Secret Gardens of St John’s

For one special afternoon, St John’s College invites you to explore its hidden gardens — a rare opportunity to discover this secluded green haven on the Durham peninsula. Usually closed to the public, the gardens stretch from the historic South Bailey to the banks of the River Wear, encompassing terraced lawns, riverside walks, and colourful planting framed by medieval walls and towers. 

Created by the Bowes family after 1689, these gardens reflect a vision that prioritised nature and landscape over grand architecture — a vision that still shapes the tranquil beauty of the College grounds today. 

Join expert guides Martin Roberts, local conservationist and author, and Dr Adrian Green, historian from Durham University, for walking tours and talks exploring the gardens’ layered history and enduring significance. Dr Green will speak on “The Bowes Family House in the South Bailey, Durham” inside the historic Bowes House. 

As part of your visit, you are also invited to: 

• Explore the exhibition Under the Library – Rediscovering Durham, curated by the World Heritage Site Youth Ambassadors, featuring artefacts from a 2017 archaeological dig revealing 7,000 years of life beneath the College Library. 

• Step inside St Mary the Less, the College’s 12th-century chapel, still in daily use, offering a peaceful glimpse into the spiritual life of the College and its enduring place in Durham’s sacred landscape. 

Tickets are £5 per person, which includes a cream tea served in the College. Children under 5 are welcome free of charge. 

Enjoy an afternoon of history, music, and summer colour — and discover one of Durham’s true hidden gems.  

Please note that this event takes place outdoors and in historic buildings, there will be uneven surfaces, and the talk venue can only be accessed via a flight of stairs. Please be sure to wear sturdy shoes.