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Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens
Dorset South-west Counties
Bullers Way, Abbotsbury Tel. 01305 871 387 Open: March-Nov, daily, 10am-6pm; in winter until 4pm Historic Houses Association/Christie's Garden of the Year award for 2012; established 1765; rare and exotic plants from around the world; 18th century walled garden; shop; restaurant; parking; for photos and full details read our garden article on Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Web: Abbotsbury
Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill
Cumbria North-west Counties
just north of Temple Sowerby; six miles east of Penrith on the A66 Tel. 0 1768 361 893 Open: garden, watermill, shop, tea-room, mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, generally 10am-5pm but variations so check National Trust website for details; house not open to public National Trust property; 17th century garden of 250 varieties of medicinal and culinary plants; two orchards; oak woodland walk to partially restored Acorn Bank Mill; tea-room; plant sales; shop; parking
Alnwick Garden
Northumberland North-east Counties
Denwick Lane Alnwick Just off the A1 Tel. 0 1665 511 350 Open: April-end Oct, daily, 10am-6pm, Nov-first week Jan, 11am-5pm; shop, restaurant—check website for details 20th century garden with many different sections including ornamental and water gardens, roses, poison garden, and woodland; pavilion with Visitor Centre, shopping, eating; Treehouse restaurant open 11.30am-3pm for lunch and after for tea; dinner on Thu, Fri, Sat from 6pm (booking advised at 01665 511 852). Allow at least a half day to visit. For photos and more information see our article at Alnwick Garden Web: Alnwick Garden
Arley Hall and Gardens
Cheshire North-west Counties
Arley, south of Stockport (near Great Budworth by Northwich) Tel. 01565 777 353 Open: April-end Sep; gardens, chapel and grounds, Tue-Sun and BH, 11am-5pm; Oct, Sat and Sun, 11am-5pm; hall, Tue-Sun and BH, noon-5pm; Oct, Sun, noon-5pm Historic Houses Association member; house dates from 1832-1845; ceilings, oak panelling, fireplaces; 8 acres of formal gardens; 7 acres of woodland garden and arboretum; shrub roses; walled gardens; lime avenue; kitchen garden; restaurant; shop; restaurant; plant nursery; special events; parking; picnic area For photos and more information see our article Arley Hall and Gardens Web: Arley Hall and Gardens
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Ballalheannagh Gardens
Isle of Man
Glen Roy, Lonan, Laxey Tel. 01624 861 875 Open: April-Sep, garden, nursery and shop: Mon, Tue, and Thu, 1-5pm; Fri, 2-5pm garden only; all open Sat and Sun, 10am-4.30pm 30 acres of planted gardens; arboretum; streams; waterfalls; worldwide collection of plants
Barnsdale Gardens
Rutland East Midlands
The Avenue Exton, Oakham Tel. 0 1572 813 200 Open: March-May, Sep-Oct, daily, 9am-5pm; June-Aug, daily, 9am-7pm; Nov-Feb, daily, 10am-4pm 38 individual gardens in eight acres; includes rock feature, cottage garden, stream and bog garden, winter border, woodland, wildlife garden, Japanese garden, rose garden, knot garden, fruit orchard, parterre, kitchen garden, grasses, herb garden, and others; plants for sale; shop; tea-room; parking Web: Barnsdale Gardens
Barrington Court Gardens
Somerset South-west Counties
Near Ilminster, TA19 0NQ Tel. 0 1460 242 614 (Infoline) Open: house and garden, March-end Oct, Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun, 11am-5pm; Nov, weekends, 11am-4pm; shop, cafe, and restaurant various hours, check NT website for exact details National Trust property; empty Tudor manor house with later alterations and additions; built of Ham stone; derelict when restored; panelled walls with carvings; arboretum; walled kitchen garden produce used in restaurant; apple orchards; rose garden; sunken lily pond; raised flower beds; exhibition; restaurant; cafe; shop; parking
Batsford Arboretum
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh On the A44 near Bourton-on-the-Hill and Moreton-in-Marsh Tel. 0 1386 701 441 Open: daily, 10am-4.40 pm except 25 December Arboretum originally part of a 17th century estate; created in 1890; pines, Japanese cherry, maples, bamboo, oaks, mountain ash, magnolias; parking; shop; tea-room Web: Batsford Arboretum
Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens
Northumberland North-east Counties
Belsay, seven miles from Ponteland Tel. 01661 881 636 Open: April-end Sep, daily, 10am-6pm; Oct and Nov, daily, 10am-5pm; Nov-March, weekends only, 10am-4pm (check English Trust website for specific variations during this time period); closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan English Heritage property; 30 acres of grounds with quarry garden; 14th century ruined castle with tower, turned into manor house, then Greek revival villa built in grounds; hall interior is empty of furnishings; parking; Victorian tea-room (open April-Oct and weekends in March); shop
Benington Lordship Gardens
Hertfordshire Eastern Counties
Benington, off the A602 Just east of Stevenage, on a hilltop Tel. 0 1438 869 668 Open: special events only; dates on website Manor house ruins, medieval barns; herbaceous borders; old roses; rockery; orchard; Norman keep; kitchen garden; winter garden; lakes; snowdrops in Feb; pond; teas Web: Benington Lordship Gardens
Bennetts Water Gardens
Dorset South-west Counties
Chickerell, on the B3157, 2 miles west of Weymouth Tel. 01305 785 150 Open: April-Sep, Tue-Fri, 10am-5pm, also open BH Mon Ponds and lakes in eight acre site; displays of water lilies, moisture loving plants, native trees, palms, wild plants and flowers; cafe; plant nursery; shop Web: Bennetts Water Gardens
Beth Chatto Gardens
Essex Eastern Counties
.25 mile east of Elmstead Market on the A133 Tel. 01206 822 007 Open: year round, March-end Oct, Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Nov-end Feb, Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; closed Sat and Sun Nov-end Feb 6 acre garden includes water garden, gravel garden, woodland garden; plant nursery; tea-room For photos and full details see our article Beth Chatto Gardens
Biddulph Grange Garden
Staffordshire West Midlands
Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent Tel. 01782 517 999 Open: first week March, Sat and Sun, 11am-4pm; mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm; second week Nov-third week Dec, Sat and Sun, 11am-3pm National Trust property; high Victorian gardens designed in the mid-19th century as a series of connected rooms with various themes; shop; tea-room; plant sales; parking
Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses
Greater Birmingham West Midlands
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham Tel. 0121 454 1860 Open: daily except Christmas; 9am except 10am on Sun, close at 7pm, April-Sep, 5pm or dusk, Oct-March 15 acres opened in 1832; designed by J. C. Loudon, leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher; Children’s’ Discovery Garden for three-six-year-olds; rock garden and pool; acer collection; azalea valley; rhododendron walk; wildlife glade; herbaceous border; British wetlands habitat; herb garden; winter garden and fountain; fern garden and woodland walk; cottage garden; lawn; terrace; tropical and sub-tropical glasshouses; Mediterranean orangery; arid glasshouse; aviary; National Bonsai Collection; gallery displays of local artists; reference library of horticultural books; tea-room; shop; car park; conferences; weddings; events;workshops; exhibitions Web: Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses
Blake Hall Gardens
Essex Eastern Counties
Bobbingworth, Chipping Ongar Tel. 01277 366 687 Open: for special events only; check website House is corporate venue; gardens include tropical greenhouse and large maze Web: Blake Hall Gardens
Boconnoc Park
Cornwall South-west Counties
Lostwithiel Tel. 0 1208 872 507 Open: for groups of 15+ by appointment Park created by Thomas Pitt in 1780; lake, walks; 19th century pinetum; trees, flowering shrubs, gardens, views; parking
Bonthyon Estate Gardens
Cornwall South-west Counties
Cury Cross Lanes, Helston, Lizard peninsula Tel. 01326 240 550 Open: gardens--April-end Sep Tue-Fri, 10am-4.30pm; house not open 17th century manor house with 20 acres of gardens; rhododendrons, azaleas, amaranthus, dahlias, cannas, hydrangeas; bluebell wood; Georgian walled garden with salvias, roses, tulips, iris, herbaceous border; vegetable garden; specimen trees; teas and home-made cakes; holiday accommodation Web: Bonthyon Estate Gardens
Borde Hill Garden
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Haywards Heath West Sussex Tel. 01444 450326 Email: Borde Hill Garden Open: April-Oct, daily, 10am-6pm or dusk if earlier Member: Historic Houses Association Borde Hill Garden won the 21st HHA/Christie’s garden of the year award; 200 acres of parkland; 17 acres of garden rooms; rhododendrons, azaleas, David Austin roses; Italian garden; lakes; sub-tropical area; restaurant; children's playground; picnic area; fishing For photos and details see our article Borde Hill Garden and Borde Hill Garden Sculptures Web: Borde Hill
Bourton House Gardens
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Bourton on Hill, 1.75 miles west of Moreton in Marsh Tel. 01386 700 754 Open: Garden: April-end Oct, 10am-5pm, Wed-Fri, 10am-5pm; house not open to public. House built on former monastic grounds; three acre ornamental garden with late 17th century raised walk; original kitchen garden; orchard, (restored late 1900s); seven acre walled pasture with specimen trees and sculpture; garden of the year award 2006; contemporary gallery of art and design in 1570 tithe barn; light lunches and teas available; limited disabled access Web: Bourton House Gardens
Bressingham Gardens and Steam Experience
Norfolk Eastern Counties
Thetford Road, Bressingham Tel. 01379 686 900 Open: April-Sep, 10:30am-5pm; Oct-March, 11am-4:30pm Steam train that runs through gardens; garden shop Web: Bressingham Steam and Gardens
Brobury House Gardens
Herefordshire West Midlands
Brobury Tel. 0 1981 500 229 Open: garden, year round, daily, 10am-5pm; house not open except for bed and breakfast; garden may be closed for wedding so check before going. House, near river Wye, built 1880 by Mr Houghton from Manchester; his coat of arms over front door; 8 acres of formal Victorian gardens and water meadows; herbaceous borders; pool; orchard; 100 year old conifers; viewpoint over valley to Regency style vicarage of Rev Francis Kilvert, Victorian diarist; gardens redesigned since 2001 while keeping to the historic footprint; two self-catering cottages; art courses; parking Web: Brobury House
