Take a look at Great Dunmow's very own secret garden

In these lockdown days many of us have started to look at our gardens as a place to escape and maybe find some peace away from home schooling or the next Zoom call. But did you know that we have our own secret garden in Great Dunmow?

For those who have already visited The Maltings it will be no surprise but for those new to the area or just yet to visit maybe you can spare a minute or two to sit and relax.

After all, while we aren’t allowed to travel “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden” to quote Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Walk down Mill Lane where you will find the Old Exchange and a set of big black iron gates. When open, walk down the brick walled pathway towards The Maltings.

At the end of your short walk not only will you be greeted by the Grade II* building but also a small but beautiful garden in the heart of Dunmow.

Over the years many people have volunteered to keep this special space looking its best.

Among the flowers you will also see some gems such as a water feature sculptured by Berenice K Alcock, placed in the garden to commemorate the Millennium and funded by the Dunmow 2000 Committee and Great Dunmow Town Council.

As restrictions are lessened and we get used to new ways, this wonderful building can give us the opportunity to celebrate events in the surrounding garden, maybe with the benefit of a marquee as the English weather is a constant surprise.

When able, come and visit us or if you would like to about hire the garden in the coming months feel free to talk to the team who can be reached by email via booking@themaltings.org.

And to borrow once more from Frances Hodgson Burnett and a childhood favourite; “Is the Spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?” … “It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”

The Maltings hopes to welcome you back very soon.