Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens

The Public Gardens in Bocking End form one of the most attractive features of the town of Braintree and Bocking. The Gardens are part of the rich historical heritage of the town, yet at the same time are being developed and enhanced for the benefit of future generations.

Originally the Gardens belonged to Bocking Place, the house of Mr Sydney Courtauld, who donated them to the townspeople in 1888. During the previous year a design had been put in place with the layout similar to that seen today, with rose beds, shrubs, a play area and a lawn tennis court. Mr Courtauld had in mind the provision both of an area where children could play safely away from the dangers of the roads and also of a garden where trees and flowers could be enjoyed in peace and quiet, thus anticipating the even greater needs of today.

Today the Gardens are maintained partly out of trust funds set up by Mr Courtauld in 1888, and also from income deriving from the tennis courts, concerts and various fund raising events. The trust fund is administered by an active Board of Trustees who are responsible for the management and development of the Gardens.

A supporting organisation called “Friends of the Public Gardens” exists to supplement the Trust income and spread awareness of the Gardens. Please support the Gardens by joining the Friends. Application for Membership 124Kb PDF

The Gardens are open, free of charge, each day, including Sundays but excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

There are many different areas and features within the Gardens. This narration illustrates and describes some of these features which it is hoped will add to your enjoyment as you pass through.

John Ray Gardens
Accessed through a gate is a secluded parterre garden created by the John Ray Trust in memory of the famous local naturalist John Ray. Here you can sit in quiet contemplation of the natural environment.

HMS Kite
This memorial situated in the annual flower bed, reminds us of the 217 men who lost their lives when the ship, adopted by the people of Braintree, sank in 1944.

War Memorial
Situated in a prominent position on the Eastern boundary, is an imposing memorial to the men of Braintree and Bocking who gave their lives during the two World Wars. On 11 November each year a Service of Remembrance is held here.

The Gardens have features and facilities which all ages can enjoy. A children's play area contains swings, a slide and climbing frame. Adjacent to this is a large recreation area for children's games and picnics. Male, Female and Disabled toilet and baby changing facilities are located near these areas. In the bottom part of the Gardens are perennial flower and shrub beds intersected by a maze of winding paths leading to a wild life area and eventually out to a large circular decorative pond refurbished in 2008. Linger here, watch the fish and enjoy the surroundings.

The Gardens contain many rare species of trees collected by Samuel Courtauld, many of which are now noble and impressive specimens. As you progress through the Gardens observe the various bird species as well as numerous squirrels and the occasional muntjac deer. An interesting pastime for children and adults alike.

In the centre of the Gardens are two full size hard lawn tennis courts which may be hired by the hour. Enjoy a game of tennis and keep fit, all within a restful and peaceful environment.

The Gardens were donated to the people of Braintree in 1888 by the Courtauld family. A trust fund was set up by the family in order to pay for the up keep and survival of the Gardens, but this is no longer sufficient. Now there is a way in which you can help. Simply by becoming a friend of the Gardens you can help to support the Gardens facilities for yourself and your neighbours.

Fill in the form, return it to us and continue to enjoy our beautiful Gardens.

The benefits to visitors and to the residents of Braintree and Bocking from having the Public Gardens are many. Parents are able to bring children to enjoy the park and recreation areas, whilst they relax on the grass or the many surrounding benches. Tennis players are provided with excellent facilities and those who just wish to stroll through beautiful surroundings may do so – all within a few minutes walk of the town centre.

The thatched circular bandstand is a prominent feature of the Gardens. Restored in 2007 to its original condition, it provides shelter in the event of rain or welcome shade on a hot summer's day. Look out for this unique feature.