Nature lovers
It’s not only buildings to explore across our 29 acres, but our 10 gardens as well.
Our gardens not only offer shade in the summer and beautiful flowers in the spring, but each one tells stories about Black Country folk of the past and their way of life.
1. Folkes Park (1930)
Folkes Park (and the neighbouring playground) is the ideal spot for relaxing while smelling the scents of many different flowers in the summer, or building a snowman in the winter.
Sit down on the benches, have a picnic, or simply enjoy being in the lovely green oasis.
2. Pitt's Cottage (1890)
The greenery of the garden at Pitt’s Cottage is so abundant in the surrounding area that the tranquillity it exudes transports you straight back to the rural areas that remained in Bilston in 1890, during the Industrial Revolution.
3. Cast Iron Houses (1940 and 1968)
The gardens of our Cast Iron Houses help us understand the different uses that a garden would be given during World War Two and post-war times.
In 1942, Basil Vernon, the son of the family who lived in the 1940s Cast Iron House, insisted that his family dig up the garden to make sure they would get enough food during the war. Two years later, the Dig for Victory campaign encouraged the whole population to dig gardens to increase production.
On the other hand, during the 1960s, the interest in gardening had aesthetics as a focus, with new TV programs such as Gardener’s World. Some of our roses are 1960s varieties kindly donated by David Austin Roses.
4. The Stonefield Pigeon Loft (1928)
This loft belonged to Charles Purslow, a celebrated pigeon racer from Bilston who competed for over 70 years and contributed pigeons as wartime messengers during World War Two.
Built around 1924, this iconic wooden structure stood as a testament to the local tradition of pigeon racing and community spirit. It represents the dedication and ingenuity of working-class hobbies, from the meticulous care of racing birds to their role in wartime communication.
If you visit during autumn, make sure you check the enormous pumpkins that our gardeners grow!
5. Emile Doo’s Chemist Shop & Physic Garden
A garden full of scents and curiosities is available for you to discover in the Physic Garden behind Emile Doo’s Chemist Shop.
You can find many edible, useful and medicinal plants that help to tell the story of how medicines were produced by a traditional chemist like Mr Doo.
6. Boat Dock (1839)
Our Boat Dock is bursting with life all year around. Spot busy squirrels in the autumn and stalking herons in the summer. And don’t miss geese, ducks and fish, too.
Water lilies float gracefully on the surface in the warmer months before the water freezes in the winter, transforming the dock into a magical scene. Take a stroll and see what you discover – but be careful to stick to the path!
7. Back-to-Backs (1890 and 1924)
The hidden gardens in the Back-to-Backs courtyard are a pleasant surprise. The scents of their wide variety of flowers and plants, and the green beauty they bring amidst the brickwork are a real pleasure. Be sure to find this hidden gem!
8. Toll House (1920)
Originally built in 1845 along the Sedgley-Tividale Turnpike Road, this toll house once collected fees from passing carts. The family grew a lot of vegetables in the garden and kept a few chickens which they killed and ate when they were no longer any use for laying.
If you visit during summer, you will be able to see the bostin’ sprouts our great gardeners are growing, alongside big sunflowers.
