Pulhamite Grotto in the Swiss Garden, Old Warden, Beds, UK

The interior of this cruciform potting shed was embellished as a grotto, by the Pulhamite Company of Broxbourne, Herts in about 1876. Pulhamite is a cement based material made to look like stone, covering two passages in the fernery, making it feel like underground passages lined with tufa, with many niches for ferns etc. The centre opens out to give access to 2 glass domed conservatories filled with tree ferns. It’s an amazing experience to behold.

For more information on Pulhamite see; https://pulham.org.uk/about/james-pulham-and-son/what-they-did/5-pulhams-caves-and-grottoes/

See also another Pulham Grotto; Dewstow Hidden Grotto

One Entrance with stained glass window.
Entrance passage lined with Pulhamite.
Imitation stalactites and stalagmites adorn the entrance passage.
Ferns are placed in many planters crafted into the Pulhamite.
The centre of the cruciform building.
Looking into the fernery.
Tree Ferns in the conservatory.
More Tree Ferns.
The glass domed fernery.
The Exit passage.
The Exit door with stained glass window.
The Exteriour of the Fernery.