Brockhole
Cumbria North-west Counties
National Park Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere halfway between Ambleside and Windermere on the A591 Tel. 0 15394 46601 Open: gardens, adventure playground and grounds, year round, dawn-6pm; house, cafe and shop, daily, spring-end Oct, 10am-5pm 30 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland on shores of lake Windermere; garden designed by Thomas Mawson; Edwardian terraces with unusual plants; orangery; kitchen garden; scented garden; wildflower meadow; displays on the Lake District's geological, social, and industrial history; AV presentations; shop; restaurant; picnic tables; parking (charge)
Broxwood Court Gardens
Herefordshire West Midlands
Broxwood, Leominster Tel. 0 1544 340 245 Open: on an informal basis for special occasions, eg the Red Cross, local charities, church and parish events, and for groups by prior arrangement on a mutually convenient day 30 acre garden designed in 19th century by Nesfield; Wellingtonias, Scots pines, hew hedges; rose garden; lawns; ponds; trout lake; peacocks; small chapel; summer house; view of Black mountains; bed and breakfast accommodation Web: Broxwood Court
Bryan’s Ground Garden
Herefordshire West Midlands
Stapleton on minor road near Presteigne, Wales Tel. 0 1544 260 001 Open: 3rd week April-end July, Sun and Mon, 2-5pm Three acre Edwardian garden (house not open); yew and box topiary; paterres; herb garden; Dutch garden; sunken garden; kitchen garden; flower and shrub borders; rose garden; heritage apple trees; Edwardian greenhouse; parking Web: Bryan’s Ground
Burnby Hall Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Pocklington, B1246/1247 in east Yorkshire Tel. 0 1759 307 125 Open: end March-end Sep, daily, 10am-6pm 8 acres of National Collection of Hardy Waterlilies; ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers; tea-room; shop; museum on founder; some Sunday summer concerts; disabled friendly Web: Burnby Hall Gardens
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Caerhays Castle and Gardens
Cornwall South-west Counties
Caerhays, Gorran, St Austell Tel. 01872 501 310 Open: booking recommended for house tours; 2nd week March-end May, Mon-Fri, noon-4pm with last tour at 3pm; gardens, mid Feb-end May, daily, 10am-5pm Historic Houses Association property; English Heritage grade I listed building built by John Nash, 1807-1810; parkland; 100 acre woodland gardens are English Heritage grade II listed; gardens best in spring; shop; tea-room; parking at Porthluney Beach Web: Caerhays Castle
Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
Cambridgeshire Eastern Counties
Bateman St, Cambridge Tel. 01223 336 265 Open: April-Sep, daily, 10am-6pm; Feb-March, and Oct, daily, 10am-5pm; Nov-Jan, daily, 10am-4pm Established in 1831 as teaching garden; trees and shrubs; rock garden; lake and winter garden; tropical rainforest; alpine house; 1600 flowering plants; plant collections; herbaceous borders; woodland garden; scented garden Web: Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
Cannon Hall Museum, Park & Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, north-west of Barnsley Tel. 01226 79020 Open: garden and park year round; walled garden locked at night. msueum, Nov, Dec, and March, Sun, noon-4pm, last admission 3.15pm; April-Oct, Wed-Fri, 10.30am-5pm, Sat and Sun, noon-5pm 70 acres of parkland and gardens; rhododendrons in spring; walled garden; house is a museum with collections of furniture, paintings, glassware, pottery; tea-room; shop; free admission
Canons Ashby
Northamptonshire East Midlands
West of Bedford and south of Daventry on minor road Tel. 01327 861900 or 01327 860 044 (infoline) Open: April-end 3rd week Dec, house, church, shop and tea-room and gardens at different times and days depending on date; check National Trust website for full details National Trust property; Elizabethan manor house with plasterwork; kitchen; dairy; medieval priory church; 70 acres of terraces, walled gardens, herbaceous borders, orchard, and parkland
Chatsworth
Derbyshire East Midlands
Three miles east of Bakewell, off the B6012 Tel. 01246 565 300 Open: April-3rd week Dec; house, 11am-5.30 pm, last admission 4.30pm; garden from 11am-6pm, last admission 5pm; gardens open 10.30am in June, July and Aug; farmyard and adventure playground, 10.30am-5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm; shops, 11am-5.30pm; restaurant, 10.15am-5pm; park open all year One of Britain’s Treasure Houses, home of Dukes of Devonshire since 1552; 26 elaborate rooms with painted ceilings, library, sculptures, paintings, gilding, marble, furniture, gold and silver plate; 1000 acres of parkland with 105 acres of gardens, water cascade, canal pond with tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world, maze, rose garden, rock garden, arboretum; farmyard; shop; playground; restaurant; for photos and full details see our article Chatsworth Web: Chatsworth
Chelsea Physic Garden
London Greater London
66 Royal Hospital Rd London SW3 4HS Tel. 020 7352 5646 Open: April-end Oct, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun, 11am-6pm; BH Mon 11am-6pm; also open Mon during Chelsea Flower Show; July and Aug, open till 10pm on Wed Garden founded in 1673 as an apothecaries' garden to train apprentices in identifying plants; pharmaceutical garden with 5000 medicinal plants and some rare and endangered species; glasshouse with tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean species; perfumery and aromatherapy borders; Grade II historic rock garden; special events listed on website; café open from 12.30pm (buffet style); shop with garden related items. Web: Chelsea Physic Garden
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
Cheshire North-west Counties
Malplas, seven miles north of Whitchurch Tel/Fax. 0 1829 720 383 Open: gardens: April-end Sep, Wed, Thu, Sun and BH, 11am-5pm; house only to groups Historic Houses Association member; 19th century fake castle; water garden; rose garden; mixed border garden; lakeside walks; rare breed farm animals; children's play area; picnic area; parking
Claremont Landscape Garden
Surrey South-east Counties
Portsmouth Rd, Esher Tel. 01372 467 806 Open: Jan-end March, Nov-end Dec, daily except Mon from 10am-5pm, rest of year from 10am-6pm weekdays and until 7pm on weekends National Trust property; one of earliest English landscape gardens to survive, dating from before 1720; lake; grass amphitheatre; island; pavillion; grotto; estate walks; children's play area; shop; tea-room; parking
Colchester Castle Park
Essex Eastern Counties
Colchester 23 acre Victorian park; concerts, fairs, flower beds and gardens, playground, pitch and putt, boating lake, river walks; Victorian bandstand, Roman wall, Colchester Castle and Museum in grounds For photos and more information see our article on Colchester
Constable Burton Hall Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Three miles east of town of Leyburn Tel. 0 1677 450 428 Open: garden, mid March-end Sep, daily, 9am-6pm; house not open Historic Houses Association member; terraced gardens; woodland ferns, lilies, roses and wildflowers; garden trails; rockery; stream garden
Coton Manor Garden
Northamptonshire East Midlands
9 miles north-west of Northampton Tel. 01604 740 219 Open: April-end Sep, Tue-Sat, and BH weekends, noon,-5.30pm; also Sun in April-May, noon-5.30pm Historic Houses Association member; roses; water gardens; yew hedges; meadows and bluebell woods; shop; cafe; plant nursery; garden school Web: Coton Manor Garden
Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens
Northamptonshire East Midlands
Ten miles north of Northampton on the A5199 near Brixworth and Kelmarsh between Rugby and Kettering, off the A14 Tel. 01604 505 808 Open: May and June, Wed and Thu, 2-5.30pm; July, Aug, and Sep, Thu, 2-5.30pm; also open BH Mon, 2-5.30pm Historic Houses Association member; 1702 house; famous picture collection; furniture; porcelain; 18th century landscaped gardens; herbaceous borders; water gardens; specimen trees; wild gardens; parking; special events; tea-room Web: Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens
Croome Park and House
Worcestershire West Midlands
Severn Stoke six miles from Pershore On the A38 Tel. 0 1905 371 006 Open: Mar-end April and Sep-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 10am-5.30pm; May-Sep, daily from 10am-5.30pm; Nov-mid Dec until 4pm; church same as park (Churches Conservation Trust) National Trust property; 'Capability’ Brown’s first complete landscape assignment; park buildings and structures by Robert Adam and James Wyatt; water features and gardens; miles of walks; 1700s house partly restored
Cusworth Hall , Museum, and Park
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Cusworth Lane, Cusworth, near Doncaster Tel. 01302 782 342 Open: park, dawn to dusk year round; museum, Mon-Fri, 10.30am-5pm, Sat and Sun, 1-5pm; tea-room, daily, 10am-4pm Terrace; hanging lawns; lakes; cascade; rock arch; plantations; shrubbery walk; Georgian house Grade 1 listed building houses Museum of South Yorkshire Life with details of home, work, and social life of people and communities of south Yorkshire in last 250 years; tea-room; pay and display car park
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Doddington Hall and Gardens
Lincolnshire East Midlands
Doddington, 5 miles west of Lincoln
Tel. 01522 694 308
Open: gardens: mid Feb-end April, Sun, 1-5pm; Oct, Sun, 1-5pm. house and gardens: May-end Sep, Wed, Sun, and BH, 1-5pm
Historic Houses Association member; late Elizabethan brick mansion with formal courtyard gardens; collections of furniture, textiles, paintings and porcelain; walled rose gardens; walled kitchen garden; wild garden with spring bulbs; rhododendrons; ancient chestnut trees; woodland and parkland with nature trails; flowering borders; farm shop; cafe; parking
Web: Doddington Hall
Dorothy Clive Garden
Staffordshire West Midlands
Off the A51, between Market Drayton and Stoke-on-Trent Tel. 01630 647 237 Open: mid March-end Sep, daily, 10am-5.30pm Woodland garden; alpine scree; gravel garden; mixed borders; spring bulbs; flowering trees and shrubs; quarry garden; special events; tea-room; parking Web: Dorothy Clive Garden
Durham University Botanic Garden
Durham North-east Counties
Hollingside Lane, South Road
Durham University, Durham City
Tel. 0 1322 863 467
Open: March-Oct, daily, 10am-5pm; Nov-Feb, daily, 10am-4pm; closed Christmas through New Year holiday.
