Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens are opening their gates to the public once again from 2nd April.

They will be open every day over the bank holiday weekend: Friday to Monday and then will continue opening five days a week: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the 7th April onwards.

The new opening hours will be 10.30 am to 4.00pm 

Although during the recent lockdown it has been legal and permissible to open the Gardens Trust wanted to keep staff and volunteers safe, but as Spring arrives they want to welcome people in to enjoy the safe and beautiful space.

Easter Egg Hunts – socially distanced

The kids don’t need to miss out on Easter egg fun this year; the Gardens have a self-guided Bunny Trail around the Gardens to keep the kids active and amused.

Although the usual family workshops cant happen in the same way the Gardens have come up with a DIY craft pack – including the necessary crème egg of course- for families to make the most of their time around the Gardens. 

Bunny Ears, Egg and Spoon race, Fluffy Bunny makes and active hopping, skipping and jumping are all part of the kit.

The kits (£2.50) can be picked up at the Gardens or ordered online alongside the booking of entry tickets (Entry to the Gardens is free for Members and under 5s, £4.50 for adults and £1 for children).

Spring munchies 

Although Covid has closed the café at the Gardens, they are now offering a range of takeaway food and snacks designed to add a little extra to picnicking and outdoor stroll snacking.

New on the takeaway menu are handmade, artisan pies from the local makers Rourke’s. 

The range includes vegan, meat based and pleasantly spicy individual pies served piping hot on a plate with a cuppa – just right for a warm snack anytime of the day.

The Gardens have revived the popular ‘Cream Tea in a Box’ deal and increased their light bites of handmade cakes, cupcakes and warm croissants.

Blossom picnics 

Despite the devastating collapse of 30m of historic walling by one of the heritage orchards, the Gardens are still looking forward to an abundant showing of blossoms on the apple and pear trees later in April.

“After this traumatic year many people are looking forward to a walk and a quiet moment under the blossoms. Like the Japanese ‘Hanami’ tradition, we all find some peace and solace under the beautiful froth of flowers” 

says Glynis Powell, General Manager.

As in previous years the Gardens will be inviting people to picnic and at weekends will also be selling genuine homemade Japanese food, cooked by Brummy based Yumi Grindley of PikaPika. Yumi will be making warming Japanese curry, Sushi bento boxes and the fashionable Katsu Sando – Japanese sandwiches of deep fried meat cutlets. Portions can be prebooked online, with some on sale onsite on the days… 

Hanami picnic food days are scheduled for 24th and 25th April and 1st and 2nd May – lets hope the weather is kind.

The Gardens asks visitors to always check before setting off to visit the Gardens, government regulations can change rapidly – as can the weather – and opeionign times may have to change at short notice.