Rowallane Garden better with visitor centre

Rowallane Garden better with visitor centre

12 September 2012

THE National Trust has unveiled a revamped Rowallane Garden in Saintfield.

It has undertaken a major £300,000 refurbishment programme as part of the “a world apart” initiative.

Visitors and locals can now enjoy even more of the beauty of the sprawling site with the creation of new paths, a series of fresh spaces to explore within the garden and the opening of a new and exciting visitor facility within Rowallane House.

The project, which took four months to complete, has seen over 13 acres of laurel removed from the gardens, as well as a series of new paths created around the wider site.

There is a new visitor reception with café and the shop has transformed the former regional office building into a relaxed and informal visitor facility, the perfect location for families, friends or garden lovers.

The Trust’s regional director, Heather Thompson, said the conservation charity is “thrilled” to open this new phase in the life of Rowallane Garden.

“The investment represents an ongoing commitment by the National Trust regionally to care for our places, keep them special and ensure locals and visitors to these sites, continue to enjoy them anew,” she continued.

“The gardens are so much more open and spacious now; the paths provide fresh reasons to explore and the new centre boasts a stunning café, shop and a welcome area, telling the stories and sharing the secrets of how this beautiful garden was created over many years.”

The refurbished Rowallane Garden was opened last Friday by Strangford MLA Simon Hamilton and Mr. Gerry Lowe, chairman of Saintfield Regeneration Committee.

The new visitor centre has been designed with the expertise of Philip Rodgers Design and includes key colour schemes which mirror the four seasons.

Trust officials say visitors will be pleasantly surprised to discover how big a part the garden plays in the overall design, with the patio at the rear set on the edge of so-called pleasure grounds and is sure to be a perfect place to relax on sunny days.

They say the new vibrant café offers a variety of light bites, tempting cakes and a wide range of drinks including freshly brewed coffee and healthy options including fresh juices, salads, jacket potatoes and paninis.

The new shop has an abundance of gifts, as well as locally crafted Rowallane pottery. The café and shop open daily from 11am and the toilet facilities will remain open until the gates to the garden close at 6pm until the end October and 4pm until the end of February.