As part of the Heritage Open Days there will be an Illustrated History of Preston Park walk and a choice of 3 Rock Garden walks.The walks are free and there’s no need to book. Here are the dates:
Rock Garden Walks:
Come and celebrate the enduring charm of Preston Rock Gardens with a 90-minute guided tour from Andy, the head gardener. Learn about the history and plans for the future for this lovely garden.
Preston Rock Garden was built between 1934 and 1936 on a disused railway bank and covers nearly a hectare (2.4 acres). The Rockery, or Rookery as it’s often called, has seen many changes over the years. In recent years the waterfall has been repaired and the pond drained to remove 155 tons of silt. A major overhaul of the planting has also taken place.
- Thursday 6 September 12.00 to 13.30
- Saturday 8 September 12.00 to 13.30
- Saturday 15 September 12.00 to 13.30
Meet outside the chalet in the Rock Garden
Illustrated History of Preston Park walk
Ever wondered about the history of Preston Park – the biggest and first municipal park in the city? This Illustrated History of Preston Park Walk will take you on a journey from Roman times to the present day. What was the ancient significance of this plot? Who owned the land, and when and why did they sell it? Who provided the money to buy the land to be a park? You will get to know the strange and varied buildings in the park, two of which are listed, one of which was bought from a distant agricultural show and moved, piecemeal, to the park. You’ll meet – in pictorial form – the eccentric man who fashioned much of the park’s display as it’s seen today – an early recycler of materials. And there are interesting stories about the park’s use in both the First and Second World Wars. Researched from a number of sources and accompanied by around 20 amazing images which will be distributed as you walk around, this is a walk you’ll remember.
- Saturday 8 September 14.30 to 16.00 (approx)
Meet outside the Rotunda cafe