Jephson Gardens

About Jephson Gardens

Jephson Gardens began in 1831 as informal walks along the River Leam. After 1846 they were developed into formal gardens and named after Dr Henry Jephson, the physician who did much to promote Leamington as a spa town. Neighbouring Mill Gardens, once settling beds for the town's water supply, was landscaped in 1901 to 1903.

Like many town parks, the gardens declined after the Second World War. Warwick District Council restored them in the early 2000s with more than £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. They form part of the Spa Gardens, a ribbon of riverside parks listed Grade II on the national register of historic parks and gardens.

What to see

• The Glasshouse: opened in 2003, with tropical and temperate plants such as banana, pink powder puff and bird of paradise, plus a goldfish pond, an observation beehive and a slate sculpture. Pests are managed without chemicals.
• Formal flowerbeds: colourful summer and winter bedding schemes.
• Trees: around 140 native and non-native species.
• Sculptures: including the Elephant Circle by Nicholas Dimbleby and the Unknown Refugee by John Bridgeman.
• Sensory Garden and East Lodge Garden: a taste garden, mirrored arch and insect-friendly planting.
• Lake and river: ducks and geese on the lake, and boating in Mill Gardens.

Planning your visit

The gardens are in the centre of Leamington Spa, about 10 minutes' walk from the station via Pump Room Gardens. There is on-street parking nearby on Newbold Terrace and Newbold Street, and bike racks on Newbold Terrace and by East Lodge; cycling is not allowed in the gardens.

All areas are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and there are toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing. The Aviary Café is in a Victorian tea pavilion, and the Royal Pump Rooms, with its gallery and museum, is close by.