Eight acre garden in mature woodlands on southern outskirts of Durham City
Web: Durham Botanic Garden
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East Lambrook Manor Gardens
Somerset South-west Counties
South Petherton, TA13 5HH Tel. 01460 240 328 Open: 10am-5pm; Feb, May, June, July, Tue-Sun; March-April, Aug-Oct, Tue-Sat Grade 1 listed gardens created by writer and journalist Margery Fish after WWII; described as "the home of English cottage gardening"; café; plant nursery; parking Web: East Lambrook Manor Gardens
Easton Lodge Gardens
Essex Eastern Counties
Park Road, Little Easton, by Great Dunmow Off the B184 Tel. 01371 876 979 Open: See website for public open days Historic Houses Association member; 23 acres of gardens in process of restoration; topiary, lakes, fountains; parking See full details and photos in our article Easton Lodge Gardens Web: Easton Lodge Gardens
Easton Walled Gardens
Lincolnshire East Midlands
Easton, Grantham Tel: 0 1476 530 063 Fax: 0 1476 530 063 Open: March-end Oct, Wed-Fri, Sun, BH, 11am-4pm; Nov, Sun, 11am-4pm; in Aug on Sun until 6pm; also open for several days in Feb for snowdrops—check website for exact dates Historic Houses Association member; 12 acres of historic gardens re-invented; shop; restaurant; parking Web: Easton Walled Gardens
Eden Project
Cornwall South-west Counties
in countryside near Bodelva Tel. 0 1726 811 911 Open: Jan-3rd week Feb, 9am-3pm except closes 9pm on Sat and 6pm on Sun; 3rd week Feb, 9am-6pm; March-end Oct, 9am-6pm; some areas closed different days; check website for full details Large grounds with tropical and temperate bio-domes and other garden attractions; large shop; restaurants; parking; for more information and photos see our article Eden Project Web: Eden Project
Emmetts Garden
Kent South-east Counties
Ide Hill, Sevenoaks Tel. 01732 868 381 and 01732 751 509 (infoline) Open: mid March-end May, Tue-Sun, 11am-5pm; June, Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm; July-end Oct, Wed, Sat, Sun, 11am-5pm National Trust property; plantsman's garden of late 19th century; exotic and rare trees and shrubs; bluebells, daffodils, rose garden; rhododendrons and azaleas; shop; plant sales; parking; tea-room
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Hampshire South-east Counties
New Forest, near Beaulieu (signposted) Tel. 023 8089 1203 Open: mid March-end Oct, daily, 10am-5.30pm 200-acre woodland garden; home to the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons; steam railway; maize maze in August; special events Web: Exbury Gardens
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Fyne Court
Somerset South-west Counties
6 miles south-west of Bridgwater and 6 miles north of Taunton
Tel. 0 1643 862 452
Open: year round, except Christmas week, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; also second week Jan-mid Dec, weekends 10am-5pm; tea-room, March-end Oct, Thu-Mon, 10.30am-4pm
National Trust property; 19th century gardens designed as pleasure grounds; partly demolished 19th century home; woodland garden; bluebells in spring; meadows; nature walks; folly and boathouse; nature reserve; tea-room; parking
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Garden House
Devon South-west Counties
Buckland Monachorum, by Yelverton Tel. 01822 854 749; Fax. 01822 855358 Open: March-end Oct, 10.30am-5pm Eight acres of naturalistic planting; more than 6000 different varieties; terraced walled garden; sunken garden; acer glade; crocus, rhododendrons, azaleas; 16th century tower; tea-room Web: The Garden House
Gibside
Tyne and Wear (Tyneside) North-east Counties
Near Rowlands Gill, Burnopfield, Newcastle Tel. 01207 541 820 Open: grounds, daily; Nov-end Feb, 10am-4pm; March-end Oct, 10am-6pm; chapel, mid Mrch-end Oct, daily, 11am-4.30pm National Trust property; 400 acre 18th century designed landscape garden; decorative garden buildings; woodlands; terrace; 1760 built chapel; wildlife hide; audio guide; special events; shop; tea-room; parking
Glendurgan Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Mawnan Smith, Falmouth Tel. 01326 250 906 Open: mid Feb-end July, Sep-Oct, Tue-Sat 10.30am-5.30pm; Aug, Mon-Sat, 10.30am-5.30pm; also open BH Mon National Trust property; subtropical garden with three valleys, hamlet, and beach; trees, rare and exotic plants; wildflowers; magnolias; laurel maze; recreated schoolhouse; tea-room; shop; plant sales; parking
Godinton House and Gardens
Kent South-east Counties
Near the village of Pluckley on Godinton Lane, Ashford, Kent Tel. 0 1233 620 773 Open: gardens, March-end Oct, daily, 2-5.30pm; house, April-first week Oct, Fri-Sun And BH, 2-5.30pm, last house tour at 4.30pm; tea-room same as house Medieval hall; furniture; porcelain; 12 acre garden; ponds; topiary; roses; daffodils; walled garden; wild garden; Italian garden; greenhouses; parkland; tea-room; picnic area; special events; parking For photos and more information see our articles Godinton House and Godinton Gardens Web: Godinton House and Gardens
Goodnestone Park Gardens
Kent South-east Counties
near Canterbury, Kent off the B4026 Tel. 01304 840 107 Open: garden only; February: Snowdrop Day, check website for date each year; March: Good Fri, Easter Sun, BH Mon; April: Sun, 12 noon-4pm; May-Aug: Wed, Thu, Fri, 11am-5pm and Sun 12 noon-5pm; Sep: Sun, 12 noon-4pm Historic Houses Association member; walled garden; old-fashioned roses; perennials; annuals; vegetables and caged fruit; park, ancient trees Web: Goodnestone ParkGardens
Graythwaite Hall Gardens
Cumbria North-west Counties
Graythwaite, Ulverston Tel. 0 1539 313 333 Open: gardens only, April-end Aug, daily 10am-6pm; house not open to public Six acres of gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas, and spring flowering shrubs; rose garden; Dutch garden; yew hedges; terraces Web: Graythwaite Hall Gardens
Great Comp Garden
Kent South-east Counties
Comp Lane, Platt, two miles east of Borough Green Tel. 01732 886 154 Open: April-end Oct, daily, 11am-5pm Seven acres with ruins, terraces, woodland walk, and collections of trees, shrubs, perennials, and heathers; tea-room; parking Web: Great Comp Garden
Great Dixter House and Gardens
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Northiam, near Rye, East Sussex Tel. 0 1797 252 878 Open: April-3rd week Oct, Tue-Sun and BH Mon; garden, 11am-5pm; house, 2-5pm Historic Houses Association member; Christopher Lloyd gardens; timber-framed medieval house with great hall, solar and parlour; shop; parking; plant nursery For photos and more details see our article Great Dixter House and Gardens Web: Great Dixter
Greenway Gardens
Devon South-west Counties
Greenway Road, Galmpton, nr Brixham, TQ5 0ES On banks of river Dart Tel. 0 1803 842382 (Infoline) Open: March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; phone info line for further details National Trust property; woodland garden with important collection of trees and shrubs; walks and coutryside surrounding home (1938-59) of famous mystery writer Agatha Christie; Hercule Poirot stories written here; ground floor rooms and main first floor rooms open to public; includes library with collection of her books and dolls from family collection; writing desk; drawing room; shop; plant sales; parking (traffic management system in operation); for ferry connection telephone Greenway Ferry and Quay Services (licensed operators to the NT) 01803 844010; café; self catering cottages; special events and tours; garden; Victorian fernery; vinery; boathouse; barn gallery with contemporary art Web: Greenway
Grimsthorpe Castle, Park and Gardens
Lincolnshire East Midlands
Four miles north-west of Bourne Tel. 01778 591205 Open: park and gardens, April-May, Sun, Thu, and BH Mon, 11am-6pm; June-Sep, Sun-Thu; house same days as park, 1-6pm Historic Houses Association member; 3000 acre landscaped park with lakes, woods, trails; house has state rooms, picture galleries, tapestries, and furniture; parking; tea-room; shop For further details and photos see our article at Grimsthorpe Castle Web: Grimsthorpe Castle, Park, and Gardens
Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest
Kent South-east Counties
Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells Tel. 01892 863 999 Open: gardens only, daily (except 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan), 10am-5.30pm or dusk if earlier; late opening Fridays until 8pm; house not open to public. Raptor Centre flights held at 11.30am, 1pm, and 3.30pm Historic Houses Association member; 300 year old traditional gardens and ancient woodlands; house not open to public; knot garden; herbaceous border; rose garden; oriental garden; shop; tea-room; Enchanted Forest especially for kids; picnic area For photos and more information see our article Groombridge Place Gardens Web: Groombridge Place Gardens
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Hall Place and Gardens
Kent South-east Counties
Bourne Rd, Bexley, on A2 near junction 2 of M25 Tel. 0 1322 526 574 Open: house and visitor centre: April-Oct, daily, 10am-5pm; parkland and gardens, daily, year round, 9am-dusk Grade I listed house with Tudor great hall, minstrel gallery, decorative plaster ceilings, and long gallery; Grade II listed gardens; topiary, herb garden; Italianate garden; flower borders; walled garden; subtropical plant house; art exhibitions Shop; plant nursery; modern cafeteria; pub; visitor centre; special events; parking Web: Hall Place and Gardens
Hare Hill
Cheshire North-west Counties
Over Alderley, Macclesfield, off the B5087 Tel. 01625 584 412 Open: April-mid May and June-end Oct, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun, 10am-5pm; mid May-end May, daily, 10am-5pm; also open BH Mon National Trust property; woodland garden with azaleas, 70 varieties of rhododendrons; azaleas; hollies; hostas; walled garden with wire sculptures; parkland; car park
Harewood House and Garden
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Wetherby, on the A61 near Harrogate Tel. 0113 2181010 Open: daily, April-end Oct; house, noon-4pm, grounds and gardens, 10am-6pm; below stairs, 10.30am-4pm; bird garden, 10am-5.30pm; Nov, Dec, Feb, and early March, check website for full details Former home of Princess Mary and now home of Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin; Adams interior with plaster ceilings, furniture, portraits and family photos; Below Stairs exhibition; old kitchen with copperware collection; 1000 acres of parkland with terraced gardens; roses; walled gardens; lake; walks; aviary; three shops For more information see our article Historic Homes of South and West Yorkshire Web: Harewood House and Garden
Harlaxton Manor
Lincolnshire East Midlands
South-east of Harlaxton, 4 miles from Grantham Tel. 01476 403 000 Open: first Sun June and last in July, 11am-5pm Neo-Elizabethan house now a college; gardens on seven levels; conservatory; nature trail; ornamental water features
Harlow Carr RHS Garden
