|
|
See also: Gardens
in Scotland | Gardens in Wales |
Free entry RHS gardens
About English Gardens : Britain
is famous for its gardens, and justly so. Some of these gardens are commercial
enterprises and some are purely labours of love. The latter may or may not be
open to public viewing, or may have very restricted opening times. For the purposes
of this list, I have limited the selected gardens to those open regularly to the
public. Many of the finest English gardens gardens are associated with historic
houses, making for a doubly enjoyable visit. For an excellent overview of British
gardens, visit the web site of the National
Gardens Scheme. (highly recommended!)
|
Abbey House Gardens
|
|
Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Once the site of the Abbot of Malmesbury Abbey's garden, the garden today covers 5 acres, and is located directly beside the historic ruins of the Abbey. The gardens are built about a 16th century house, and offer richly colourful garden walks throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
The Abbey House,
Malmesbury,
Wiltshire,
England,
SN16 9AS
Location:
Just off the market square in Malmesbury, beside Malmesbury Abbey
Website: Abbey House Gardens
Email:
info@abbeyhousegardens.co.uk
Phone:
01666 822 212
Fax: 01666 822 782
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Details
of Abbey House Gardens
- Photos
of Abbey House Gardens
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Acorn Bank
|
|
Temple Sowerby, Cumbria
At Acorn Bank near Temple Sowerby, the National Trust operates a water mill dating back to 1597. Surrounding the mill is a superb walled garden notable for its profusion of spring blooms, especially daffodils and wood anemones, plus a sunken garden, and a world-famous collection of culinary and medicinal herbs.
Temple Sowerby,
Penrith,
Cumbria,
England,
CA10 1SP
Location:
6 miles E of Penrith on the A66
Website: Acorn Bank
Email:
acornbank@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
017683 61893
Fax: 017683 66824
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| American Museum and Gardens
|
|
Bath, Somerset
Homesick for American landscapes? Or curious about the flora of the New World? The gardens at the American Museum are home to a collection of North American trees and shrubs, as well as a recreation of the garden at Mount Vernon, Virginia home of George Washington.
Claverton Manor,
Bath,
Somerset,
England,
BA2 7BD
Location:
2 m SE of city centre
Website: American Museum and Gardens
Email:
info@americanmuseum.org
Phone:
01225 460 503
Fax: 01225 469 160
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Anglesey Abbey
|
|
Lode, Cambridgeshire
100-acre garden and arboretum with something for every season, from hyacynths in springtime through dahlias in summer to the special winter garden.
Quy Road,
Lode,
Cambridge,
Cambridgeshire,
England,
CB5 9EJ
Location:
6 m N Cambridge on B1102
Website: Anglesey Abbey
Email:
angleseyabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01223 810080
Fax: 01223 810088
National Trust
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Arley Hall
|
|
Northwich, Cheshire
The gardens at Arley Hall were the site of one of the first herbaceous borders planted in England (by Rowland Egerton-Warburton once again). The current gardens extend to 12 acres ringed by hedges and brick walls. The Tea Garden cottage boasts a fine collection of shrub roses, while two walled gardens provide space for open lawns, herbaceous borders, fruit trees, and kitchen produce. An avenue of pleached limes leads to the house, and nearby ilex trees are clipped into tall cylinder shapes. Woodland walks garden and a rock garden add interest to this award-winning horticultural experience.
Northwich,
Cheshire,
England,
CW9 6NA
Location:
6 miles from Knutsford and Northwich, off the M6 and M56
Website: Arley Hall
Email:
enquiries@arleyhallandgardens.com
Phone:
01565 777 353
Fax: 01565 777 465
Details
of Arley Hall
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Audley End
|
|
Audley End, Essex
'Capability' Brown was responsible for laying out the landscaped grounds of Audley End in the 18th century; restoration work has revived the park and its lovely gardens, which include a 19th century parterre and rose garden. An artificial lake has been formed from the River Cam, which runs through the park. Interesting array of original garden buildings including 170-ft vine house.
Audley End,
Saffron Walden,
Essex,
England,
CB11 4JF
Location:
1 m W Saffron Walden, on B1383
Website: Audley End
Phone:
01799 522 399
English Heritage
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Avebury Manor and Garden
|
|
Marlborough, Wiltshire
Edwardian garden graces this Tudor manor house. Medieval walls recall the older origins of the property; well-kept topiary, ancient box, and pleasant flower gardens.
Marlborough,
Wiltshire,
England,
SN8 1RF
Location:
6 m W of Marleborough on the A4361 and B4003
Website: Avebury Manor and Garden
Email:
avebury@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01672 539 250
Fax: 01672 538 038
National Trust
Photo Credit: David Ross
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Baddesley Clinton
|
|
Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire
At Baddesley Clinton you will find stewponds, a small lake, and walled and kitchen gardens, as well as a lakeside walk and nature meadow.
