Old Quarry Gardens
A Historic Sanctuary of Nature and Community
Nestled just a stone’s throw from Nunney’s medieval castle, the Old Quarry Gardens are a hidden gem that blends history and nature with community spirit. Once an active limestone quarry, this now-tranquil green space has been transformed into a beloved public garden. Locals and visitors alike come to enjoy its lush scenery, learn about its past, and relax in a unique setting that tells the story of Nunney’s heritage.
History: From Quarry to Garden
The origins of the Old Quarry Gardens date back centuries to when the site was a working limestone quarry. Known historically as “Castle Hill Quarry,” it provided high-quality building stone for Nunney – likely including stone for Nunney Castle and the village’s many local-stone buildings.
Once quarrying operations ceased in the 20th century, the empty site gradually became overgrown. Instead of leaving a scar on the landscape, the community saw an opportunity.
Over time the disused quarry, on the northern edge of the village, was reclaimed by nature and eventually landscaped into a public garden.
The Parish Council officially acquired stewardship of the area, preserving its dramatic rock faces and turning the former industrial site into a peaceful haven for all to enjoy.
Today, visitors can still spot the sheer limestone walls – a striking reminder of the garden’s origin – now softened by greenery and the passage of time.
Open Daily
(Not 25th, 26th December or 1st January)
1st April to 31st October
9.00am to 6.00pm
1st November to 31st March
9.00am to 4.30pm
The car park is locked each evening
Visitor Information
Access and Location: The Old Quarry Gardens are easy to find and free to enjoy. They sit at the top of Castle Hill, just across the small bridge from Nunney’s Market Place and castle.
The main entrance is via a lane off Castle Hill, where a free visitor car park is located onsite. Do note there is a height restriction bar at the car park entrance, so very large vehicles will not fit.
From the Market Place, it’s only a minute’s walk over the bridge to the gardens’ gate. There is also a footpath leading into the gardens, making it accessible on foot from the village center.
The car park and entrance are wheelchair-accessible and the ground inside is mostly level grass and path, suitable for prams and mobility scooters in good weather.
Visitors of all ages are welcome – families often bring children to ride on the adjacent BMX pump track or to play on the open lawn, and the space is equally inviting for a quiet stroll or picnic.
Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a lead, provided owners clean up after them – this helps keep the lawns pleasant for everyone. Please dispose of litter in the bins provided to keep the area tidy and protect local wildlife.
Children should be supervised, especially near the pond and the BMX track. Visitors are free to explore every corner of the gardens, but for their own safety are asked not to climb on the steep rock ledges.
Explore the Gardens
Despite its rugged origins, the garden is now a green oasis. A looping footpath encircles the lawns, passing by interesting features like a small pond fringed with water plants and the enchanting willow tunnel, a living archway of trees.
These give the gardens a whimsical, secret-garden feel. The towering quarry rock face forms a natural backdrop, often teeming with ivy and wildflowers, and reminds you of Nunney’s geological heritage.
Scattered around the path are a few benches where you can sit and admire the scenery or enjoy a good book.
A picnic table in one corner near the car park invites visitors to bring lunch and make an afternoon of it. In spring and summer, the Gardens are full of birdsong and blooms – look out for wildflowers and butterflies attracted to the sunny, sheltered microclimate of the old quarry.
Autumn brings a burst of color as the vines and trees along the rock face turn golden.
Even in winter the site has its charm: for instance, some Decembers the community gathers here for the magical “Carols in the Quarry” event, singing festive songs by lantern-light amidst the trees. It’s one of many events that have been held in the gardens, showing how this space has become a true village asset.
Maintenance and Conservation Efforts
Caring for the Old Quarry Gardens has been a collaborative effort between the Parish Council and the Nunney community. Whilst the gardens are owned and managed by Nunney Parish Council, local resources and volunteers have lovingly helped maintain the space over the years. Regular upkeep – such as grass cutting, weeding, and path clearing – is arranged by the council through The Trug & Lettuce. The area can be quite unruly and requires fierce maintenance. Community groups like the Nunney Flower Show and Sustainable Nunney as well as local residents have pitched in, too.
The council has continually improved the gardens with conservation and the visitor in mind. They have installed benches and picnic spots, new litter bins and replanted trees and flower borders to enhance the landscape . The historic iron entrance gates have been maintained (with fresh coats of paint and repairs as needed) to provide a welcoming yet secure entry. To extend the site’s community use, a small BMX track was added at the southern edge of the gardens in recent years – a project led by the Parish Council to provide a safe recreation area for local youth. Fencing and a low vehicle-height barrier at the entrance ensure the space is protected and used appropriately. All these efforts – from conservation projects to daily tidying – reflect a strong local commitment to keeping the Old Quarry Gardens beautiful, safe, and thriving for future generations.