderstone Trail Garden, take either A1065 or A47 to Swaffham. From Swaffham, take Cley Road. Drive through Cockley Cley and continue 1.5 miles to the 1st left turn to Gooderstone and signposted water garden.
Opening times at Gooderstone Trail
Gooderstone Trail is the main attraction of Gooderstone. With endless wood, water, and air activities to do, you are sure to have a good time. Here are the opening hours so that you can plan your day accordingly: 10:30 am to 5 pm.
Entry Prices for Gooderstone Trail Gardens
- adult is £7.00,
- children 6-16 yrs is £2.00,
- senior is £6.50,
- five and under is free,
- Users of electric wheelchairs or buggies is £3.50, and
- User of own wheelchair and their pusher charged as one person for admission.
What to see at Gooderstone Trail Garden
The Gooderstone Trail Garden is a wonderful place to visit, with plenty of different things to see and do. Some of the highlights include East Pond, an Otter Pond, an Island Pond, and a Monet Pond. There’s also a scented arbor, a summer house, a bamboo grove, and a fern walk. And don’t forget to check out the Roundhouse which overlooks the site!
East Pond
It is home to one of the highlights of the garden. This pond has a large island in it, which includes an orchard and some fruit trees. There’s even a walled garden on this island! This water feature also features two bridges that cross over it, each standing at approximately 6m high.
Otter Pond
It was once the site of a medieval fish farm before being turned into an ornamental water feature. This is where you can see some traditional wooden boats, sitting on this pond’s waters. Apparently, the owner has seen otters here on occasion as well!
Island Pond
An island sits in this pond, too – just like East Pond. However, this one is much smaller in size. It’s home to a summer house that visitors are free to enter and explore. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even venture out onto the island itself!
Monet Pond
It was created in tribute to the French painter Claude Monet. This pond is home to a variety of different plants and is surrounded by a beautiful rose garden. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want to see some stunning floral displays.
Gooderstone Trail Garden also offers plenty of family-friendly activities for visitors to get involved with. There are craft activities (such as lime printing), guided walks, and other fun and educational activities for children and adults alike.
It’s also worth mentioning that Gooderstone Trail Garden is a working garden, and features plenty of agricultural produce as well as plants and flowers. These can be bought here by visitors should they wish to do so!
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Gooderstone Trail Garden
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, look no further than the Gooderstone Trail Garden. This trail is home to four different ponds, as well as plenty of other scenic areas that are perfect for a relaxing stroll. You’ll also find plenty of plants and flowers here, so it’s a great place to take some photos.
To get the most out of your visit, here are some tips for making the most of it.
What to Bring with You
Sunscreen – This trail is beautiful but there’s not much shade, so you should definitely bring sunscreen! Even if it’s cloudy outside, the sun can still be very strong so don’t forget.
Bug spray – Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a nuisance, so make sure to bring some bug spray with you.
A picnic lunch – This is a great place to have a picnic lunch. There are plenty of areas where you can sit down and enjoy your food.
Things to Do
Take a walk – The Gooderstone Trail Garden is a great place for a leisurely walk. There’s no rush, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Visit the ponds – One of the main attractions of this trail is the four ponds. Each one has its own unique charm, so be sure to plan plenty of time to visit all four.
Photograph the flowers – This trail garden is home to hundreds of different types of plants and flowers, so be sure to bring your camera with you. You’ll get some great shots here!
Go fishing – The trail garden offers fishing on two separate ponds for visitors who like to fish.
Hiking – If you’re looking for a more challenging activity, the Gooderstone Trail Garden offers hiking trails that are perfect for an afternoon outing.
Regardless of what you choose to do during your visit, be sure to take the time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Gooderstone Trail Garden. It’s definitely worth a trip!
Other Places Nearby
Norfolk is a beautiful county in England that is home to many historical attractions. Some of these places include Oxburgh Hall, Castle Acre Priory, and the Pingo Trail Walk.
Oxburgh Hall
A stately home that was built around 1482. After changing hands several times, it is now owned by the National Trust. The hall features many historic works of art including pieces from the Dutch artist, Hans Holbein. Visitors can enjoy walking through the garden of this beautiful English manor house.
Castle Acre Priory
It is an 11th-century ruin that was once a Benedictine monastery. The priory features beautiful architecture and is a popular spot for history buffs. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the monastery’s interesting past.
Castle Acre Village
A charming medieval village located near the ruins of the priory. The village is home to many historic buildings and features a traditional market square. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the medieval way of life.
The Pingo Trail Walk
It is a short walk that takes visitors through the beautiful Norfolk countryside. The trail is home to many interesting geological features, including pingos. These strange mounds are created when water collects in depression and freezes, causing the ground to expand. The trail is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Norfolk.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Norfolk has to offer. Visitors who want to learn more about the area’s history should definitely check out these places. They are all located near the Gooderstone Trail, making them easy to visit.
Conclusion
Visiting Gooderstone Trail English Garden is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature in England. There are many things you can do while visiting this attraction, so be sure to plan plenty of time for your trip. Hiking and fishing would be some good options if you’re looking for more active pursuits or just want to relax by one of the ponds with a picnic lunch in hand! Regardless of what type of adventure sounds most appealing, it’s worth taking a walk through this beautiful garden because there will always be something new around each corner. If you’re looking for a nearby place to explore, be sure to check out some of the other attractions in Norfolk. There are plenty of them and they’re all worth a visit!
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