Dorothy Clive Garden

About Us

The Dorothy Clive Garden; an inspiration for all seasons.

The peaceful and serene Dorothy Clive Garden was created in 1940 when Colonel Harry Clive began his transformation of a disused Victorian quarry for his wife Dorothy, who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.  The garden became the focus of Colonel Clive’s life and in 1958 he set up the Willoughbridge Garden Trust to preserve Dorothy's memory. The charity has two key purposes which are to maintain, enhance and further develop a garden inspired by the memory of the late Dorothy Clive to be used for the enjoyment of the public, and to promote and support horticultural education, for the continuing benefit of both students and the general public. These two charitable objects are underpinned by an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological sensitivity.

Both intimate and informal, the 12 acre site boasts a Royal Botanic Glasshouse, winter garden, edible woodland, spectacular woodland quarry with waterfall, dazzling azaleas and rhododendrons, thousands of spring bulbs, spectacular summer flower borders, a pool and alpine scree, a rose walk and zingy tropical borders. The garden also includes a south facing Hillside Garden, providing a wealth of seasonal interest. Plant enthusiasts will find many unusual species throughout the garden along with many specimens of trees and shrubs.

Delicious homemade scones, light lunches and a selection of sumptuous cakes are available in the garden tearoom. Plants and gifts are also available to purchase in the giftroom.

For seasonal opening times and more information about the garden, the 2020 events programme and adult learning programme, please visit: www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk