Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

The Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens may be the only remaining example of a formal English garden in the entire country, but whether or not it is the last, it certainly seems like it is trying to be the most accurate. 

Most of the English Baroque garden were eliminated over the years, as trends in landscaping changed and evolved, but the Castle Bromwich garden has managed to survive with its design almost exactly intact. The garden was first established along with the castle in the 16th century. The grounds were added to and expanded upon by subsequent owners all the way into the mid-20th century when the hall began being used as a rental space and the care of the gardens faltered. 

Luckily, restoration efforts were undertaken by a trust devoted to the garden that was begun in 1983. The trust has worked to restore the garden as near as possible, to the way it looked during the period of 1680 to 1762, down to each plant. 

Today the ten acre garden holds over 600 species from the period within its walls. There is also a holly maze that is the exact mirror of another maze at Hampton Court Palace. The hall itself is now a fancy hotel, but the gardens are open to the public most of the year. Visiting the gardens may be the best way to visit the 17th century short of a time travel machine.