I really didn’t think I was going to have quite so much fun when I suggested to Jude that I might visit the Winter Gardens in Sunderland. It’s a number of years since I was there, and I had completely forgotten about the extensive gardens of Mowbray Park, adjoining Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. The luxury of a bright, sunny morning was all the invitation I needed.
It’s a bit of a rags to riches story. In 1831 Sunderland recorded its first cholera epidemic, and a health inspector recommended that a leafy area would benefit the town. A grant of £750 was provided by the government to buy a plot of land from local landowners, the Mowbray family, and turn it into a park. On 12th May, 1857, shops closed early and thousands flocked to attend the opening ceremony. In 1866 a lake and terraces were added and, in 1879, the Winter Gardens and museum.
For me, one of the park’s most attractive features is the cast iron work. When the Second World War came along many of the iron structures, including bridge and bandstand, were taken away to be melted down for weapons, and open space was converted to vegetable patches. Fortunately a huge restoration programme took place in the 1990s. Many features, including the William Hall Drinking Fountain shown above, were renewed.
It being January, plants had taken a bit of a back seat, but I was delighted to come upon an early rhododendron bursting into bloom, and a cheery carpet of aconites, pierced by spikes of snowdrops. The gazebo, I found tucked in a contemplative corner.
Sunderland has strong links with the author Lewis Carroll. A walrus sculpture by the lake commemorates the link.
I bet you’re itching to get inside those Winter Gardens now, aren’t you? There’s a surprise or two in store.
The plant house towers high over your head, and a spiral staircase carries you up to the canopy. Rising through it, a colossal water sculpture, designed by William Pye. It’s hard to resist touching the column of moving water.
The Winter Gardens cater well for children, seeking to engage as well as educate. I dodged around several parties of small children, engrossed in identification of plants and doing much better than me.
Of course, you can only find bougainvillea in a hot house. Just the place for me! The museum was quite fascinating too, and I promise to take you back there one day. For now, you’d better hurry if you have a Winter Garden to share with Jude.
restlessjo 
It looks like a lovely park. And I agree with you those iron casts are really special. I hope you enjoy your time off. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Otto. It’s been great. Homeward bound tomorrow.
LikeLike
What a wonderful winter garden, I too love all the cast iron work, so beautifully painted. And the pretty, winter flowers too of course 🙂 I had no idea about Lewis Carroll and his links to Sunderland. But now I know! Lovely post as always lovely Jo 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Thanks darlin xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Outstanding post, dear Jo… I love the plants and the greenery here… All my best wishes. Aquileana 🌟★🌟 ~
LikeLike
Thanks darlin xx
LikeLike
What a beautiful place, Jo! An oasis in a cold winters day, full of delights. Not only the plants and flowers but such stunning sculptures too – I loved the steel column. Who knew Sunderland boasted such a lovely Winter Garden – well, apart from you and plenty more!
LikeLike
You never know what you might find till you look Annika. Sorry for late reply x
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem at all – I hope you had a lovely break. Are you back in time for Storm Imogen? They’re racing through the alphabet!
LikeLike
Home tomorrow and I gather snow is on the horizon. Best place for it x
LikeLike
I’m with you in being enthralled with that gorgeous ironwork. I appreciate the reminder that during WWII the iron was stripped for the war effort. It must have been highly celebrated when such beautiful work was returned to this magnificent place. I hope sometime you’ll return the visit when the garden is in full bloom. The greenhouse is a wonderful addition!
LikeLike
I do like Sunderland. It has it’s sad spots, Debbie, like a few northern towns I could name. There’s never enough money to go round. But when you find something like this, it’s a real joy. 🙂
LikeLike
Still laughing at your Animals exchange in the comments. I got it immediately. But my bosses wife ran off with one of them (don’t know which one). Many a ribald joke about that one was made. Anyway I’m not a fan of S’land but you have made even me wish I had found these gardens on my work forays down there. Gloomy depressing place. City centre was full of 60s/70s architecture, so the gardens would have been much nicer to wander around.
LikeLike
Yes- you have to have the ‘right’ background sometimes, Kate 🙂 It’s still a hotch potch of a place but it does have some redeeming features. Happy weekend to you!
LikeLike
Bom viajem ✈️
LikeLiked by 1 person