Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

Beautiful little historic garden next to an old abandoned mansion. It takes about 5 - 10 minutes to wander through. Worth a stop if you are already in the area.

Marian Coffin Gardens in Delaware is a hidden gem that won’t cost you a penny but is priceless in its beauty. This free spot is not only a delightful escape but also a photographer’s dream, offering picturesque settings for a memorable photoshoot. The well-maintained gardens showcase nature’s artistry, providing a serene and peaceful environment. What’s more, the street parking is free, making it convenient for visitors to explore this botanical haven. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or someone seeking a tranquil escape, Marian Coffin Gardens is a must-visit. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens without breaking the bank, and capture moments that will last a lifetime.

Definitely worth a visit. We can only imagine how beautiful it will look like in a month of time when all the peonies, irises, roses, lilies are coming to bloom. Those are really aged mature plants. We wanted to come back again in the future. The garden is tucked away in a nice residential area of Wilmington.

Easy to miss, but totally worth the stop. It felt like stepping into another world. I took my mom when she visited from out of town, and we ended up sitting for awhile and just enjoying the ambience.

The gardens at Gibraltar were not busy when I was there…actually I never saw a single person the entire time…no workers or visitors. So, needless to say, my time spent there was very peaceful.

A sign as you enter the garden states all of the rules to observe while in attendance, and it is up to each visitor to practice the honor system.

I find it interesting the name on the sign of the gardens at Gibraltar does not reflect the family who originally lived there. The free gardens open to the public bares the name Marian Coffin…the landscape architect who designed the gardens.

Although the gardens are maintained, the permanent structures on the grounds sadly need some work.

After owners Hugh and Isabella Sharp passed away, the mansion and gardens were inherited by their son who didn’t share their love of Gibraltar. By 1998 the mansion was set for demolition but was saved by the “Preservation Delaware” group with the help of the local community.

If you get the chance to stop by for a quick visit, it is a great place to sit and take a breath.

We've visited several times for photo sessions and although the grounds are unkept, it adds to the overgrown, Secret-Garden-esque feel to the place.
Tip: Don't visit on a spring/summer Saturday - you will run into 17 bridal parties having their photos taken at the famous iron gate.

Many options for backdrops. The unkempt nature of the garden is stylistic; if you want perfectly manicured backdrops, this is not the place for you.

Pro’s: heavily shaded with a variety a beautiful, aromatic flowers that vary from season to season, natural backdrops with aged statues and stonework, several paths for different shots, photogenic location- pictures will look better than you think.

Con’s: relatively popular (esp prom season), parking feels like you’re at someone’s house, most of the property is now inaccessible, none of the facilities are maintained, no bathroom

The Marian Coffin Gardens is a beautiful World all unto itself. Stepping back in time to The Golden era of Edwardian Society up into the Victorian period. Gravel paths lined with Rose bushes and native plants , Marble Statues looking at each other and looking at the Rodney Sharp Mansion aka Gibraltar.... I recently made acquaintance with the Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware and he informed me that the City has purchased the Mansion from Preservation Delaware and the Goal is to restore this beautiful Landmark. The garden is open to the public daily. The rules ask that you do not trapse around the Mansion grounds as it may be unsafe while being renovated. Worth having a look or reading a book in this exquisite garden of yesteryear

This is a hidden gem in Wilmington! Behind the high stone walls that border these historic gardens, lies a little bit of paradise. Has an old world European feel with it's statues, fountain, sculpted rod iron gates and reflection pool. It's absolutely beautiful during Spring, when in full bloom! It truly is a secret garden!

Love this place. My daughter and I do here all the time to take pictures. We love the iron gate and statues. Its beautiful but also a little creepy.

Soooo beautiful. I can't believe that the mansion there has not been rehabilitated YET!!! So fun even in the rain.

Wonderful hidden gem 💎 of a place with quaint garden areas. Perfect for a picnic or a romantic stroll. There are fountains ⛲ and even goldfish in the large pond. Good spot for intimate weddings.

Beautiful garden & public space! Definite recommendation during spring.

Hidden gem, the gardens are lovely, but the historic house is desperately in need of care. Water fills the basement (spring mentioned somewhere in writing), it could be a great space if someone would commit. The garden could be spruced up if folks donated plants or bulbs.

As of September 10th, 2023, they are starting to clear off the lawn from all the overgrowth that is uphill by the house. They now accept donations for preservation.

March 2024, City of Wilmington bought the house and lands! Yay, esp if they rehab, renew and get creative about helping to maintain it. We met the head Horticulturist Liz, she is awesome and enthusiastic, and we appreciate her and her team for doing all the hard work!!! The overgrowth is being cleared out, the garden is being cleaned.
The groundskeeper house and garage/stables could be an amazing cafe and public space if you envision it! All proceeds could go towards funding for the renewal of property!

It's not my secret garden anymore, but having it be loved by all is even better!

Got married here. Beautiful place

The best place to take family photos
So many different areas to shoot at

Small (free) garden in Wilmington Delaware on the grounds of a derelict estate.

Hidden in plain sight, these beautiful gardens are a photographer's delight! Small plot of land, at least the accessible portion, so you probably would only spend about 20 to 60 minutes to check out the garden and the beautiful statues within.

Very cool! Nature had reclaimed the estate and now volunteered and donations are bringing it back. Beautiful wild gardens, statuary and lotus pond

I beautiful hidden gem in Wilmington. Just check yourself for ticks after visiting!