A popular family-run attraction near a UK market town has shut after 55 years. Gooderstone Water Gardens, near Swaffham in Norfolk, was founded in 1970, and the current proprietors, Coral and Ernest Hoyos, inherited the site from Mrs Hoyos’ parents in 2003. The attraction, which includes a tearoom, gallery, eight-acre nature trail and a rustic roundhouse, will open its doors for the last time in early April, however, as its owners make plans to retire.
Mrs Hoyos said: “I love the gardens, they have been my life over the past 25 years. Ernest and I are both now in our 80s, and unfortunately, because of our age and my poor health, I have decided I must retire. For the past two years, we have tried to find an organisation to continue the upkeep but with no success.”
She added: “I would like to thank all gardeners, volunteers and visitors who have made it possible to have the gardens open all these years.
“I thank everyone for their kind remarks. It has been good to know that they have given so much pleasure.”
A number of visitors shared their sadness at the news, with many reflecting on happy memories from their trips to the site over its lifespan of more than five decades.
“It is such a unique little gem, so sad to see it close,” one wrote on Facebook. “I am amazed that the National Trust or local council don’t see the potential and are not willing to step in.”
“This is so sad to hear,” another said. “It’s such a tranquil oasis away from modern life where you can reflect and enjoy nature. I really hope someone can come forward to save it.”
“A wonderful, beautiful place,” a third added. “I was there the very first day it originally opened. The owners are amazing, they have struggled in their later years, well past retirement age, to keep it so lovely.
“I hope they have a wonderful retirement. It’s very sad no one or organisation has come forward to carry on running such a beautiful place.”