JEPHSON GARDENS

Voted "Best Park in Britain 2004" by the Royal Horticultural Society
First laid out in 1831 as informal riverside walks, the original Newbold Gardens were developed as more formal pleasure grounds after 1846 in honour of Dr Henry Jephson, who had promoted the town as a spa. The Jephson Gardens gained renown for their entertainments, military bands, promenading, croquet and tennis, fountains, illuminations, trees and flowers. They are listed as Grade II on the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens.

Improvements to the river through the Victorian era culminated in the construction of Mill Bridge, Mill Gardens and boathouse, 1901-03, creating one riverside landscape. Like many parks they fell into slow decline after World War II but since 1999 have been restored and renewed by Warwick District Council thanks to a grant of over £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This delightful Victorian oasis is now complemented by a stunning sub-tropical glasshouse, restaurant and teaching studio – the jewel in the crown of Leamington’s wealth of parks and garden

The Gardens are home to a truly extensive range of trees which help to make it an unforgettable visitor experience. The Town Council has assisted the preparation of an interesting leaflet detailing "50 Fine Trees" copy of which can be found below or at the Library and Town Hall.