This weekend, we took a visit to the newly refurbished One Garden, Brighton. Located within Stanmer Park, just past the main house. One Garden is “a place for everyone”, whether for eating, meeting, pleasure or plants!
We’ve been coming to Stanmer Park for a long time, even before T was around. It’s such a vast area and there’s so much to explore within the acres of open land and wooded areas. The area in which One Garden is located has always existed, however it was never fully open to the public. Places like Plumpton College would often use the space for education and research, or it would house various facilities for the council or local charities and organisations.
Here’s what we got up to when we visited recently…
One Garden
Inspired by the past and reinvented for the modern urban garden, you’ll leave bursting with ideas for your own space.
The historic Stanmer House and surrounding gardens has been around since 1713. The walled gardens in particular were built to protect the unusual and exotic plants from weather, or as productive kitchen gardens, providing vegetables and fruit to the house.
Fast forward to modern day, and introduce landscape architect Dominic Cole, renown for his work on the Eden Project, and we have the One Garden we have today.
Getting there…
Just off the A27, following signs for Stanmer (whether you’re coming from Lewes or Worthing), One Garden can be found just past the main house. Directions are clearly sign-posted and there’s ample parking within the grounds, as well as surrounding area. Parking is not free, but we paid £3.50 for 4 hours, which is an absolute BARGAIN.
Alternatively, you can get a train to Falmer and walk from the University of Sussex. You can also get the 78 bus from the centre of Brighton.
Arriving at the main gates, you’re immediately welcomed by curated gardens and brightly coloured paths. Each garden is themed and you’re invited to explore as you see fit – there is no one way to browse. Within One Garden are eight themed gardens:
- Canada Garden
- All Seasons Garden
- Contemplation Garden
- Urban Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Hot and Dry Garden
- Medicinal Garden
Walking around the gardens, it really felt like we were walking around a miniature version of the Eden Project. What’s more, there are signs dotted around some of the plants telling you that you can purchase them within their market area!
One Kitchen
There are two main locations to eat at One Garden; One Kitchen, and within One Market. One Kitchen is located at the heart of the gardens and serves light meals, hot and cold drinks and cakes, pastries and snacks.
Due to current guidelines, tables are by booking only, however there is plenty of surrounding grass area for takeaways. Once guidelines are lifted, the space boasts a family-friendly environment and seasonal dishes, inspired by the garden!
By the time we arrived, it had just started to get busy so we decided to visit the coffee station within One Market.
One Market
One Market can only be described as a hub for local produce. Celebrating local businesses, their values surround being sustainable, promoting items of a high-quality standard, that also support local Sussex infrastructure.
Within One Market you browse an array of fridges and freezers, stocking fresh items such as cheese, meats, and even ice creams. There’s also a small greengrocers, offering fresh fruit and vegetables. Around another corner are baked goods, from breads and pastries, as well as a dedicated deli area offering everything from jars and bottled condiments to crackers, crisps, and other snacks.
Continue browsing and you’ll find crafts, gifts and other local produce to buy, from candles to artwork. There’s also an alcohol fridge coming soon, which will stock local wine, beers, and gin. If that’s not enough, then there was even a selection of houseplants for sale!
Within One Market is also a coffee area where a generous selection of delicious cakes and doughnuts can be purchased, as well as an array of hot and cold drinks.
One Events
Dotted around One Garden were signs detailing an array of courses and events happening around One Garden. Being connected to Plumpton College, you’re invited to take part in courses such as Floristry, Foraging, Herbalism or Plant Design.
Later on, likely when guidelines ease, there will also be opportunities to attend markets and workshops!
I could have spent all day here.
Although we’ve been following One Garden over on their Instagram for a while, it was still a pleasant surprise when we visited. Although polite in size, it makes up for it in character. There’s just so much to see and explore. I’m already looking forward to our next visit, as well as watching as the gardens flourish.
We spent a good few hours at One Brighton, once we browsed the plant shop and bought some coffee and doughnuts. When we finished, we then made our way down to the play park at the front of Stanmer Park. This is a new (and welcome!) addition to the park, as is the gravel path! This particular path takes you straight from the main house to the entrance, and is great for cycling.
I can’t believe how much has changed within Stanmer. We forgot how pleasant the park can be and how big it is! If you have time left out of your day, there are so many trails to follow, as well as Stanmer Village itself, which offers further walking trails and a tea room.
I’d definitely recommend giving Stanmer Park a visit, especially the new One Garden. It’s such a welcome addition to the already flourishing surrounding area.
