Between 2004 and 2006, the garden was extensively restored, and original features including a lake, boathouse, bridge and a pagoda were retained. The lake was made into a wildlife pond and bog garden. A new wooden watchtower was built and fitted with a toilet for disabled people. The summerhouse (pagoda) shows a pictorial gallery of Whickham's history and is a showcase for photographs of the work done in restoring the garden. A pergola has been added, paths have been laid, and the garden extensively planted with trees, flowers and shrubs. An accessible vegetable garden with raised beds gives hands on experience to children from local schools and provides the opportunity to learn about cultivation and land preservation.

In 2007 environmental work was done in the garden by Whickham Heritage & Recreation Fund thanks to a Safer, Greener, Cleaner grant from the Gateshead Strategic Partnership.

In January 2008 permission was given to extend into the other half of the garden. Work began on this phase in October 2008 and was undertaken with outstanding help and support from Gateshead Probation Service and Community Payback. All hard landscaping and the bulk of planting was completed by early May 2009. We are still developing our planting schemes and always strive to get it just right.

The Original Garden

The Hermitage was built in 1790 by Matthew Taylor. The Taylors were a wealthy family who owned wherries and keels on the Tyne. In 1765 they had opened a brewery in Swalwell, which developed into the most important brewing establishment in County Durham. The Hermitage Garden was lavishly laid out during the early 19th century. It had various features of significant interest including a lake with its boathouse and bridge of "willow pattern design", a pagoda and tennis court adjacent to the lake, and a two storey brick watchtower.