Swiss Garden

Swiss Garden is a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ or ‘Alpine’ style forming part of the Grade II* registered Old Warden Park. An RHS Partner Garden, this stunning space is home to a range of quirky structures, resident peacocks and Champion trees.

View the Swiss Garden map

A delight with interesting and unexpected features. The woods, gardens, and pools all came to life with their various sounds, textures and aromas. Every which way you turn, there is something of interest.

Iconic features

Indian Kiosk

The Indian Kiosk has a beautiful glass embossed rear panel and an interesting ‘room’ beneath it. It dates from c1830.

Swiss Cottage

The ‘heart’ and focal point of the garden. Views to and from the Swiss Cottage are key to the garden’s design.

Diana Of Gabes Statue. © The Shuttleworth Trust. Photo Huw Lewis

Diana of Gabii

In celebration of the garden’s 200th anniversary in 2024, this statue sits in the place of a previously lost statue thought to have been produced by Austin and Seeley.

Night And Morning Vase, Swiss Garden. © The Shuttleworth Trust. Photo Darren Harbar

Night & Morning Vase

This dramatic cast iron vase on a stone plinth is unmissable. Produced by Andre Handyside & Co.

Inside The Grotto © The Shuttleworth Trust.

Grotto & Fernery

The beautiful cave-like interior is formed from Pulhamite, added by the Shuttleworth family to house their collection of ferns.

Stained Glass © The Shuttleworth Trust. Photo Helen Cooper

Chapel

A delightful little building, this was one of the first structures created by Lord Ongley and features stained glass and a marble ‘book’ added by the Shuttleworth family.

Moat Bridge

Manufactured by Cato & Sons in wrought and cast iron, it leads onto Middle Island with views of the Indian Kiosk.

Dolphin Tazza

Manufactured and perfected by sculptor Felix Austin, it has an artificial ‘pudding stone’ finish.

Woodland Walk

Explore our Woodland Walk, behind Swiss Garden, with seven sculptures to find on your way to our stunning lake - the perfect place for mindful reflection.

A brief history

First created at the start of the nineteenth century by Robert Henley, 3rd Lord Ongley, the garden was restored and developed by the Shuttleworth family who owned the estate from the late nineteenth century until the death of Richard Shuttleworth in 1940, when the garden was placed into the Shuttleworth Trust.

Leased to Bedfordshire County Council in 1976, it was renovated and reopened to the public in 1981. Recognising the importance of the garden, a Heritage Lottery Fund enabled further extensive restoration in 2012-14. The Swiss Garden is now cared for by the Shuttleworth Trust who welcome visitors from around the world to share in the beauty and peace of this special garden.

Couple In The Grotto. © The Shuttleworth Trust.

Say “I do” in our stunning space

For those seeking an enchanting outdoor affair, Swiss Garden beckons with its romantic Regency-era allure. Spanning nine acres of pristine beauty, this idyllic oasis sets the stage for unforgettable ceremonies.

Weddings at Shuttleworth