Zutphen Botanical Garden

Zutphen is one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, on the river IJssel at the point where the small river Berkel flows into it, and the botanical garden here is a quiet green space within the historic centre. If you plan a trip especially for the garden, check locally for access and opening times.

Botanical gardens in historic towns tend to be small, walled or sheltered places, with beds arranged by theme or plant family and old trees giving shade. They offer a restful contrast to the streets and a chance to see plants labelled with their names. Visitors can expect herbs, perennials, trees and shrubs, and sometimes a pond, and the garden may be at its best in spring and summer. Gardens of this type were originally created to teach about medicinal plants and to provide a reference collection, and some still have a section for useful and traditional plants.

The town around it is rich in history. Zutphen was a Hanseatic city, and its centre is full of medieval buildings, narrow streets and canals. The Walburgiskerk, a large Gothic church, houses the Librije, a library of chained books from the sixteenth century that is one of the few of its kind in the world. The Drogenapstoren is a gate tower whose name recalls a legend, and the old city walls and moat can still be traced in places. The market square is lively on market days, and the riverside offers pleasant walks.

Other sights include the Gelderland Museum, the Hof van Twickel, the walk along the city walls and the Stadsgracht. The countryside around Zutphen is a landscape of river meadows, estates and woods, with cycle routes along the IJssel and the Berkel. The town has a good selection of cafes, and its shopping streets are attractive.

The garden suits those who enjoy quiet corners, plants and the atmosphere of an old town. It makes a pleasant addition to a day in Zutphen, and it is best visited on a dry day. Combine it with a walk around the centre and a coffee on the market square.