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Crag Lane, Harrogate Tel. 01423 565418 Open: daily, 9.30am-6pm or dusk Royal Horticultural Society garden; 58 acres; scented garden; winter garden; heather garden; displays; stream; woodland; arboretum; Museum of Gardening; National Collections; plant centre; shop; café; trial gardens Web: Royal Horticultural Society
Hatfield House Gardens
Hertfordshire Eastern Counties
Hatfield, on the A1 south-east of Hertford and north of the M25; south of the A414; Rail line (King's Cross from London) runs to Hatfield village, then short walk to the house and garden Tel. 0 1707 287 010 Open: house, April-end Sep, Wed-Sun, noon-5pm; park and stable yard shops, April-end Sep, Tue-Sun, BH, 11am-5.30pm; restaurant April-end Sep, Tue, Sun, BH, 10am-5pm; East Garden, April-end Sep, Wed only, 11am-5pm; West Garden, April-end Sep, Tue-Sun, BH, 10am-5pm; park farm, April-end Sep, Tue-Sun, BH, 10am-5.30pm (or dusk) 52 acres of 17th century gardens (restored Victorian times); knot garden; fountains; restaurant; shops; woodland walks; picnic area; play area; parking; special events For photos and more information on Hatfield House and its gardens see our articles Hatfield House and Hatfield House Gardens Web: Hatfield House Web: Stable Yard at Hatfield House
Haughley Park
Suffolk Eastern Counties
Four miles northwest of Stowmarket, signed off A14 Tel. 01359 240 701 Open: garden only, May-Sep, Tue, and last Sun in April and 1st Sun in May, 2-5:30pm; house (built 1620) visits by appointment Historic Houses Association member; six acres of gardens include woodland walks with 20 acres of bluebells; decorative plants; rhododendrons; weddings in the barn Web: Haughley Park
Helmingham Hall Gardens
Suffolk Eastern Counties
On the B1077, 5 miles south of Debenham Tel. 0 1473 890 799 Open: gardens only: May-mid Sep, Sun and Wed and BH Mon, 2-6pm Historic Houses Association member; Tudor hall in 400 acre deer park; moated garden; rose garden; herb and knot gardens; 13th century church with memorials; produce stall; tea-room; special events; car park Web: Helmingham Hall Gardens
Hergest Croft Gardens
Herefordshire West Midlands
Ridgebourne Rd, Kington Tel. 0 1544 230 160 Open: March, Sat and Sun, 12 noon–5.30pm; April-end Oct, daily 12 noon–5.30pm 50 acres; 4000 rare plants and shrubs; collection of rhododendrons and azaleas; woodland glades; hidden valley with oak wood and giant rhododendrons; azalea garden; flower borders; kitchen garden; old rockery; croquet lawn; yew hedges; Edwardian house in grounds; tea-room; shop; plant sales Web: Hergest Croft Gardens
Herstmonceux Castle
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Hailsham, East Sussex Tel. 0 1323 832 731 Open: grounds and garden, mid April-end Oct, 10am-6pm; last admission 5pm; closed two days in July and for special events; castle by guided tour only weekends, phone to book Moated 15th century brick castle in parkland; guided tours of interior; Elizabethan gardens and parkland; woodland trails; rhododendrons; rose and herb gardens; lakes; shop; visitor centre; science centre; tea-room; nature trail; children's play area; now owned by Queen’s university, Canada, and a study centre; bed and breakfast in dormitory out of school time; parking Web: Herstmonceux Castle
Hestercombe Gardens
Somerset South-west Counties
Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton Tel. 01823 413923 Open: year round, daily (except 25 Dec), 10am-6pm; last admission 5pm Historic Houses Association member; 50 acres of Grade I gardens include formal gardens by Sir Edwin Lutyens, an orangery, terraces, and pools; 40 acres of lakes and walks; tea-room; restaurant; shop Web: Hestercombe Gardens
Heveningham Hall
Suffolk Eastern Counties
Halfway between Heveningham and Walpole On minor road, 5 miles south-west of Halesworth, off the B1117 Tel. 01986 798 151 Open: phone to ask as times not given other than country fair (10am-6pm), which is one day per year in July Palladian house built in 1700s; park and lake created by ‘Capability’ Brown; walled garden; contemporary garden; orangery; country fair Web: Country Fair at Hevingham Hall
Hidcote Manor Garden
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Hidcote Bartrim, four miles north-east of Chipping Campden Tel. 0 1386 438 333 Open: garden: Nov-3rd week Dec, mid Feb-1st March, weekends, 11-am-4pm; 2nd March-Oct, daily, 10am-6pm; Oct, daily, 10am-5pm; shop, cafe etc open various times when gardens open National Trust property; 20th century garden created by Lawrence Johnston in Arts and Crafts style; garden rooms; herbaceous borders; rare trees and shrubs; shop; plant sales; parking; cafe; restaurant
High Beeches Garden
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
High Beeches Lane, Handcross One mile east of the A23, on the south side of the B2110 Tel: 01444 400 589 Open: mid March-end Oct, daily except Wed, 1-5pm Early 20th century 20-acre woodland garden; rare and unusual shrubs and trees; National Collection of Stewartia Trees; daffodils; bluebells; rare oak trees; wildflower meadow; special events; tea-room (tearoom open other months also) Web: High Beeches
Highham Hall College Gardens
Cumbria North-west Counties
Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth Tel. 0 17687 76276 Open: grounds are open site Four acres of informal Victorian gardens in adult education college grounds; pond; woodland walk; specimen trees; lawns; sunken rose garden; rhododendrons; parking
Hinton Ampner Garden
Hampshire South-east Counties
Bramdean, Alresford Off the A272, one mile west of Bramdean village, eight miles south-east of Winchester Tel. 01962 771 305 Open: House: mid March-end Oct, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun, noon-5pm; last entry to house 4.45pm; Garden/tea-room, and shop: mid-March-end Oct, Sat-Wed, 11am-5pm, last entry 4.30; also open first three weeks Dec, weekends, 11am-4pm National Trust property; house, remodeled in the 1900s, has collection of furniture, paintings, and objets d'art; 20th century gardens include topiary, sunken garden, long walk, and dell; shop; plant sales; parking; small tea-room
Hodnet Hall Gardens
Shropshire West Midlands
Hodnet, Market Drayton, on the A53 north of Shrewsbury Tel. 01630 685 786 Open: May- Sep, noon-5pm, specific dates only, phone or check website 60 acres of gardens; trees; woodland walks; pools; lakes; waterfalls; tea-room; plant sales; parking Web: Hodnet Hall Gardens
Hodsock Priory Gardens
Nottinghamshire East Midlands
Blyth, on the B6045 Tel. 01909 591 204 Open: Feb, daily, 10am-4pm Five acre garden on 800 acre farmed estate; woodland walks; winter borders; snowdrops a big feature; shop; tea-room; history room on the renovated priory; plant stall; parking Web: Hodsock Priory Gardens
Holdenby House, Gardens, and Falconry Centre
Northamptonshire East Midlands
Six miles northwest of Northampton Off the A428 or A5199 Tel. 01604 77074 Open: gardens and falconry centre, May-end Aug, Sun and BH Mon, 1-5pm; gardens only, Sun and BH Mon in April and Sep, 1-5pm; house open three days in the year only, noon-5pm, phone for appointment to view Historic Houses Association member; former palace of Charles I--kitchen, ballroom, library, dining room; piano room; 20 acre Grade I listed; walled kitchen garden; Victorian greenhouses; Elizabethan garden (restored); collection of silver leafed plants; 50 birds of prey on display Web: Holdenby House, Gardens, and Falconry Centre
Holehird Gardens
Cumbria North-west Counties
Patterdale Road, Windermere Tel. 0 15394 46008 Open: year round, daily, sunrise-sunset; house is a nursing home 10 acre garden; walled kitchen garden; rock garden; orchard; heathers and shrubs; national collection of astilbes, hydrangeas, and polystichum ferns; far reaching views across the lake and fells; parking Web: Holehird Gardens
Holker Hall and Gardens
Cumbria North-west Counties
Cark-in-Cartmel, 5 miles west of Grange-over-Sands Tel. 0 15395 58328 Open: April – end October, Sun – Fri; Hall 11am-4pm; Gardens 10.30am-4.30pm except until 5.30pm in July and August 25 acres of gardens with 17-19th century home set in large estate; English and Italianate features originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton; altered by Thomas Mawson in 1910; additions include arboretum, conservatory, low terraces by the house, and balustraded boundary; specimen trees and shrubs; limestone cascade; roses; azaleas; rhododendrons; spring bulbs; oldest monkey puzzle tree in England; deer park; wildflower meadow; craft and countryside museum; special events; parking Web: Holker Estate
Holme Crag Garden
Cumbria North-west Counties
Witherslack; from Grange follow B5277 to roundabout at Lindale; take narrow road straight ahead just to the right of Lindale Inn; go 1½ miles, turn right at the crossroads; garden is ½ mile on the right Tel. NA Open: daily, year round Originally over four acres of brambles, bracken and gorse now transformed into a haven for wildlife
Houghton Lodge and Gardens
Hampshire South-east Counties
Houghton, on minor road 1.5 miles south of Stockbridge (A30) Tel. 01264 810 502 Open: gardens and hydroponicum: March-end Oct, daily, 10am-5pm, except closed on Wed; house by appointment Historic Houses Association member; gardens beside the river Test; landscape is Grade II listed; greenhouses; herb garden; herbaceous borders; topiary; wild flowers; orchid collection; park and water meadows; house is 18th century cottage Ornee; weddings and receptions held Web: Houghton Lodge Garden
Hoveton Hall Gardens
Norfolk Eastern Counties
signed off A1151 1.5 miles north of Wroxham Tel. 0 1603 782 798 Open: April-mid Sep, Mon-Fri, Sun, 10.30am-5pm, last entry 4pm Historic Houses Association member; 15 acres; rhododendrons, azaleas; woodland walks; lake; kitchen, magnolia and walled gardens; arboretum; ice well; tea-room; plant sales; special events; Hall not open to public Web: Hoveton Hall Gardens
Howick Hall Gardens
Northumberland North-east Counties
Two miles north of Longhoughton, off the B1339, reached off the A1
Tel. 0 665 577 285
Open: April to end Sep, daily, 10.30am-6pm; Oct-end March, daily, 10.30am-5pm
House built 1782, gutted by fire, rebuilt; church in the grounds; gardens from 1920s; arboretum; woodland walks; parking; tea-room serving light snacks; no dogs
Web: Howick Hall Gardens
For full details and photos see our feature Howick Hall Gardens
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Ickworth House, Park and Garden
Suffolk Eastern Counties
Horringer, 3 miles south-west of Bury St Edmunds, on west side of A143 Tel. 0 1284 735 270 Open: Park: all year, 8am-8pm, daily; House: mid March-end Sep, Fri-Tue, 1-5pm; Oct, same days, 1-4.30pm; Garden: March-mid March, Fri-Tue, 11am-4pm; mid March-end Oct, daily, 10am-5pm National Trust property; eccentric house with central rotunda and curved corridors; east wing is now a hotel; west wing is conference and wedding facilities; state rooms; paintings; Georgian silver; Italianate garden; 1800 acres of parkland; woodland walks; deer; vineyard; Georgian summerhouse; church; canal; lake; shop; restaurant; parking
