The 1983 National Heritage Act empowered English Heritage to prepare a Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.  The register is therefore a statutory document, although it is advisory only and sites included are not subject to additional statutory controls.  The gardens are listed using the same grading system which is used for listed buildings.  Sites of exceptional historic interest are assessed as grade I, those of great historic interest as grade II* and those of special historic interest as grade II.  The historic interest is judged in a national context and the register forms a fairly exclusive list of sites of national importance.

Local Planning Authorities should protect registered parks and gardens in preparing development plans and in determining planning applications.  The effect of proposed development on a registered park or garden or its setting is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application. 

Parks and gardens are an important part of the heritage of Bournemouth.  Bournemouth has two sites on the Register, namely the Upper, Central and Lower Pleasure Gardens and Wimborne Road Cemetery both of which are Grade II* and were registered in 1986.

Upper, Central and Lower Pleasure Gardens

A map of the listed gardens can be obtained from planning reception.


Wimborne Road Cemetery

A map of the listed garden can be obtained from planning reception.

Further information on the historic gravestones within the cemetery can be viewed by clicking here.