Paradise in the Pillars of Hercules

12th July 2019

Bathed in pale morning sunlight on a blue Summer's day is one of Gibraltar's beauty spots. A hazy palette of wondrous colours and ancient trees full of history, Alameda Gardens is definitely my most cherished place for a stroll. It's set out with several interlinking paths and terraced beds, principally making use of the local Jurassic limestone rock.

There is a wide variety of flowers on display throughout the area, carefully organised and cared for. I have very fond memories of pushing my baby's buggy through the delightful trails, telling him about the diverse pretty, colourful flowers and soaking up the peace and tranquility.

In 1816, Alameda Gardens was entrusted by General George Don, Governor of Gibraltar to enable the soldiers stationed here to have a pleasant and shady area to visit after work; a veritable haven from the hot summer sun even in those days!

It's the perfect place for true nature lovers. Hidden amongst the lush vegetation is an enchanting pond, where you will usually find children playing or trying to spot the frogs and fish! A bit further on from the pond is the Open Air Theatre, a beautiful place where the stage is surrounded by water, like a moat to a castle. During the summer, this venue is highly favoured for shows and plays, and it is truly a wonderful experience to hear the haunting music floating towards you as you walk past the gardens.

During the early 1970s, the gardens came into considerable disrepair and it wasn't till 1991 that a foreign company took it upon themselves to restore this iconic spot. It was upgraded and renamed Botanic Gardens, and three years later saw the introduction of a little zoo called the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park.

Majestically overlooking this impressive sea of greenery, is the Rock Hotel, its swimming pool adjacent to the Botanic Gardens themselves. The hotel was built in 1932 and sports a style very much of its time in unmistakable Art Deco.

Throughout the years, the Rock Hotel has hosted various celebrities. People like Sir John Mills, Winston Churchill, Alec Guiness and Errol Flynn. Bernard Montgomery and Dwight D. Eisenhower planned the invasion of North Africa (whilst they chatted over a cup of tea, perhaps?).

The original 007, Sean Connery, stayed there with his new wife Diane Cilento after their wedding ceremony. John Lennon and Yoko Ono also married in Gibraltar and stayed at the Rock!
The sheer luxury and class when you step through the main entrance is clearly evident at the Rock Hotel; and I honestly cannot recommend their afternoon teas enough!


A few years ago, we decided to book an afternoon tea for my dear mum's birthday. The experience was second to none! We felt like royalty as soon as we walked in.
I was in awe as I climbed the sweeping marble staircase to the beautiful table that had been set out for us. The panoramic views across the bay literally took your breath away.
As soon as we sat down, a swarm of waiters hovered around us taking orders for tea or coffee (specialised teas too!).

The diversity of cakes, scones, delicate sandwiches, etc. stopped you in your tracks – you just didn't know what to grab first! During the sumptuous feast, our loyal waiters kept coming back with elegant silver tea and coffee pots, immediately an empty cup was spotted! Well worth the money!

The Rock Hotel and the Alameda Gardens, an authentic Southern European gem. A true splendour; a place where you can absorb nature, beauty, history and peace all in one go.