 The Gardens were opened in 1923 as a plant research station for Newcastle University.Although not open to the public every day, access is granted to booked groups and on Open Days linked to the National Gardens Scheme.In 2012, Newcastle University announced its intention to withdraw its support for the facility 

Just as Spital Tongues has long sought to balance its competing rural and urban faces, the village today remains protected by its green collar at the same time as facing immense development pressure within the existing built up area.