Rising Lane,
Knowle,
Baddesley Clinton,
Solihull,
Warwickshire,
England,
B93 0DQ
Location:
5 m SE Solihull, off A4141
Website: Baddesley Clinton
Email:
baddesleyclinton@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01564 783 294
Fax: 01564 782 706
National Trust
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Details
of Baddesley Clinton
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bantock House and Park
|
|
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
A listed family home filled with heritage and craft objects. Located on 43 acres of parkland; visitors can walk the dogs, play a game of golf or just relax in the beautiful setting of the Park’s formal gardens. Inside the house, visitors are invited to use hands-on activities to unlock the secrets of Wolverhampton’s industrial past. Entry to the House and Park is free and both are fully accessible. Free parking.
Finchfield Road,
Wolverhampton,
West Midlands,
England,
WV3 9LQ
Email:
bantockhouse@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Phone:
01902 552 195
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Basildon Park
|
|
Lower Basildon, Berkshire
There are small pleasure gardens gracing this Palladian mansion, but be sure to leave time in your visit to stroll some of the woodland paths through these 400 acres of grounds.
Lower Basildon,
Reading,
Berkshire,
England,
RG8 9NR
Location:
2.5 m NW Pangbourne, on A329
Website: Basildon Park
Email:
basildonpark@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
0118 984 3040
Fax: 0118 976 7370
National Trust
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bateman's
|
|
Burwash, East Sussex
Rose, Mulberry, Herb and Wild Gardens surround this Jacobean house which was home to Kipling for 30 years. On the River Dudwell, which flows through the wild garden, is located a working historic corn mill.
Burwash,
Etchingham,
East Sussex,
England,
TN19 7DS
Location:
off A265
Website: Bateman's
Email:
batemans@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01435 882 302
Fax: 01435 882 811
National Trust
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bedgebury National Pinetum
|
|
Goudhurst, Kent
One of the most extensive and varied collections of conifers in the world grace Bedgebury Pinetum. Much attention has been paid to creating gardens with colour and varieties of plants to provide interest at every season of the year.
Park Lane,
Goudhurst,
Cranbrook,
Kent,
England,
TN17 2SL
Location:
4 m S Goudhurst on B2079
Website: Bedgebury National Pinetum
Email:
friends@bedgebury.fsnet.co.uk
Phone:
01580 879 820
Fax: 01580 879 820
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Belton House
|
|
Grantham, Lincolnshire
Suitably formal gardens complement the 17th century house, with an Orangery, Italian fountains, and a lovely landscaped park to stroll through. There's a very large children's woodland adventure playgournd, too.
Grantham,
Lincolnshire,
England,
NG32 2LS
Location:
3 m NE Grantham, on A607
Website: Belton House
Email:
belton@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01476 566 116
Fax: 01476 542 980
National Trust
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Details
of Belton House
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Belvoir Castle
|
|
Grantham, Leicestershire
Formal Rose and Statue gardens lie close to the Belvoir Castle. Further from the castle lie the Duchess's Spring gardens, begun in 1800. The gardens lie in a dell, or amphitheatre, with natural woodland springs providing year round garden colour.
Grantham,
Leicestershire,
England,
NG32 1PD
Location:
7 m W Grantham, off A52 or A607
Website: Belvoir Castle
Email:
info@belvoircastle.com
Phone:
01476 871 002
Fax: 01476 870 443
Photo Credit:
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Bennetts Water Gardens
|
|
Chickerell, Dorset
The gardens were founded in 1959 in a former clay pit used by a brickworks. Here Norman Bennett carefully planted a collection of water lilies that has become one of the finest in the world. The site stretches to 8 acres of landscaped paths skirting peaceful lakes. Over 100 varieties of lilies are on display, and are at their best in the summer months. In addition to lilies there are a wide variety of pond and moisture loving plants on display and the garden is a haven for pond life.
Putton Lane,
Chickerell,
Weymouth,
Dorset,
England,
DT3 4AF
Website: Bennetts Water Gardens
Phone:
01305 785 150
Details
of Bennetts Water Gardens
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
|
|
East Budleigh, Devon
Landscape park and historic gardens inspired by Versailles. There is something for eveyone here, including a woodland railway, palm house, a countryside museum of rural life, American gardens, stream garden, pinetum, arboretum, rose garden, Mediterranean gatrden, and the Italian gardens purportedly designed by Andre Le Notre, designer of the famous gardens at Versailles.