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Kelmarsh Hall
Northamptonshire East Midlands
Kelmarsh, near the A14/A508 junction Tel. 01604 686 543 Open: Gardens: April-end Sep, Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, 2-5pm; House: Thu only, 2-5pm; tea-rooms same as gardens; several extra open days--see website for full details 1700s Palladian style mansion; walled and informal gardens; sunken garden; parkland; tea-room; gallery; shop; parking Web: Kelmarsh Hall
Kew (Royal Botanic Gardens)
Surrey South-east Counties
Kew, on the A307/A205, 10km south-west London, on south bank of River Thames Best reached by public transport from London Tel. 020 8332 5655 Open: 9.30am daily, closing depends on time of year World Heritage site, 300 acres of gardens; Palm House; numerous conservatories; collections; walks; much more; shops; restaurants For photos and more details see our article Kew Royal Botanic Gardens Web: Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Four miles north-east of Chipping Campden Tel. 01386 438 777 Open: April, Aug, Sep, Sun, Mon, Wed, 2-6pm; May, June, July, Sat-Wed, noon-6pm Historic Houses Association member; interconnecting gardens; Mediterranean area; white sunken garden; roses; borders; water garden; summerhouse; bluebell wood; light lunches and teas in June and July; parking Web: Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Kingston Maurward Gardens
Dorset South-west Counties
Dorchester, eastern end A35 Dorchester bypass Tel. 01305 215 003 Open: year round, daily (except last week Dec-1st week Jan), 10am-5.30pm Gardens reflect Arts and Crafts style; garden rooms designed 1914 and enclosed with stone terraces, balustrading, steps, and yew hedges; animal park in grounds; children’s play area; shop; refreshments; picnic area For photos and full details see our article Kingston Maurward Gardens Web: Kingston Maurward Gardens
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Lamorran House Gardens
Cornwall South-west Counties
Upper Castle Rd, St Mawes, Cornwall Tel. 0 1326 270 800 Open: April-Sep, Wed, Fri and 1st Sat month, 10am-5pm 4.5 acre garden overlooking Falmouth Bay; designed in Italianate style; sub-tropical plant collection
Lamport Hall and Gardens
Northamptonshire East Midlands
10 miles north of Northampton, on the A5199 near Brixworth and Kelmarsh, between Rugby and Kettering off the A14 Tel. 0 1604 686 272 Open: by tour or non-guided; Easter-mid Oct, 2.15-5.15pm; check on website for open days which vary greatly Grade I listed house; furniture; china; books; paintings; library; lawns; rockery; Italian garden; alpine garden; herbaceous borders; shrubs; cockpit; tea-room for house visitors only; special events and fairs Web: Lamport Hall and Gardens
Larmer Tree Gardens
Wiltshire South-west Counties
Tollard Royal, Salisbury Tel. Events and Group Bookings: 0 1725 516 971; Office: 0 1725 516 225; Garden Info: 0 1725 516 228 (info phone) Open: Easter-end Sep; Sun-Thu, 11am-4.30pm; closed in July and some weeks in Sep Victorian gardens created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 as pleasure grounds for "public enlightenment and entertainment"; collection of ornate buildings; trees; arbours; woodland; rhododendrons; camellias; hydrangeas; music festival in July; tea-room (Wed, Sun, BH only); parking Web: Larmer Tree Gardens
Levens Hall
Cumbria North-west Counties
Five miles south of Kendal, off the A590/A6 Tel. 0 15395 60321 Open: April-first week Oct, Sun-Thu; gardens, shop and eatery from 10am-5pm, house from noon-4pm (last entry, closes at 4.30pm). Elizabethan house and Grade I listed building; furniture; paintings; plasterwork; famous yew topiary gardens; beech hedges; rose garden; fountain garden; herb garden; vegetable borders; orchard; steam engine collection; shop; plant centre; children’s play area; estate walks in the deer park Web: Levens Hall
Living Rainforest
Berkshire South-east Counties
Hampstead Norreys, near Newbury, north of the M4, off the B4009 Tel. 0 1635 202 444 Open: daily, 10am-5pm; closed 24-26 Dec Ecosystem experience of the rainforest with plants, animals, human needs, economies, and cultures explored in a living setting; shop; cafe; parking; for photos and more information see our article Living Rainforest Web: Living Rainforest
Loseley Park Gardens and House
Surrey South-east Counties
Stakescorner Rd, just south of Guilford Tel. 01483 304 440 Open: house, May-Aug, Tue-Thu, Sun and BH Mon, 1-5pm, by guided 45 minute tour only; grounds, garden, shop and tea-room, May-Sep, Tue-Sun and BH Mon, 11am-5pm; shop also open end Nov-two weeks Dec for Christmas shopping Historic Houses Association member; walled garden with over 1000 old-fashioned rose bushes; herb garden with over 200 herbs; flower garden with herbaceous plants and bulbs; lake; award winning rose garden; fountain garden; white garden with water feature; organic vegetable garden; wildflower meadow; house built in 1560s for Elizabeth I; great hall with panelling, minstrel's gallery, carvings by Grinling Gibbons, and collection of royal and family portraits; drawing room with gilded ceiling, furniture and fireplace; library; bedrooms on display; shop; farm shop; pre-ordered picnic baskets; tea-room; plant sales; events; parking Web: Loseley Park
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Cornwall South-west Counties
Pentewan, St Austell Tel. 01726 845 100 Open: year round, daily except 24/25 Dec; March-end Oct, 10am-6pm; Nov-end Feb, 10am-5pm Restored 19th century gardens and woodland; walled gardens; glasshouses; pleasure grounds; subtropical garden; tea-room; shop; plant sales; farm shop; parking Web: Lost Gardens of Heligan
Lullingstone Castle and World Garden of Plants
Kent South-east Counties
Eynsford, Kent Tel. 0 1322 862 114 Open: April-Oct, Fri, Sat and BH, garden from noon-5pm, house from 2pm; on Sun both from 2-6pm; Wed and Thu, guided groups (20) only Historic Houses Association member; Tom Hart Dyke’s two acre world garden of plants; 1497 manor house and gatehouse; 120 acres of grounds; 15 acre lake; ice house; Norman St Botolph's Parish Church with some of oldest stained glass windows in England; refreshments available at Lullingstone Park 10 min walk away
Lyveden New Bield
Northamptonshire East Midlands
Four miles south-west of Oundle by .5 mile footpath Tel. 01832 205 358 Open: mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; Aug, daily, 10.30am-5pm; Nov-mid March, Sat and Sun, 11am-4pm National Trust property; Incomplete Elizabethan lodge from 1605; moated garden; terracing; canals; orchard with apples and pears; 9 mile circular path through meadows, woodland and villages; small shop with snacks; parking
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Mannington Hall Gardens
Norfolk Eastern Counties
Signposted from Saxthorpe crossroads on Norwich-Holt road, B1149 Tel. 01263 584 175 Open: gardens only, May-Sep, Sun, 12-5pm; Jun-Aug, Wed-Fri, 11am-5pm; hall open by appointment only; grounds and park open year round, daily, 9am-dusk Historic Houses Association member; medieval moated manor house; heritage rose collection; knot garden; sensory garden; landscaped lakes; wildflowers around ruined chapel; wood walks across wet meadow to board hide; parking; tea-room open as garden Web: Mannington Hall Gardens
Manx Wildlife Trust Wildflower Garden
Isle of Man
Tynwald Mills Shopping Centre, St Johns
Tel. 0 1624 801 985
Open: year round, 9am-5pm
Native flora of the island
Marks Hall Garden
Essex Eastern Counties
Just north of Coggeshall, between B1024 and A120 Tel. 0 1376 563796 Open: Jan-end March, Fri-Sun, 10.30am-4.30pm; April-end Oct, Tue-Sun 10.30am-5pm; Nov-Dec, Fri-Sun, 10.30am-dusk Snowdrops, bluebells, spring blossoms; lakes; walled garden; walks; tea-room; shop; plant centre; picnic area For photos and more details see our article Mark’s Hall Estate and Gardens Web: Marks Hall
Mill Dene Garden
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
School Lane, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh Tel. 0 1386 700 457 Open: April-end Sep, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 10.30am–6pm, last entry 5pm; some open weekends, check website for exact dates each year English country garden in arts and crafts tradition; on the site of an ancient watermill; stream garden; roses; hydrangeas; fruit garden; potager; pond; borders; hollyhocks; daffodils; tulips; hyacinths; tulips; limited parking on site; tea-room; plant sales Web: Mill Dene Garden
Minterne House and Gardens
Dorset South-west Counties
Minterne Magna, Dorchester Tel. 01300 341 370 Open: gardens, daily March-end Oct, 10am-6pm; house for organized parties only Historic Houses Association member; home to Churchill and Digby families for 350 years; rebuilt 1905; 'Capability Brown' style landscaped valley; gardens; lakes; waterfalls; streams; unique rhododendron and azalea collection; rare trees; magnolia; spring bulbs; palms; parking; picnic area Web: Minterne House and Gardens
Misarden Park Gardens
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Six miles north-west of Cirencester, A417 or B4070 Tel. 01285 821 303 Open: April-end Sep, Tue-Thu, 10am-4.30pm Historic Houses Association member; 17th century manor house (not open); overlooks the Golden Valley; spring flowers; shrubs; topiary; lawns; large herbaceous borders; walled garden with parterre and roses; specimen trees; plant nursery; Web: Misarden Park Gardens
Mottisfont Abbey and Garden
Hampshire South-east Counties
Four miles north of Romsey, signed off A3057 Tel. 01794 340757 or 01794 341 220 (infoline) Open: house, March-end Oct, daily except Fri (open Fri in April, May and June), 11am-5pm; gardens open March-3rd week Dec, daily except closed Fri in March and May and July-end Oct, open weekends only in Nov and Dec, 11am-5pm except until 8pm in June and 4pm Nov and Dec; check website for exact dates National Trust property; set in river Test valley; 12th century Augustinian priory turned into a house; walled garden has National Collection of Old-fashioned roses (visit in June); drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler; collection of 20th century art; old dining room; shop, bookshop; plant sales; cafe; film about estate and rose garden; parking
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National Garden of the Herb Society
Northamptonshire East Midlands
Manor Rd, Sulgrave Manor, off the B4525 near Banbury Tel. 0 1295 760 205 (Sulgrave Manor) Open: April-Oct, Sat and Sun, noon-4pm; May-end Oct, Tue-Thu, 2-4pm; open different times during event days for Sulgrave Manor (see their website) In grounds of Sulgrave Manor; medicinal, domestic, and North American herbs; children’s garden Web: Herb Society and Sulgrave Manor
National Wildflower Centre
Merseyside/Liverpool North-west Counties
Court Hey Park, Roby Rd
Knowsley, Liverpool, L16 3NA
Tel. 0 151 738 1913
Open: Visitor Centre, March-end Sep, daily, 10am-5pm, lastentry 4pm; cafe open year round, March-end Sep, daily, 10am-5pm, Oct-end Feb, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm
