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Closed until Apr 2, 2023
The Gibberd Garden
The Gibberd Garden
4.5
Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Gardens
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Temporarily closedClosed until Apr 2, 2023
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The Gibberd Garden is an inspirational 9 acre garden with over 80 post-war sculptures and architectural pieces set in a series of enchanting spaces.
Garden | House | Sculpture | Cafe | Shop | Venue
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
189 reviews
Excellent
113
Very good
53
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Bromleypeople
Bromley, UK31 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Intriguing woodland garden dotted with sculptures with the home of important British modernist architect at it's centre near Harlow, Essex. Tucked away and a small entrance almost hidden by a huge housing development, Gilden Park, being built by Taylor Wimpey. They have put 2 very small signs for the Garden on their security fencing that dwarfs the turn off for the Gardens. I sincerely hope they are giving generous support to the Gardens as I was told the past disruption had affected visitors numbers. Clearly the Gardens are run on a shoe string by a trust and the dedication of volunteers who were friendly and helpful. With one full time gardener this is a natural wooded garden, peaceful and certainly a conversation point with many, mainly modern, sculptures, dotted around. It was rather sad to see the modernest home of Frederick Gibberd closed and in need of maintenance. Surely some modernist architectural group could be supporting this listed building in some way? Anyway a very enjoyable afternoon spent there rounded off by refreshments served by cheerful volunteers in the gazebo structures near the entrance. Geneous parking in a field nearby. Low entry charges but why no gift aid when they clearly need to raise funds? Small shop selling local products etc .Good attractive information guide to Gardens and sculptures. Very enjoyable and should be known far more widely by those with an enjoyment of natural surroundings, sculpture or modern architecture.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlinaRC
Hertfordshire1,476 contributions
Feb 2022
Gibberd garden looks delightful in springtime. At the end of February the snowdrops are at their best and other spring flowers are coming out - early daffodils, Hellebores, and spring flowering shrubs.
The garden has a wonderful collection of sculptures from part of a London bank to smaller pieces near the house. It has a playful and whimsical quality which make it appealing to children. At the bottom of the garden is a small stream with a 'castle' surrounded by a moat.
In terms of facilities there is a cafe that does teas, cakes and soup, toilet and small shop that sells gifts by local crafts people. It is not well signposted with some of the urban building works going on nearby. Don't let that put you off visiting this enchanting spot.
The garden has a wonderful collection of sculptures from part of a London bank to smaller pieces near the house. It has a playful and whimsical quality which make it appealing to children. At the bottom of the garden is a small stream with a 'castle' surrounded by a moat.
In terms of facilities there is a cafe that does teas, cakes and soup, toilet and small shop that sells gifts by local crafts people. It is not well signposted with some of the urban building works going on nearby. Don't let that put you off visiting this enchanting spot.
Written March 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
maryw16862kx
Bromley, UK82 contributions
Aug 2020
We went to this fascinating and fun garden today and had such a good time. From the time we arrived the gentle and enthusiastic staff and advice on directions from volunteer set the scene so well.
The challenge of finding the 89 sculptures in the grounds was stimulating and got the camera snapping happily .we so enjoyed our afternoon so thanks for having us we will be back.
The challenge of finding the 89 sculptures in the grounds was stimulating and got the camera snapping happily .we so enjoyed our afternoon so thanks for having us we will be back.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Duncan & Maria
Harlow, UK10 contributions
Aug 2020
Nice relaxing place to visit with or without children and no time limit so family picnics are pleasant but when it is closed DO NOT PARK on the massive public flied next door. After half an hour of letting my Dachshund have a run around I got back to my disabled vehicle to find a very rude note left on the windscreen saying if I park here again my disability vehicle will be towed away. The blue badge in the window gave them no clue that a disabled person was using the PUBLIC field NOT on their property. Appalling treatment of disabled people!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
julesforeman
London, UK16 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
I loved this garden so much. It is really naturalistic planting, no herbaceous borders here! It's so relaxing and tranquil. I liked how the sculptures were hidden away amongst the planting and all the children around us seemed to love searching for and finding them - it was a joy to see children enjoying the outdoors.
