Hamilton Gardens celebrate the opening of their stunning ancient Egyptian Temple

Hamilton Gardens has opened a stunning new Egyptian themed garden.

The Ancient Egyptian Temple Garden is believed to be the first recreation of this type of garden anywhere in the world.

It was based on a Middle Kingdom temple (2040BC and 1782 BC) and was where fruit, vegetables and flowers were grown, ready to be used in sacred rituals for the gods.

Open to the public, at no charge, this is an incredible addition to the extensive collection of themed gardens that Hamilton already hosts. Without a doubt, visiting this garden is one of the best things to do in the area.

Archaeologists know a lot about what these ancient gardens looked like, but we believe Hamilton Gardens is the first to recreate an ancient Egyptian garden.

Lucy Ryan, Hamilton Gardens director

Welcome to The Ancient Egyptian Temple Garden

Thorough research was carried out when planning the recreation of this garden. The final product is incredible, with attention to detail second-to-none.

These gardens were enclosed by high walls and were built around a central, rectangular pool. They included pergolas covered in grapevines and has rows of trees planted alongside.

Symbolism was a key feature of these gardens (as it was in all of Ancient Egypt). In addition to highly recognisable hieroglyphics, many individual elements of these temple courts were also symbolic.

For example, the garden itself with designed to represent Egypt, celebrating its annual harvest and flooding. Each of the pillars, made of papyrus (a commonly used plant in Egypt) was believed to hold up the sky, whilst the hand-painted ceilings would reflect the heavens.

With their famed belief in the afterlife, two false doors to the side of the temple (where only the highest priests were allowed to enter) provided an exit point for spirits travelling onwards.

For ancient Egyptians, life on earth was a preparation for the dangerous journey into the afterlife. Temples and their gardens were a meeting place between heaven, earth, and the underworld

Lucy Ryan, Hamilton Gardens director

Enjoy a glimpse into Ancient Egypt by visiting the Hamilton Gardens and strolling around their vast grounds.

Entrance is free, whilst affordable guided tours are available.

Plan Your Visit to the Hamilton Gardens in Orange:

• The themed gardens are open 10am to 5pm daily (last entry at 4.30pm) and are free to visit.
• The wider parkland areas of the gardens are open.
• The Hamilton Gardens playground is open.
• Public toilets are open 8.00am – 5.30pm and being cleaned 4x per day.
• Gates at the road entrances are open from 6.15am and close at 9pm.
• Our Information Centre and Gift Shop is open 10am to 5pm daily.
• A mask needs to be worn in all indoor locations.

Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216

Pro Tip: The Hamilton Gardens are busiest between 11 am and 3 pm on weekends (particularly during the summer) and public holidays. If you’re able to plan your visit outside of those times, you’ll likely have a more peaceful visit.