Showcases wildflowers in natural environment; courtyards, walled garden with seasonal displays; special events; parking
Web: National Wildlife Centre
Ness Botanic Gardens
Cheshire North-west Counties
Ness, Neston South Wirral, CH64 4AY Tel: 0845 030 4063 Open: daily, Feb-end Oct, 10am-5pm, rest of year until 4.30 Herbaceous borders; Victorian style Potager with fruit trees and vegetables; Alpine House; waterfall, water gardens; largest UK collection of sorbus and most of 49 known species of birch; laburnum arch; collections of magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons; visitor centre; tea-room; plant sales; shop; parking For photos and more informations see our feature at Ness Botanic Gardens Web: Ness Botanic Gardens
Norton Priory and Gardens
Cheshire North-west Counties
Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn Tel. 0 1928 569 895 Open: Nov-March, daily, 12-4pm (walled garden closed); April-Oct, weekdays, 12-5pm, weekends 12-6pm; walled garden, 1.30-4.30pm Ruined 12th century priory and undercroft; excavated objects on display; 16 acres of gardens; 1700s walled garden recreated with roses, fruit and vegetable garden; woodland gardens; wildflower meadow; ice house; sculpture trail; parking Web: Norton Priory and Gardens
Nymans Garden
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, on the B2114 Tel. 01444 405 250 Open: garden/shop/restaurant, Feb-mid March and Nov-end Jan, Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm; mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm. house, mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 11am-4pm National Trust property; burned out mansion set in 20th century gardens with rare plant collection; restored sunken rose garden; arboretum; 275 acres of woodland including walks and lake; house with ground floor rooms reflecting family's use; restaurant; shop; parking; audio guide; special events; plant centre
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Painshill Park
Surrey South-east Counties
Portsmouth Road, A245, Cobham Tel. 01932 868 113 Open: year round daily; March-Oct, 10.30am-6pm; Nov-March, 10.30am-4pm Considered one of England’s finest 18th century landscape gardens; 158 acres; circular walk; follies; 14-acre lake; waterwheel; Gothic temple; Turkish tent; crystal grotto; Chinese bridge; ruined abbey; vineyard; shop; tea-room; parking; special events; weddings Web: Painshill Park
Palm House
Merseyside/Liverpool North-west Counties
Sefton Park, Liverpool, off B5342
Tel. 0 151 726 2415
Open: daily, year round, 10.30am-4pm; sometimes closed for private functions so check website
Grade II listed Victorian glasshouse with plant collection
Web: Palm House
Pashley Manor Gardens
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Ticehurst, East Sussex On the B2099 between A21 and Ticehurst village, south of Tunbridge Wells Tel. 01580 200 888 Open: April-end Sep, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat and BH Mon, 11am-5pm; Oct, garden only Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm (café and shop closed) Historic Houses Association member; winner of Christie’s/Historic Houses Association Garden of the Year award; English style garden with landscaping, old trees, ponds, fountains, daffodils, bluebells, wisteria, sweet peas, dahlias, and roses; special events include rose weekend in June; Grade I listed timber- framed house not open to public; shop; café Web: Pashley Manor Gardens
Pavilion Gardens
Derbyshire East Midlands
St John’s Rd, Buxton Tel. 0 1298 23114 Open: 9.30am-5pm summer months, until 4pm spring and autumn, until 3pm in winter; open evenings when special events are on Gardens originally dating from 1871; glass pavilion; conservatory; lawns, trees, play area, walks; miniature train; bandstand with weekend performances; views; fairs; events; café; shop includes local artists’ crafts and art work; art centre performance area; pay parking Web: Pavillion Gardens
Peckover House and Garden
Cambridgeshire Eastern Counties
Wisbech, on the north bank of river Nene Tel/Fax: 01945 583 463 Open: mid March-end Oct, Sat-Wed; garden, 12:30-5:30pm; house 1-4.30pm; also open BH Mons, noon-5pm and rose fair in July National Trust property; 1722 townhouse of Quaker banking family; three floors on show; plaster and wood rococo decoration; two acre garden; Victorian walled garden; conservatory; Victorian fernery; orangery; hardy palms; summerhouse; daffodils and tulips in spring; roses in summer; herbaceous borders; 17th century thatched barn; Georgian stables; shop; tea-room; plant sales
Penjerrick Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Budock, Falmouth Tel. 0 1872 870 105 Open: March-end Sep, Wed, Fri, Sun, 1.30-4.30pm 10 acre garden created in 19th century by Fox family; rhododendrons, tree ferns, magnolias, camellias, trees; wooden bridge; wilder sub-tropical valley with ponds and bamboo; parking
Peover Hall
Cheshire North-west Counties
Over Peover, Knutsford Tel. 01565 632 358 Open: May-Aug; stables and gardens, Mon and Thu (except BH Mon) 2-5pm; Hall, Mon and Thu, tours at 2.30pm and 3.30pm Historic Houses Association member; 1585 brick Elizabethan house; Jacobean stables; chapel; topiary garden; walled garden; 18th century landscaped park
Physic Garden
Hampshire South-east Counties
16 The High Street, Petersfield Tel. 01730 269 060 Open: times not given One quarter acre garden set in ancient walled burgage plot; planted in a style of John Goodyer, 17th century Petersfield botanist; herb beds in formal geometric pattern; knot garden; topiary walk; orchard area; wild flowers; rose bower; sundial; terracotta urns; paths wheelchair friendly
Poppy Cottage Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Ruan Hill Lanes, Truro Tel. 0 1872 501 411 Open: March-Sep, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun and BH, 2-5.30pm; also by appointment and National Garden scheme days in July Plantsman’s garden Web: Poppy Cottage Garden
Prior Park Landscape Garden
Somerset South-west Counties
Ralph Allen Drive, Bath Tel. 01225 833 422 Open: March-end Oct, Wed-Mon, 11am-5.30pm; Nov-end Jan, Sat-Sun, 11am-dusk National Trust property; 18th century garden; bridge; lakes; cascade; walks; views of Bath; mansion is a school and not NT; parking not allowed, must use public transport to reach
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Raveningham Gardens
Norfolk Eastern Counties
Raveningham, near Norwich, off the A146 Tel. 01508 548 152 Open: garden: Feb, for snowdrop days (phone to check dates); Easter-end Aug, Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm, BH Sun and Mon, 2-5pm; house: by guided tour Historic Houses Association member; herbaceous borders, 18th century walled kitchen garden; Victorian conservatory; herb garden; orchard; arboretum; lake; garden sculptures; Edwardian rose garden; 14th century church; teas on Sun and BH Mon only Web: Raveningham Gardens
Renishaw Hall and Gardens
Derbyshire East Midlands
Renishaw, near Sheffield Tel. 01246 432 310 Open: house by appointment only; gardens: April-end Sep, Thu-Sun and BH, 10.30am-4.30pm, last admission 4pm Historic Houses Association Garden of the Year for 2015; 300-acre park; eight acres of Italianate gardens divided into rooms by yew hedges; collection of plants; bluebell fortnight; magnolias; rhododendrons; laburnum tunnel; over a thousand roses in June; July and August have colour themed herbaceous borders; children's garden with educational trails, horticulture, story telling; house has art and historical treasures including Italian furniture and Brussels tapestries; museum tells story of the family, the Sitwells; café; parking fee charged Web: Renishaw Hall and Gardens
RHS Garden Wisley
Surrey South-east Counties
Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB Tel: 0845 260 9000 Open: March-Oct, Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat and Sun, 9am-6pm ; Nov-Feb, closes 4.30pm Garden; glasshouse with 5000 different types of plants; butterfly glasshouse; plant centre, shop; restaurant and café; library
Ripley Castle
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Ripley Tel. 0 1423 770 152 Open: gardens, daily, year round, 9am-5pm except 4.30pm in winter; castle open Easter-end Oct, 10am-5pm, daily except Nov and March on Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun; Dec-Feb, Sat and Sun only; one hour guided tours start 10am and go every hour till 3pm and take 1hr and 15min Historic Houses Association member; hall and two tower rooms on show by guided tour; collection of medieval armour; library; dining room; drawing room; paintings; china collections; walled garden; deer park; lake; woodland walks; kitchen garden; National Hyacinth collection; tea-room; shop; parking For more information see our article Historic Homes of North Yorkshire Web: Ripley Castle
Rode Hall Gardens
Cheshire North-west Counties
Church Lane, Scholar Green, 5 miles south-west of Congleton Tel. 01270 873 237 Open: April-end Sep, Wed and BH; garden, Tue-Thu, 2-5pm; snowdrop walk in Feb, Tue-Sun, noon-4pm; house, April-Sep, Wed and BH, 2-5pm Historic Houses Association member; 18th century brick house; furniture by Gillow; 18th century porcelain; family portraits; park; lake; woodland garden; rock garden; grotto; rose garden; walled kitchen garden; tea-room; plant sales Web: Rode Hall
Rosemoor Garden
Devon South-west Counties
Great Torrington Tel. 01805 624 067 Email: Rosemoor Garden Open: April-Sep, daily, 10am-6pm; Oct-March, daily, 10am-5pm Royal Horticultural Society garden; 65 acres of gardens and grounds; formal garden; herbaceous borders; herb and cottage gardens; fruit and vegetable garden; rose garden; plantsman's garden; winter garden; stream; shop; restaurant; plant centre; parking Web: Rosemoor Garden
Rousham House and Garden
Oxfordshire South-east Counties
Near Steeple Aston, Bicester Tel. 01869 347 110 Open: garden, daily year round, 10am-4.30pm; house, by appointment only, May-end Sep, Sun and BH, 2-4.30pm Almost unaltered garden from the early 1700s; designed by William Kent; 1635 house; wall garden; parterre; pigeon house; apple trees; parking
Royal National Rose Society Gardens
Hertfordshire Eastern Counties
Chiswell Green, 2 miles south of St Albans and ½ mile west of B4630 Tel. 0 1727 850 461 Open: first week June-end July, daily, 10am-5pm Royal National Rose Society collection with 1800 different varieties and 30,000 plants; thousands of roses old and new in 12 acre garden; highlights include: rose collection, showing the history of the rose; roses in a garden setting showing different styles of planting; series of small model gardens for growing roses in small spaces; Queen Mother garden; cultivar trials; use of other plants which associate well with roses; tea-room Web: Garden of the Rose
Rydal Hall Gardens
Cumbria North-west Counties
Rydal, on the A591 Tel. 0 1539 432 050 Open: gardens and grounds May-end Oct, daily; Jan-April weekends; house not open to public except as accommodation; tea-room, year round, daily except 25 Dec, 10am-5pm (may close earlier in winter months) Tea-room; barn; campsite for organized groups; special events; parking Web: Rydal Hall
