Rock Gardens and Cascade, Madeira Walk

The Rock Gardens and Cascade, located along Madeira Walk, were designed between 1892 and 1893 by the Borough Engineer, W A McIntosh Valon, in collaboration with James Pulham and Son. The gardens and cascade demonstrate group value as an example of late 19th-century landscape design.

The structures are primarily constructed from Pulhamite, a patented artificial stone, in a variety of colours intended to mimic natural geological layers. This rests upon a base of mixed masonry hardcore, with terracotta embellishments. The Pulhamite forms the sides of a fabricated gorge, with the roadway of Madeira Walk following a winding route uphill for about 180 metres. The Pulhamite rockwork varies in height from approximately 1 to 4 metres and is arranged on either side of the road.

The northern range begins at the junction of Madeira Walk, Harbour Parade, and Albion Place, featuring a cylindrical terracotta-capped pier displaying coats of arms, including those of the Cinque Ports and Ramsgate. A mid-20th century concrete balustrade, replacing the original terracotta, runs along the south side of Albion Place for approximately 70 metres, with Pulhamite rock formations stepping down beneath it to connect with the roadside. At Albion Gardens, a second capped pier is present and a dog-legged stair provides access back down to Madeira Walk. A section of the balustrade is missing due to damage. Grottos containing benches are positioned either side of the stair on Madeira Walk. A cascade flows from Albion Gardens under a short Pulhamite bridge, down to a pond by Madeira Walk. Behind the cascade and towards the end of Madeira Walk, smaller Pulhamite outcrops shelter seating areas. A War Memorial, erected in 1920 and designed by Gilbert Bayes, stands to the south-east of the cascade and is separately listed.

The southern range features large boulder formations of differently-coloured strata, including genuine sandstone boulders, as well as short tunnel and archway openings, along with a stair, providing access to the rear courtyards of the Harbour Parade properties. The inner faces of the tunnels, archways, and the courtyard side of the range are constructed in Pulhamite. The western end of this range abuts the Portland stone side wall of Number 52, Harbour Parade, at ground floor level. A smaller, isolated rock formation is present at the top of Kent Steps. Planting troughs are integrated into the Pulhamite structures, and both ranges contain a variety of bedding plants and shrubs.