4.2/5)On a low granite spur, which has its footage in the southern flank of Scafell, is a small woodland intriguingly known as Giggle Alley.
Hidden at the heart of this wood is the remains of a Japanese Garden. In addition to the garden the woodland is a great place for a short family walk where children can enjoy playing hide and seek.
The Japanese Garden was commissioned by Lord Rea and designed by Thomas Mawson's team of garden designers in 1914. At its heart are a series of pools (now filled only when it rains) surrouned by bamboo, magnolia and maples.
The garden is being restored through a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the local community and is free to visit and open daily. The Post Office in Eskdale Green usually has a supply of guides for sale.
What do other visitors say?
andrew blackwell, 7/Aug/20165 Stars
I love to visit this garden while I am in the area, but haven't been for about 2 years. I visited again in early August 2016 & can see a great deal of growth has spread of the Sasa grass, Gaultheria & Bamboo. It is much more overgrown than I have ever seen it.
I visit relatives nearby for long weekends 3 or 4 times a year & would love to help clear up this garden if its possible for visitors to volunteer by turning up & just getting stuck in. I'd use my own tools & am an experienced gardener, but would need clarification on where to put cuttings & spoil for clearance by Forestry commission.
Forestry Commission ResponseThanks for getting in touch and for your kind offer of help. The local ranger will be contacting you via e-mail to discuss things further.
Rod Mitchell, 20/Mar/2016Visited the Japanese gardens today, the first day of Spring with blue skies and sunshine (pretty good for mid-March in the Lakes!). Though obviously well past their prime, it was clear that the gardens had at one time been something special. Good luck to the local community in bringing them back to their former glory.
Any idea on the origin of the name - Giggle Alley?
Forestry Commission ResponseGlad to hear you enjoyed your visit and that the weather was kind! The name Giggle Alley is a bit of a mystery, we've never been able to find conclusive evidence of the origin although it has been suggested that it means winding path between shrubs.
Alan Day, 28/Jan/2016I live within a 100FT of giggle alley and would like to help look after the Japanese garden as I go there every single day and would love to help
Forestry Commission ResponseThanks for your offer to help at Giggle Alley, the local ranger will contact you directly to discuss things further.
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at gareth.browning@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry, a complaint or would like a personal reply to your comments.