Ryton Organic Gardens
Warwickshire West Midlands
Ryton, five miles south-east of Coventry Tel. 024 7630 3517 Open: daily, 9am-5pm UK’s national organic gardening centre; 10 acres with 30 different gardens; interactive visitor centre; restaurant; garden supply shop; organic gardening courses; organic restaurant; organic shop; parking Web: Ryton Organic Gardens
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Saint Hill Manor Gardens
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
East Grinstead, West Sussex
Tel. 0 1342 326 711
Open: year round, daily, afternoon tours, 2-5pm on the hour; closed 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan
59 acres of landscaped gardens, woodland, waterfall, and lake; walks in grounds; 18th century sandstone building; marble fireplaces and floors; original woodwork; mural painted by Churchill’s nephew on wall of “monkey room”; weddings; conferences; parking; free admission
Web: Saint Hill Manor
Savill Garden
Greater London
Windsor Great Park, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, 4 miles from Windsor Castle Tel. 01784 435544 Open: March-end Oct, daily, 10am-6pm; Nov-end Feb, daily, 10am-4.30pm 35 acre ornamental garden created by Sir Eric Savill in 1930s; contemporary and classical gardens; woodland with oak, beech and sweet chestnut trees; azaleas; gardens for each season; restaurant; shop; parking (fee charged)
Scotney Castle Garden and Estate
Kent South-east Counties
One mile south of Lamberhurst village, near Tunbridge Wells Tel. 01892 893 820 (infoline) Open: garden and shop: first week March, Sat and Sun, 11am-4.30pm; mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 11am-5.30pm; Nov-3rd week Dec, Sat and Sun, 11am-4pm; house, mid March-end Oct, Wed-sun, 11am-5pm; estate walks, daily, year round National Trust property; Victorian country house; 14th century castle ruins with garden designed around them; woodland walks; parkland; hop farm; rhododendrons and azaleas; wisteria and roses; shop; plant sales; parking; light refreshments in walled garden
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Church Lane, Sewerby, 2 miles north of Bridlington Tel. 01262 673 769 Open: estate, daily, dawn-dusk; gardens, mid March-end Sep, daily, 10am-5pm; walled garden, mid March-end Sep, daily, 9.30am-8pm, 10am-3pm in winter; house, daily, year round, 10am-5pm Grade I listed Georgian house has art gallery in period rooms; 50 acres of parkland; old English walled garden; formal gardens; summerhouse; box and yew hedges, topiary; 19th century orangery; sensory garden; woodlands; tea-room; zoo; shop; special events; car park
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield Tel. 0114 268 6001 Open: winter, Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm, Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm; closed Christmas day; summer, Mon-Fri, 8am-dusk/7.45pm; Sat and Sun, 10am-7.45pm/dusk Founded in 1833 and opened in 1836; designed by Robert Marnock in the gardenesque style; Grade 2 listed glass pavilions with temperate plant collection from around the world; restaurant, tea-room; shop; free admission Web: Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Park Garden
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Sheffield Park, between East Grinstead and Lewes, East Sussex Tel. 01825 790 231 Open: Jan-Feb, weekends only, 10.30am-4pm; March-April, June-end Sep, Tue-Sun, 10.30am-5.30pm; May and Oct, daily, 10.30am-5.30pm; Nov-end Dec, Tue-Sun, 10.30am-4pm National Trust property; informal landscape garden by 'Capability Brown'; 120 acres with four lakes; snowdrops, bluebells, daffodils, rhododendrons, azaleas; rare trees, and shrubs; events; shop; plant sales; tea-room (not NT); parking
Sheffield Winter Garden and Peace Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Surrey St, City centre, Sheffield Tel. 0114 273 6895 Open: Winter Garden, daily, 8am-6pm; closed Christmas Day; Peace Gardens, daily, open site Winter garden is largest temperate glasshouse in any European city centre; more than 2500 exotic plants from around the globe; free admission; café; art and craft shop; plant shop. Peace Gardens are public square, once the churchyard of St Paul's, next to Winter garden; fountains, water features; lawns
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Hampshire South-east Counties
Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey Tel. 0 1794 368 787 Open: daily, 10.30am-6pm or dusk 180 acres of landscaped grounds and woodlands; 40,000 plants with 12,000 different types; trees; lake; herbaceous borders; winter garden; heather garden; bog garden and much more For full details and photos of the garden see our article Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Web: Hillier Gardens
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Kent South-east Counties
Sissinghurst, 2 miles north-east of Cranbrook, on the A262 Tel. 01580 710 701 (infoline) Open: by timed ticket only; garden, mid March-end Oct, Fri-Tue, 11am-6.30pm; library and study of house, mid March-end Oct, Fri-Tue, 11am-5pm; vegetable garden, May-Sep, noon-4pm; shop, restaurant, coffee shop, plant sales open various times, check NT website for full details National Trust property; garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson as series of separate gardens within larger garden around surviving parts of Elizabethan mansion; garden themes include white garden, rose garden, and herb garden; garden tours and bat watch events throughout season; shop, plant sales, restaurant; parking; coffee shop near car park For further details and to view our photos go to Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sizergh Castle Gardens
Cumbria North-west Counties
Sizergh, Nr Kendal Tel. 0 1539 560 070 Open: house, (by guided tour only at noon, free flow from 1pm)mid March-end Oct, Sun-Thu, noon–5pm; garden, café, shop and estate: mid March-end Oct, Sun-Thu, 11am-5pm; shop, estate, and cafe: also open Nov-3rd week Dec, Fri-Sun, 11am-4pm; Christmas week daily, 11am4pm; Jan-mid March, weekends, 11am-4pm National Trust property; 14 acre garden with large limestone rock garden; hardy ferns; rose garden; wildflowers; water gardens; bulbs; herbaceous borders; part of the National collection of Hardy Ferns; walks through ancient woodlands; butterfly loving pastures; views over the fells; medieval house extended in Elizabethan times; tea-room; shop; parking
Spetchley Park Gardens
Worcestershire West Midlands
Three miles east of Worcester, off A44 signed to Evesham Tel. 0 1905 345106 Open: garden-third week March-end Sep, Wed-Sun and BH Mon,11am-6pm; Oct, Sat and Sun, 11am-4pm; last admission one hour before closing; deer park same hours as garden except closed in June; house not open Old Laundry tea-room serves light lunches and afternoon teas; picnic area; car park; guided tours by prior arrangement 30 acre garden; collection of shrubs, trees, and plants; primrose, crocus and daffodils in spring; magnolias; olive trees; roses; herbaceous borders; woodland; tea-room; parking Web: Spetchley Park Gardens
St Pauls Walden Bury
Hertfordshire Eastern Counties
Whitwell, Hitchin, on the B651, 5 miles south of Hitchin and just west of the A1 Tel. 0 1438 871 218 Open: Sundays in April, May and June, 2-7pm; other times by appointment; phone for exact dates Grade I listed landscape garden of 1730; childhood home of the Queen Mother; 60 acre woodland garden; lakes, ponds; temples; statues; spring bulbs; rhododendrons, magnolias; bluebells and other wildflowers; parking Web: St Pauls Walden Bury Garden
Stagshaw Garden
Cumbria North-west Counties
Ambleside Tel. 015394 46027 Open: daily, dawn to dusk National Trust property; steep woodland garden; flowering shrubs include rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias; Skelghyll Woods, by the garden, has walks through to the fells beyond; limited parking
Stanway House, Garden and Fountain
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Stanway, Cheltenham, off the B4077 Tel. 0 1386 584 469 Open: house and gardens, June, July and Aug, Tue and Thu, 2-5pm Cotswold stone Jacobean manor house with antique furniture; church; tithe barn; specimen trees; 18th century water garden; parkland; woodland; canal, cascade, 8 ponds; 300 foot high gravity fountain; herbaceous borders Web: Stanway House, Garden, and Fountain
Stourhead House and Gardens
Wiltshire South-west Counties
Stourton, near Warminster Tel. 01747 841 152 Open: check NT website for full details National Trust property; famous 18th century landscape gardens (1741-1780)and Palladian mansion; lake; classical temple and follies; exotic trees; vistas; paths; countryside walks; house has Chippendale furniture collection, paintings, library; exhibtion area; special events; shop; restaurant; parking
Stowe Landscape Gardens
Buckinghamshire South-east Counties
3 miles north of Buckingham, on minor road off the A422, via Stowe Avenue Tel. 01280 822 850 for gardens; 01280 818 166 for house (school) Open: gardens: Nov-end Feb, Sat and Sun, 10.30am-4pm; March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; shop and tea-room open same days as gardens, but different hours; parkland, open year round, daily, dawn-dusk National Trust property (except for house, which is a school, in the grounds); Georgian landscape gardens; over 40 temples and monuments; 250 acre deer park; 750 acres of parkland; walks and trails; shop; tea-room; picnic area; parking
Studley Royal Water Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Next to Fountains Abbey, off the B6265, four miles west of Ripon Tel. 01765 608 888 Open: March-end Oct, daily, 10am-5pm; Nov-end Jan, Sat-Thu,, 10am-4pm; restaurant same as gardens but also open Feb-end April; church, April-end Sep, daily, noon-4pm; deer park, daily, year round, dawn-dusk National Trust property; World Heritage Site; Georgian water garden; medieval deer park; series of lakes, ponds, and water cascades; views; follies; four architectural buildings in large grounds; St Mary’s Church (English Heritage) built by William Burges; parking; shop; tea-room
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Tyne and Wear (Tyneside) North-east Counties
Burdon Rd, Sunderland Tel. 0191 553 2323 Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 2pm-5pm Interactive displays about Sunderland from prehistoric to the present; art gallery has Victorian paintings and artefacts; winter Gardens exhibit 1500 flowers and plants
Swiss Garden (Shuttleworth)
Bedfordshire Eastern Counties
Swiss Garden Biggleswade Road, Old Warden Signposted from A1 Biggleswade roundabout, southeast of Bedford Tel. 01767 627 443 Open: March-Sep, Sun and BH, 10am-6pm, weekdays; Sat, 1-6pm; Jan, Feb, Oct, Sun, 11am-3pm Early 1800s gardens with formal walks and vistas, thatched buildings, woodland glades, grotto, trees, ponds, bridge; parking; cafe; shop For photos and more information see our article Swiss Garden
