Following a successful Zoom lecture for us during lockdown, we are very pleased that Corinne Price will take us on a guided walk round the Swiss Garden, belonging to the Shuttleworth Collection near Biggleswade. Created in the 1820s for Lord Ongley, this nine-acre site was designed in the in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ style and is the best surviving example of a Regency garden in the country.  It was developed further in the 1870s by Joseph Shuttleworth, who added a Grotto and artificial Pulhamite rock cascades. After the Second World War the garden went into a period of decay but thanks to a multi-million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, it was restored ten years ago, as were the thirteen listed buildings and structures, using traditional materials and techniques.
A two-storey thatched Swiss cottage is the focal point of the garden, with other features including an Indian Kiosk, the Pulhamite Grotto and Fernery, wrought iron bridges and arches and a dog cemetery, all linked by serpentine paths, which artfully reveal their vistas along woodland paths and through grassy glades.
The site opens at 10 am and there is parking by the hangars or near the visitor centre and cafe. We will meet our guide, Corinne at 10 .30 by the Pond Gate entrance to the garden, where visitors are directed after entry to the shop and café.
The tour will last approximately an hour and a half and your ticket gives you access to the whole 60 acre parkland site, the Shuttleworth Collection of early aircraft, cars, busses and motorbikes and in addition entitles you to return within 30 days, plus we get a complimentary voucher for hot drinks.
Directions to Shuttleworth – Two miles west of A1 at Biggleswade.
Postal Address
Alder Drive
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire

For Satnav use SG18 9DT

The cost of the visit is £21 for Members and £23 for non-members.

Richard Haydon will be handling the bookings so please can you register your interest with him via zoomevents@hertsgardenstrust.org.uk and he will send you details of how to pay.