I’ve long since wanted to visit the Secret Garden in Kemptown but really wasn’t sure what to expect.
Creativity, cake and calm
The Secret Garden is a delightful volunteer-run, community garden which hosts a sculpture exhibition of work by local Sussex artists. It’s run by the Antony Dale Trust, a registered UK charity. This year, the exhibition runs from Saturday 13 April 2024 until late September.
If you don’t know Kemptown, it’s an interesting place to walk around. From the grand Regency and Victorian buildings of Sussex Square and Arundel Terrace to the rainbow colours of some of the back streets, to the stunning buildings peeping out from behind imposing gates. But head to bustling Bristol Gardens, and you’ll see a concrete wall covered in ivy and some large gates behind which you’ll find an oasis of creativity, cake and calm.
Back in the 19th century, the Secret Garden belonged to 32 Sussex Square owned by Lawrence Peel, younger brother of the Prime Minister. Back then, the houses in the square accessed their gardens through a tunnel from the appropriate house.
The Secret Garden was purchased by the family of Antony Dale, founder of the Regency Society, in 1950. The Regency Society campaigns for Brighton and Hove’s past and future heritage. Antony Dale was an author, historian and conservationist. He founded the Regency Society in 1945 and died in 1993. His late wife, Yvonne Dale, had the idea of creating a garden for both the use of the community and for artistic purposes.
This year’s exhibition
10 sculptors are exhibiting this year and there is information about them at the entrance (you can buy a booklet but entry to the garden is free). The work is dotted around the garden and there is even a piece in the tunnel. The garden planting and the garden itself are a delight. There is lots of seating and the cafe is run by Table Brighton.
Parking isn’t easy in this part of the world, although we found a spot in Manor Road, however buses are plentiful. Opening hours are 11 am – 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday (apart from 8th & 9th June) and it’s well worth a detour.
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