Southlands Gardens

A 10-acre Victorian Garden hidden away in Teesside, the Southlands Gardens were established 140 years ago by Sir Samuel Sadler, MP, and Lady Sadler. They moved to Eaglescliffe, then Known as Preston Junction, by Darlington, in 1876.

After the Italianate Southlands Villa was built, the gardens were laid out with extensive sloping landscaped lawns, herbaceous borders, orchards and woodlands. Its principal features are retained today.

Three gardeners were employed in those days to manage its cultivation. Today, the gardener in charge is Mr Mark Harper, a family member of the former Harpers Garden Centre in Norton-on Tees, which is well known in the area.

There is a spectacular array of colour with rhododendrons and azaleas. Woodlands Walks with ivy, wild garlic and ferns give a great visual effect. The gardens also include rare trees with interesting leaf shapes and colour. Tiered small waterfalls viewed from a Japanese garden area add to its charm.

Pink Climbing roses adorn the Coaching House (serving teas), and there is a bothy and an old greenhouse.