Gardens

As part of the recent refurbishment programme we are now able to give our customers access to the gardens in Crookley Park, the grounds are exclusively for customers shopping with us or using our hospitality.
 

There are a number of benches placed around the garden and customers are encouraged to enjoy a takeaway beverage or snack. If the benches are occupied then feel free to grab a blanket from the cafe terrace.
 

Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome and we respectfully ask that you dispose of any dog litter in the bins provided. The newly laid paths are suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. We ask that bicycles are not ridden on the paths.

Bike racks available for cyclists.
 

The house was built at the end of the 19th century and at the time of construction the gardens were designed with a large number of the trees being specially imported, many of which are still here today. There was once a tennis court on the lower lawn that you can see from the new path and there was also a pond on the area now covered by the warehouse.
 

A recent tree survey undertaken in 2021 provided some interesting insight into the types of trees and their common and botanical names. A good number of the trees have Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) or they are in a Conservation Area. To make any changes to protected trees requires permission or consent from the Local Planning Authority. Trees with protected status are identified with a small silver disc which sits at eye level, many you can see on the trees in the grounds.
 

The survey identified 193 trees on the estate and they include; Sycamore, Redwood sequoia, Western red cedar, and 23 others. In time we hope to create a map of the trees to allow customers to identify many of these majestic natural living sculptures.