The Secret Garden – Doxford Park
Alexander Iles
Doxford Park has a long history with human habitation back to the stone age, though the name of Silkworth comes from a Scandinavian Chief Silki who settled the land and created a community there a ‘worth’. Fast forwarding to the 19th century, Charles Doxford was the owner of shipyards on the River Wear purchasing the land which was then called Silkworth house, which was inherited by his daughter, and then donated to Sunderland council. With nine hectares of beautifully maintained garden and woodland walk are cared for by the friends of Doxford Park. The park is truly a gem in Sunderland. The Friends of Doxford park have also worked on restoring the walled garden in the park and have styled it as ‘the secret garden’ which will be a nursery for plants for the park and sensory pots to enhance the visitor experience. They also encourage you to come back once you’ve enjoyed the park as they are continuing to add and develop the area for locals and visitors alike.
