With summertime at its peak, I’ve been on the hunt for the best outdoor garden spaces to relax and explore. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Botanic Garden not far from Corbridge that I quickly fell in love with: Dilston Physic Garden. Just off from the Devil’s Water, Dilston Physic Garden sits tucked away, a wealth of nature that you can both relax and learn from.
Dilston Physic Garden is a unique destination of discovery and relaxation, a UK Charity that is on a mission to transform health and well-being through medicinal plant education and research.
For just an £8 entry fee for adults, you can see and learn about a variety of plants, discovering over 700 extraordinary flowers, herbs, vegetables and trees with rich histories. Breathe in herbal and floral scents as you wander down trails that bring plants, science, myths and medicine to life. Relax on the chamomile lawn, play a round of croquet or a game of giant chess, all the while sampling teas, coffees and more whose ingredients have been sourced from the garden itself.
During my visits, I tried the spiced cacao, which when the weather turns and autumn arrives, will be a staple. You can purchase teas, books and more from their gift shop to take home with you too.
I had a great time just wandering and learning many interesting facts.
Did you know that some chemical ingredients found in many plants such as snowdrops, can enhance memory by increasing the presence of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the gaps between brain cells?
As my grandmother has dementia, the memory section of the gardens was of keen interest to me. And it’s truly fascinating to learn about the science of it all, all the while immersing myself in such a beautiful part of nature.
Escape the hustle and bustle of life by relaxing alongside the Tranquillity Pool, rest on benches tucked away in quiet shaded areas of plants and just be one with nature. Racing thoughts were swept away as I watched bees swoop from flower to flower. Dilston Physic Gardens is a space where you can just breathe.
Another thing I loved is that most plants had not only the science of them detailed on their placards but the folklore of them too.
Did you know that forget-me-nots were named as such when a German knight tossed a posy to his lady as he drowned?
So many stories could spring to life in that garden.
There’s also a variety of sculptures and statues along the various trails. Find the stag hidden amongst the trees or the Buddha at the end of the bamboo tunnel. There’s also the Oak Horned God by Jona Maurice to showcase the pagan god of nature and wilderness. One of my favourites was the Devil’s Pyramid by Victoria Harrison which looks over the Devil’s Water and is decorated with medicinal plants with ‘Devil’ in their name.
Another favourite aspect of mine was seeing the Cloutie Tree. An ancient Celtic and Tibetan custom is to tie a piece of cloth (cloutie) to the branches of a chosen magic tree (in this instance an oak) while making a wish or prayer. As the colour of the cloth fades, the elements take on the wish that will hopefully come true. It was lovely seeing so many pieces of cloth tied to the branches, so many hopes and prayers held in one place.
Whether you’re curious, creative or just looking to lose yourself amongst nature, Dilston Physic Garden is a beautiful little haven to visit. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul there. There are even workshops, courses and tours if you want to learn more and explore some of the transformative health benefits of medicinal plants. It is a sanctuary for both plants and people and a place I wholeheartedly recommend visiting.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from April-October 11am-4pm, and Friday to Sunday from November-March 12pm-3pm, find Dilston Physic Garden in Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5QZ.
Do you know a hidden gem or underdog business in and around the Tyne Valley? I’m exploring the area and hope to get to know the best places that may be overlooked. If you have a place to recommend, get in touch!