East Budleigh,
Budleigh Salterton,
Devon,
England,
EX9 7JT
Location:
2 m N Budleigh Salterton, on B3178
Website: Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Email:
info@bictongardens.co.uk
Phone:
01395 568 465
Fax: 01395 568 374
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Biddulph Grange Garden
|
|
Biddulph, Staffordshire
A series of small gardens linked by tunnels, banks, and walls. Chinese garden, Egyptian garden, lily pool, and a sunken dahlia walk.
Biddulph,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire,
England,
ST8 7SD
Location:
7 m N of Stoke-on-Trent off A527
Website: Biddulph Grange Garden
Email:
biddulphgrange@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01782 517999
Fax: 01782 510624
National Trust
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Blenheim Palace
|
|
Woodstock, Oxfordshire
The park around the opulent palace home of the Dukes of Marlborough was laid out by Capability Brown. Formal gardens in French and Italian terraced style, arboretum, rose garden. Unless you have a particular liking for formal gardens, spend your time exploring the park. Or, attend one of the events held in the grounds annually, from jousting to horse trials to crafts fairs.
Woodstock,
Oxfordshire,
England,
OX20 1PX
Location:
In Woodstock, on the A34
Website: Blenheim Palace
Email:
operations@blenheimpalace.com
Phone:
1993 811 091
Fax: 01993 810 570
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Details
of Blenheim Palace
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Blickling Hall
|
|
Blickling, Norfolk
Gardens blending features of 17th-20th century. Yew hedges, parterre and topiary, large herbaceous beds, pools and fountains, secret garden. Landscaped parkland with walks past classical temples (and a not-so-classical pyramid!). Best in: spring and summer.
Blickling,
Norwich,
Norfolk,
England,
NR11 6NF
Location:
1 m NW Aylsham, on B1354
Website: Blickling Hall
Email:
blickling@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01263 738 030
Fax: 01263 731 660
National Trust
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Boconnoc
|
|
Boconnoc, Cornwall
17th century deer park with 100 head of deer, in a larger estate with parkland and formal gardens surrounding an 18th century mansion.
Boconnoc,
Lostwithiel,
Cornwall,
England,
PL22 0RG
Location:
5 m E Lostwithiel, on minor roads off a390 or B3359
Website: Boconnoc
Email:
adgfortescue@btinternet.com
Phone:
01208 872 507
Fax: 01208 873 836
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bohunt Manor Gardens
|
|
Liphook, Hampshire
An informal woodland garden with enjoyable lakeside and woodland walks. There are many specimen trees, and herbaceous borders, plus tame waterfowl. Owned by the Worldwide Fund for Nature.
Liphook,
Hampshire,
England,
GU30 7DL
Location:
on B2070 Phone:
01428 727 936
Fax: 01428 727 936
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Borde Hill Garden
|
|
Hayward's Heath, West Sussex
Borde Hill bills itself as an informal country garden. Lakeside and woodland walks.
Balcombe Road,
Hayward's Heath,
West Sussex,
England,
RH16 1XP
Location:
1½ m N Haywards Heath
Website: Borde Hill Garden
Email:
info@bordehill.co.uk
Phone:
01444 450 326
Fax: 01444 440 427
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bosvigo
|
|
Truro, Cornwall
A variety of garden areas surround a Georgian house on the outskirts of Truro. A walled garden, Victorian conservatory, topiary, a woodland walk, and several themed colour gardens add interest throughout the growing season. The Hot Garden is themed to provide red blossoming plants for a burst of sultry colour in August, while the Pink and Grey garden provides a more soothing environment to relax in.
Bosvigo Lane,
Truro,
Cornwall,
England,
TR1 3NH
Location:
W of city centre, off A390
Website: Bosvigo
Email:
bosvigoplants@talktalk.net
Phone:
01872 275 774
Fax: 01872 275 774
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Box Hill
|
|
Box Hill, Surrey
Open woodland and chalk downland with a network of walking trails providing excellent views of the South Downs. ild orchids in summer, and lovely autumn colour. There is an information centre and late Victorian fort at the summit of the hill.
The Old Fort,
Box Hill Road,
Box Hill,
Tadworth,
Surrey,
England,
KT20 7LB
Location:
1.5 m S Leatherhead on A24
Website: Box Hill
Email:
boxhill@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone:
01306 885 502
National Trust
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Brockhole Gardens
|
|
Windermere, Cumbria
Brockhole is an ornamental terraced garden nestled at the foot of the Langdale Pikes. A wildflower meadow and woodland belie the carefully planted schemes of roses, borders, shrubbery, and rock plants. Good planning means there is always something in bloom. Brockhole was planted in the early 20th century by Thomas Mawson, and it is listed by English Heritage as being of special historic importance. The garden is owned by the Lake District National Park, and it sits beside the park visitor centre just outside Windermere.
