Connaught Gardens
Description Connaught Gardens is a notable public green space located on the western cliffs of Sidmouth at the top of Jacob’s Ladder. The origins of the Connaught Gardens date back to around 1820, when Emmanuel Lousada began constructing a marine villa on the site. The property was acquired by the Sidmouth Urban District Council in 1930 and officially opened to the public in 1934 by the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria's third son, from whom the gardens derive their name. The Connaught Gardens are designed with sheltered walled areas that create distinct "outdoor rooms". It boasts a rich collection of both exotic and native plant species. A significant ongoing initiative is the "Cretaceous Arboretum," a three-year collaborative project that aims to introduce trees and shrubs reminiscent of the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods. This includes species like magnolias and palms, which were among the earliest flowering plants, offering visitors a unique g...