The Secret Garden – Doxford Park

Alexander Iles
Doxford Park

Doxford Park has a long history with human habitation back to the stone age, though the name of Silkworth comes from a Scandinavian Chief Silki who settled the land and created a community there a ‘worth’. Fast forwarding to the 19th century, Charles Doxford was the owner of shipyards on the River Wear purchasing the land which was then called Silkworth house, which was inherited by his daughter, and then donated to Sunderland council. With nine hectares of beautifully maintained garden and woodland walk are cared for by the friends of Doxford Park. The park is truly a gem in Sunderland. The Friends of Doxford park have also worked on restoring the walled garden in the park and have styled it as ‘the secret garden’ which will be a nursery for plants for the park and sensory pots to enhance the visitor experience. They also encourage you to come back once you’ve enjoyed the park as they are continuing to add and develop the area for locals and visitors alike.

Secret GardenSunderlandSR3 2SS View map
Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Culture Guides

Exhibitions

There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!

Music

We look towards a summer filled with quality festivals, from cultural behemoths to grassroots gems.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House
Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Classical Music

Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.

Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
Literature

Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.

Food and Drink

All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.

Tours and Activities

From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.