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 gift room.
The Dorothy Clive Garden is celebrating again having been awarded Silver in the Staffordshire 2019 Tourism Awards ‘Best small visitor attraction’ category.
The Garden was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 2019 which is enabling them to record, document and tell the story of the garden for future generations. Since the National Lottery was set up in 1994 over £4million has been raised to protect and celebrate Newcastle’s heritage. From repairing historic places of worship to commemorating the world wars and from celebrating local traditions to opening up historic gardens, National Lottery players have supported over 70 community projects across the borough.
2020 promises to be an exciting year at the Dorothy Clive Garden., with some wonderful events taking place including 2 Plant Hunters Fair’s in April and August and the 9th Annual Chilli, Cheese and Chocolate Festival in September.
For all Garden news and events please see their website www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk
Situated on the A51 on the north Staffordshire/Shropshire border, the Dorothy Clive Garden is two miles out of Woore village, mid way between Nantwich and Stone. From the M6, exit at junction 15 and take the A 53 then the A51.
Facilities are available for disabled visitors. Parking is free and dogs are admitted on leads.
