5 secret gardens and parks in Ghent

A secret garden lies hidden behind the Sint-Pietersabdij on the slopes above the River Scheldt. Entered by an old coach gate, this romantic spot dates back to the 9th century when the hillside was terraced to create a vineyard. The site was restored in 1983 and replanted with fruit trees, vines and herbs. It is popular with students, but sometimes you have the place to yourself. Not open on Mondays.

Ghent students bring their textbooks to study in this secret little park. Created in 1992 on a patch of sloping land leading down to the River Leie, it feels romantic and even a little bit wild.

Not many people notice the coach entrance on the narrow back street Korte Meer. But it is worth taking a look inside if the door is open. You pass through an old stable block with a wooden hay rack and then enter a hidden 18th-century garden overlooked by the grand D’Hane-Steenhuyse Mansion. This is a strangely secret spot in the middle of Ghent.

Located next to GUM university museum, the university botanical garden has a fascinating collection of 7000 species from all over the world, each plant carefully labelled. You can also discover an Alpine garden, tropical greenhouses and a romantic lake bordered with magnolias. It’s the perfect spot to sit with a book in the summer.

A massive harbour crane towers above this wild park in the Oude Dokken district. Named after the popular hero of a 1960s childrens’ TV series, the park was created on an abandoned industrial site. It’s an inspiring urban renovation project with an adventure playground, fitness equipment and a waterfront promenade.