Windermere,
Cumbria,
England,
LA23 1LJ
Location:
on the A591, between Windermere and Ambleside
Website: Brockhole Gardens
Email:
infodesk@lake-district.gov.uk
Phone:
015394 46601
Details
of Brockhole Gardens
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Brook Cottage Garden
|
|
Alkerton, Oxfordshire
A lovely hillside garden surrounding a 17th century cottage. Here you will find a scree garden, herbaceous borders arranged with colour themes, a water garden, and flowering shrubs and trees.
Well Lane,
Alkerton,
Banbury,
Oxfordshire,
England,
OX15 6NL
Location:
6 m NW Banbury, signposted from Alkerton village
Phone:
1295 670 303
Fax: 1295 730 362
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Bryan's Ground
|
|
Stapleton, Herefordshire
Three acre Edwardian garden (house not open). Yew and box topiary, parterres, herb garden, kitchen garden, flower and shrub borders, rose garden, heritage apple trees, Edwardian greenhouse, views.
Stapleton,
Presteigne,
Herefordshire,
England,
LD8 2LP
Location:
minor road near Presteigne, B4362, just across the England/Wales border
Website: Bryan's Ground
Email:
all@hortus.co.uk
Phone:
01544 260 001
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Burghley House
|
|
Stamford, Lincolnshire
300-acre 'Capability' Brown deerpark divided by avenues of mature trees, and set off by a lake. The specimen trees and shrubs of the Sculpture garden create the perfect setting for contemporary sculptures. In April the private gardens are open to the public for the glorious display of flowering bulbs.
Stamford,
Lincolnshire,
England,
PE9 3JY
Location:
1 m SE Stamford, off A1
Website: Burghley House
Email:
burghley@burghley.co.uk
Phone:
01780 752 451
Fax: 01780 480 125
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Details
of Burghley House
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Burncoose Garden
|
|
Gwennap, Cornwall
Proud winners of a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower show, Burncoose provides a 30 acre woodland garden for visitors to enjoy, with an award-winning nursery attached. The garden is at its best in late winter and early spring, when daffodils, bluebells, primroses, snowdrops, and other early flowering plants provide a welcome carpet of colour.
Gwennap,
Redruth,
Cornwall,
England,
TR16 6BJ
Location:
2 miles south east of Redruth on the A393
Website: Burncoose Garden
Email:
info@burncoose.co.uk
Phone:
01209 860 316
Fax: 01209 860 011
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
| Burton Agnes Hall
|
|
Burton Agnes, Yorkshire
A "giant gameboard" motif is the theme for a number of the gardens of Burton
Agnes Hall; you will also find a jungle garden with broad-leaved plants, fruit and potager areas, a maze, and colour-themed gardens. National collection of campanulas.
Burton Agnes,
Driffield,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO25 0ND
Location:
on A166
Website: Burton Agnes Hall
Email:
burton.agnes@farmline.com
Phone:
01262 490 324
Fax: 01262 490 513
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
|
Buscot Park
|
|
Faringdon, Oxfordshire
There are several disctinct gardens at Buscot. The most prominent is the 20th century water gardens, one of the finest in England, laid out on a sloping lawn below the 18th century stately home. There is also an extensive landscape garden, formal Italianate gardens, and walled gardens. A real delight.
Faringdon,
Oxfordshire,
England,
SN7 8BU
Location:
on A417
Website: Buscot Park
Email:
estbuscot@aol.com
Phone:
01367 240786
Fax: 01367 241794
National Trust
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Details
of Buscot Park
- Photos
of Buscot Park
Accommodation: nearest
hotels - nearest
Self catering | |
More
Gardens Browse alphabetically or page by page
| Recommended Resources |
| Hudsons Historic
Houses and Gardens - HUDSONS is the definitive annual guide to heritage
property in Britain. As the British Tourist Authority called Hudson's the "bible"
of the stately house visitor to Britain. The website provides a gateway to these
properties and also indicates which are available not just for visiting but also
for special events, weddings,and accommodation. It incorporates all categories
of ownership be it National Trust, private or public. |
© David Ross and Britain Express
| |
UK Ordnance Survey
Maps
|
Every
OS map including
Landranger, Explorer, and new Right to Roam. Free UK post and
Up to 36% Discount on OS Maps! |
|
|
London Pass
|
|
Free
entry to top London attractions
Including
Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, London Aquarium, Windsor
Castle, London Zoo, Saatchi Gallery, London Dungeons, London theatre,
open-top buses... and a
lot more!
All with one pass. The
London Pass
|
|
|