The Elizabethan Gardens

We seek to create inspirational garden displays and provide educational opportunities that encourage an appreciation of the art of gardening.

Welcome to the The Elizabethan Gardens, the botanical gardens located on the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Dare County. This historic site holds various plant displays and antique statuary, the gardens meant to serve as a living memorial to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh's lost colonists lived here over 400 years ago.

'Beautiful grounds, colorful paintings, classical sculpture, and the serene Outer Banks location' all make this place so special, as do the workshop offerings, kid's areas, and onsite gift shop. Take a self-guided or audio tour during your visit and see areas such as the Great Lawn, Virginia Dare Statue, Odom Hall, the Ancient Live Oak, the Camalia Collection, the Sunken Garden, and Shakespeare's Herbs. You will see flowers such as azaleas, daffodils, camellias, southern magnolias, roses, hostas, and much more.

Younger visitors will want to head to Discovery Cottage, 'a place for kids', and/or the John White Butterfly Center. Learn about life cycles of plants and bugs within each area. The workshops mentioned before include topics such as seed saving, fall container gardening, and the like. Be sure to visit the onsite gift shop for all your gardening needs before you go, as well.