The Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor, Gorey Travel Guide

The Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor offer a captivating blend of history and horticultural artistry. Located in the parish of St. Clement in Jersey, the manor's origins trace back to the medieval era, with the oldest part of the house, an undercroft, believed to date back to the 11th or 12th century. The name 'Samarès' itself comes from an old French word meaning salt-marsh, reflecting the area's original landscape.The gardens, as they exist today, were largely created in the 1920s by Sir James Knott, a wealthy shipping line owner. He transformed the grounds into a diverse landscape featuring a Japanese garden with a pagoda and lake, a renowned herb garden designed by John Brookes, a rose and lavender garden, and a kitchen garden. The herb garden is considered one of the largest collections in the UK.Visitors can explore the manor house, with guided tours revealing its history and architecture. The grounds also feature a 12th-century colombier (dovecote), believed to be the oldest in Jersey, a willow labyrinth, and a children's play area. The Rural Life Museum offers a glimpse into the island's agricultural past.The Rozel Tea Room provides refreshments, with light lunches and homemade cakes. The Jardinalia shop and Plant Centre offer a variety of home and garden gifts, as well as plants propagated at the manor. For those seeking a longer stay, self-catering apartments and cottages are available within the converted 19th-century farm buildings.Samarès Manor is a popular location for weddings and events, offering a unique and picturesque setting. The gardens are open to the public from March to December.