See the oldest private garden in Norwich this Sunday.
The Bishop of Norwich is opening his garden to the public, in aid of local charities, on 10 afternoons this spring and summer. The first is this Sunday May 11.
The four-acre garden, which can trace its roots back nine centuries, will be raising funds for Stepping Stones, a small Norwich-based charity for adults with learning disabilities.
Stepping Stones, which has a day-centre providing support and training, will be hosting activities in the garden including a pop-up café selling home-made treats, a treasure trail for children, a human fruit-machine game, a performance of The Tempest by some of its students, creative workshops and an art installation.
Visitors will be able to see the garden in all its spring glory including spectacular wisteria, impressive double borders backed by cloud-pruned yew, a new herb garden, a jungle walk, an orchard and wildflower labyrinth, a woodland path, large lawns (plus a tiny tucked-away high hedged lawn) and the kitchen garden bursting with new life in beds, vegetable and fruit cages and greenhouses.
The ancient garden, where monks first grew food and medicine nine centuries ago, is surrounded by 700-year-old walls and has a picturesque ruin. Next door is Norwich Cathedral – with the ornate stonework of its northern side only visible from here.
The garden will be open 1-4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Refreshments, plant sales. Admission £5, free for children and wheelchair-users. Assistance dogs only. Bishop’s Garden, Norwich, NR3 1SB.
Bishop’s House Garden charity open days 2025:
11 May – for Stepping Stones Project
18 May – for Attleborough Music Project
1 June – for Age UK Norwich
8 June – for Norfolk Community Law Service
15 June – for NANSA
22 June – for Norfolk Churches Trust
6 July – for the National Garden Scheme
13 July – for Leeway
20 July – for Vision Norfolk
27 July – for RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre
Pictures: Diocese of Norwich/Luke Bryant/Tile Media