The Gibberd Garden
An inspirational garden designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, a leading Twentieth Century architect.
Marsh Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Pet friendly
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Shop
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Located on the outskirts of Harlow, The Gibberd Garden is an inspirational Grade II listed garden. Designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, a leading twentieth century architect and master planner of Harlow. The garden comprises formal lawns, streams and glades, a mature lime avenue, a wild garden with a tangle of paths, 90 artefacts and sculptures and a moated castle. The Gibberd Rooms contain Sir Frederick Gibberd’s archive, library and living area, set up as they were during his lifetime.
The garden is full of sculptures and ‘decorative objects’, including ceramic pots and items of architectural salvage. It has lawns, streams and glades, a dramatic mature lime avenue, a wild garden, an arboretum and a moated castle.
Visitors on Sundays and on private tours may see part of Sir Frederick’s former home. The living room, dining room, library and archive form the basis of the Gibberd Rooms. The rooms have been restored to their original sixties look and all the furniture and fittings are authentic. There are many drawings, photographs and models on display which reflect the diversity of Sir Frederick’s talent.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
The Gibberd Garden, located in Harlow, Essex, is a Grade II listed garden designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd. It features a collection of sculptures and architectural elements set within nine acres of landscaped grounds. The garden offers various attractions and events throughout the year.
General Opening Times
The Gibberd Garden is open to visitors on Wednesdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The last open day of the 2025 season is Sunday, October 26th.
Special February 2026 Opening
In February 2026, the garden will be open on the following days:
- Sundays: February 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Wednesdays: February 4th, 11th, and 18th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Admission Prices
- Adults: £6.00
- Concessions: £5.00
- Children (5–16 years): £1.00
- Children under 5: Free
- National Art Pass holders: £3.00
- Friends of The Gibberd Garden and Historic Houses members: Free
Special Events
Snowdrop and Hellebore Days: Enjoy the garden's early blooms during February 2026 on the same dates and times as the special February opening.
Carols in the Garden: On Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, enjoy Christmas music and carols in the garden. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.
The Gibberd Rooms
The Gibberd Rooms, the home of Sir Frederick and Lady Gibberd, are open to the public on Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM when the garden is open. Admission is £2.00 for adults, and children under 16 enter for free.
Additional Information
- Dogs are allowed in the garden but must be kept on a lead. They are not allowed in the cafe.
- The Barn Tea Room offers refreshments during regular opening times.
- Picnics are not allowed except during special events.
For group visits, private hire, and school visits, specific arrangements and rates apply. Please contact the garden for more details.
Historic Houses members visit free.
- Adults: £6
- Concessions (over 60s, disabled, students): £5
- Children, 5yrs – 16 yrs: £1
- Under 5s: Free
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Marsh Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA
Marsh Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA
Marsh Lane is a turning off Gilden Way, on the outskirts of Harlow on the A1025 from Harlow towards Sheering, Hatfield Heath and the M11 junction 7A.
By Car from the A414 follow the A1025 towards Hatfield Heath and junction 7A of the M11. Marsh Lane is a small turning to the left immediately after the Gilden Park Housing area and just before a pedestrian crossing. It can be difficult to spot!
Coming from the M11 junction 7A or Hatfield Heath you have to go past Marsh Lane to the next roundabout and double back as there is a no right turn from this direction..
By train, the nearest station is HARLOW MILL on the Liverpool Street to Cambridge line. It is about a 30 minute walk of just over 1.2 miles. Head south from the station then left along Priory Avenue and then right along Old Road. From there you can go left on a path through the centre of the Gilden Park housing area and on to Marsh Lane where turning left again will take you to the Garden. You can see this route on Google maps.
There is now an hourly 407 bus service from HARLOW TOWN station from Monday to Saturday at about 45 minutes past the hour. This will take you to Aspen Way in the Gilden Park area from where you can walk through to Marsh Lane. The return bus leaves Aspen Way at about on the hour or just after.
There is a bus service along Gilden Way, the 59 Harlow to Chelmsford route, which runs every day. On Wednesdays there is an hourly service leaving the bus station in Harlow at 4 minutes past the hour, arriving at Marsh Lane approximately quarter past the hour. On Sundays there is a two hourly service leaving the bus station at 1255 and 1455. The walk from the Marsh lane bus stop to the Garden is approximately half a mile. The return service passes Marsh Lane at approximately 20 minutes to the hour on Wednesdays and at about 1633 and 1833 on Sundays.
There is a frequent service from Harlow Town station to the bus station in the centre of Harlow. As of September 2025 Harlow Bus Station is operating from a temporary location in Post Office Road while the main Bus Station is being redeveloped.
For up to date information about local buses please check the Travel Essex website.
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