Every volunteer we met was so friendly and helpful and they even had some fun activities for families to join.
Finally, I was impressed with the covid restrictions and cleaning which was obvious and very thorough.
Every volunteer we met was so friendly and helpful and they even had some fun activities for families to join.
Finally, I was impressed with the covid restrictions and cleaning which was obvious and very thorough.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
World travel
Manchester, UK50 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
What an amazing find. We had a magical afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and exciting sculptures. The kids adored the space and the fort was so much fun. The flowers and trees and breathtaking. The volunteers are so friendly and helpful. We look forward to returning soon.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caroline LTC
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
Tranquil garden with house, once home of the architect of Harlow New Town. Used to feel quite remote, set amongst fields. However, the new M11 junction is now a stones throw. Plus they have built a lot of new houses nearby quite recently. Am unperturbed though, so shall be visiting again this afternoon. As previously I’m expecting a large interesting garden, full of nooks and crannies and delightful sculptures.
With its little stream, shady trees, thoughtful planting and flowers, it’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy on a summer afternoon.
The cafe is a bonus and most importantly we can take our dog, on a lead. Certainly that would be a deal breaker if we could not.
With its little stream, shady trees, thoughtful planting and flowers, it’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy on a summer afternoon.
The cafe is a bonus and most importantly we can take our dog, on a lead. Certainly that would be a deal breaker if we could not.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelley D
London, UK2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I absolutely love the Gibberd Gardens, it’s like entering Narnia, a far cry from 21st Century Harlow. A beautiful walk around and a lovely way to pass an afternoon. Haven’t checked the tea rooms out yet but hoping to return before Autumn is over.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jaques C
Stansted Mountfitchet, UK72 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
What a surprise! Garden well worth a visit, friendly volunteers, good place to park and dog can go too. Spent four enchanting hours looking round and even has a tea room with homemade cakes, but no sandwiches unfortunately. Would thoroughly recommend, even teenager didn't moan and he hates NT properties. £4 an adult and £1 for teenager quite reasonable. Even had a nice surprise under a rock (Mr Livingstone knows all), with a secret book and treasures to find and then a sheet to read and take away, very nice little touch.
Written April 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve Priddy
14 contributions
Oct 2019
This is one of the finest post WW2 gardens in the country. Designed and laid out by the architect and town planner Frederick Gibberd, it lies in 4 acres on the outskirts of Harlow, itself one of the eight new towns built at pace as part of the post war reconstruction. The house looks down the slope towards the river. It is maintained beautifully by the fulltime equivalent of one gardener and a small but enthusiastic group of friends and volunteers. We attended as members of the Essex Historic Gardens Trust for the society's AGM. An excellent talk about Gibberd's life, times and the garden kicked off proceedings, followed by a walk around the garden, a tour of the house and a soup and bread lunch. Gibberd planted and then recorded so there is a great spontaneity to the garden. Later he added pieces of sculpture and salvage including Grecian-style columns from the old Coutts Bank building in the city. A romantic, rambling, characterful house and grounds.
Written October 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
13lindseyb671
Essex, United Kingdom
Can to take a dog on a lead
OrdinHarryman
Essex, UK88 contributions
When we visited there were a couple. Given the nature of the gardens I cannot believe you would be turned away. On the lead is a definite and clear up any "deposits` that may occur yourself. Respect goes a long way and in many directions. Enjoy and try the soup!!
The Gibberd Garden (Harlow) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Gibberd Garden
- The Gibberd Garden is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Wed - Wed 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Gibberd Garden:
- (1.30 mi) That Amazing Place
- (3.13 mi) The PitStop Boutique Hotel
- (0.84 mi) Premier Inn Harlow North (Harlow Mill) hotel
- (0.72 mi) Green Man Hotel
- (1.75 mi) The Cock Inn
- Restaurants near The Gibberd Garden:
- (0.72 mi) The Green Man Restaurant
- (0.45 mi) Mayfield Farm Bakery
- (0.72 mi) COHO
- (1.17 mi) The Hand & Crown
- (0.55 mi) TM Vegan Buddha