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Tegrehan Woodland Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Tegrehan Tel. 0 1726 812 438 Open: mid March-mid June, Wed-Sun, 10.30-5pm; mid June-end Aug, Wed, 2-5pm; closed Easter Sun and BH Mons Woodland garden created from early 19th century; warm temperate region plants; 1846 glasshouse range in formal walled garden
Thorn House Garden
Devon South-west Counties
Wembury, Plymouth Devon, PL9 0EQ Tel. 0 1752 862 494 Open: by pre-arrangement for groups of at least 6 people; email at Thorn House; can also be booked for weddings Nine acre garden, restored; botanical collection from plant hunting days with specimens from China, Asia, Australia and South America; six champion trees in arboretum; formal Italianate garden; central terrace; formal walk; statuary; views Web: Thorn House
Throckmorton Family Gardens
Warwickshire West Midlands
Coughton Court, two miles north of Alcester Tel. 0 1789 762 435 (visitor information) Open: garden, by timed ticket on busy days; mid March-end June and Sep, Wed-Sun, 11am-5.30pm; July and Aug, also open on Tue; Oct, same time, weekends only; house open same as garden but until 5pm Coughton Court is a National Trust historic house; the gardens are a separate attraction, first developed in 1991; 1.5 acre walled gardens--one is the rose labyrinth given Award of Garden Excellence by the World Federation of Rose Societies; daffodils in spring; two sunken gardens; lakeside and bog gardens; formal garden; early summer garden; courtyard garden based on Elizabethan design; woodland walks; plant sales; National Trust shop and restaurant; parking Web: Coughton Court
Tintinhull Garden
Somerset South-west Counties
Farm St, Tintinhull, Yeovil Tel. 0 1935 823 289 Open: mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm or dusk whichever is earlier; open BH Mon National Trust property; 20th century garden created around 17th century manor house (holiday let); secluded lawns; pools; colourful borders; kitchen garden; woodland walk; orchard; geese; village exhibition; bird feeding area; tea-room serving cream teas; parking
Toddington Manor Gardens
Bedfordshire Eastern Counties
Near the village of Toddington, Bedfordshire Off the M1/A5120 junction 12, or from A4012 or A5 between Milton Keynes and Luton Tel. 0 1525 872 576 Open: garden and grounds only, May-July, Mon, Tue, Wed, 1-5pm; also open for gardening workshops posted on website Ten acres of herbaceous plants, roses, peonies, and delphiniums; vintage tractor collection; woods and lakes Web: Toddington Manor
Trebah Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth Tel. 01326 250 448 Open: year round, daily, 10.30am-6.30pm with last entry 5pm Begun as a pleasure garden in 1800s; 25 acre ravine garden leads down to beach on Helford river; visitor centre; hydrangeas; palms; bamboo; rhododendrons, camellias, bluebells and more; pools; stream; woodland; café; gallery; shop; garden shop; plant sales; special events; parking Web: Trebah Garden
Trelissick Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Feock, near Truro Tel. 01872 862 090 Open: house not open; garden: Feb-end Oct, daily, 10.30am-5.30pm; Nov-3rd week Dec and Jan, daily, 11am-4pm; woodland walks, year round, daily National Trust property; 30 acre maritime garden on wooded peninsula; tender and exotic plants; views to the sea; Georgian stable block; shop; gallery; restaurant; woodland walks
Trelowarren Gardens and Woodland
Cornwall South-west Counties
Trelowarren, Helston Tel. 0 1326 221 224 Open: April-Sep, daily, 11am-5pm Estate of 1000 acres of pasture and woodland; 12 acres of garden with first garden of the manor house planted 1428; mid 18th century pleasure grounds; a green self-catering/time-share establishment; neolithic chamber and Victorian folly in grounds; restaurant (two AA rosettes); exhibition and retail space for Cornwall crafts; parking Web: Trelowarren
Trengwainton Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Madron, near Penzance Tel. 01736 363 148 Open: 2nd week Feb-end Oct, Sun-Thu, 10.30am-5pm National Trust property; stream runs through garden; terrace; summerhouses; views; walled gardens with rare species; kitchen garden; tea-room; shop; plant sales; parking
Trentham Gardens
Staffordshire West Midlands
Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke on Trent Tel. 0 1782 646 646 Open: daily; times vary, check website for details; closed 25 Dec 725 acre country estate; formal gardens; fountains; woodland; parkland; large lake with waterfowl and swans; adventure playground; Monkey Forest (free roaming Barbary macaques); cafe; parking; shopping village with places to eat; garden centre; special events Web: Trentham Estate
Trewidden Garden
Cornwall South-west Counties
Buryas Bridge, Penzance Signposted from A30 Tel. 0 1736 363 021 Open: mid Feb-end Sep, Wed-Sun, 10.30am-5.30pm; July and Aug, open daily same times Tree ferns in ancient tin workings; woodland; garden paths with camellias, magnolias, rhododendron, exotics and water features; walled garden; pond garden; parking; plant sales; drinks and ice cream Web: Trewidden Gardens
Trewithen Gardens
Cornwall South-west Counties
Grampound Road, Truro Tel. 01726 883 647 Open: gardens: March-end Sep, 10am-4.30pm, Mon-Sat; March-May, on Sun also; walled garden only open on Mon and Tue in June and two days in July; house: April-end July, Mon and Tue, 2-4pm Historic Houses Association member; 1715 house; furniture and paintings; great saloon; rose garden; 24 champion trees; shrubs; wildflower meadow; woods; fern collection; magnolias; fountain; plant nursery; tea-room; parking Web: Trewithen Gardens
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University of Oxford Botanic Gardens
Oxfordshire South-east Counties
Rose Lane, east end of High St, Oxford Tel. 0 1865 286 690 Open: March-April, Sep-Oct, 9am-5pm; May-Aug, 9am-6pm; Nov-Feb, 9am-4.30pm Glasshouses with plants from around the world: alpine house; lily house; bog plants; palm house; arid house; 8400 species of ferns; walled garden; shop; Harcourt Arboretum, on A4074, 6 miles south of Oxford is part of Oxford Botanic Gardens and is home to azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese maples, 10 acre woodland, and wildflower meadow Web: University Botanic Gardens
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Valley Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Between Cornwall Rd and Valley Drive, Harrogate Tel. 0 1423 500 600 Open: open site 17 acre English Heritage Grade II listed gardens, woodland and mineral springs; band concerts on Sunday afternoons in summer; historical buildings: Sun Pavilion and Colonnades; cafe
Van Kampen Gardens at Hampton Court Castle
Herefordshire West Midlands
Hampton Court, Hope-under-Dinmore Leominster, on the A417, just off the A49 Tel. 0 1568 797 676, ext 200 Open: mid April-end Oct, Tue-Sun and BH Mon, also daily in Aug, 11am-5pm except until 7pm most Sat and Sun June-Aug; public castle tours Tue, Wed, and Thu Mix of styles of various centuries; follies; parterres; portagers; 18th century parkland; Victorian walled gardens; maze; sunken garden with waterfalls and a hermitage; water gardens with pavilions, shrub and herbaceous borders; rose garden; garden shop; restaurant; special events; castle is late medieval Web: Van Kampden Gardens
Ventor Botanic Garden
Isle of Wight South-east Counties
Undercliff Dr, Ventor, off the A3055 Tel. 0983 855 397 Open: daily, year round; Temperate House: Easter-end Oct, 10am-5pm; Nov-3rd week Dec, Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm, Tue-Thu, 10am-3pm; Jan-Feb, Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm 22 acre garden and temperate house; visitor centre with exhibition; European; African, and South American plants; parking fee charged; shop; tea-room
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Wakehurst Place
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
1.5 miles north of Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex Tel. 01444 894 066 (infoline) Open: March-end Oct, daily, 10am-6pm; Nov-end Jan, daily, 10am-4.30pm; restaurant, daily, year round; closed 24/25 Dec National Trust members have free entry; Visitor Centre; 300 acre garden and grounds is extension of Royal Botanic Garden (Kew); plants from around the world; water garden; rock garden; walled garden; woodland; lakes; ponds; four National Collections; millennium seed bank exhibition; collection of exotic shrubs and trees; bluebells weekends; special events; parking; restaurant with home cooked dishes; cafe; shop; plant sales; two rooms in mansion on grounds open to visitors
Waterperry Ornamental Gardens
Oxfordshire South-east Counties
Near Wheatley, OX33 1JZ Tel. office: 01844 339 254; garden shop: 01844 339 226 Open: garden and garden shop: March-Oct, 10am-5.30pm, Nov-Feb, 10am-5pm; check website for teashop and gallery hours; museum, Tue-Sun, 2-5pm and BH Mon Founded more than 70 years ago as School of Horticulture for Ladies; over three hectares of ornamental landscaped gardens; trees, shrubs, and flowers; classical borders; modern planting; secret corners; long vistas; formal gardens; rose garden; water lily canal; long colour border; arboretum; meadow; NCCPG National collection of Kabschia Saxifrages; Museum of Rural Life; tea-room; plant centre; garden shop; gallery shop; historic parish church of St Mary the Virgin Web: Waterperry Ornamental Gardens
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Lowe Lane, Stainborough, west of Barnsley Tel. 0 1226 776 040 Open: April-Sep, 10am-5pm; Oct-March, 10am-4pm Grade I listed gardens; 500 acres of historic parkland; 300 years old; 26 listed buildings and monuments; National Collection of magnolias, rhododendrons, and williamsii camellias; woodland walks; viewing platform at top of castle folly 600 feet above sea level; 100,000 bulbs; cafe; parking; special events Web: Wentworth Castle
West Dean Gardens
East and West Sussex South-east Counties
Six miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, on A286 Tel. 0 1243 818 210 Open: March-end Oct, daily, 10.30am-5pm; Nov-end Feb, daily, 10.30am-4pm; closed Christmas holidays In the grounds of the West Dean Arts College in the South Downs area; restored walled kitchen garden with Victorian glasshouses has exotic flowers and 200 varieties of fruit trees and vegetables that include orchids, melons, tomatoes, and much more; summerhouses; rare trees and shrubs; ornamental borders; pond; sunken garden; wildflowers; national collections of tulip trees and horse chestnut trees; 300 ft long Edwardian pergola designed by Harold Peto; 2.25 mile walk through 49 acre St Roche arboretum with estate views; visitor centre built of local flint and brick with restaurant and shop; Sussex Barn gallery in the grounds; parking; special events Web: West Dean Gardens
West Wycombe Park
Buckinghamshire South-east Counties
West Wycombe, at west end of village Tel. 01494 513 569 or 01494 755 571 (infoline) Open: house and grounds: June-end Aug, Sun-Thu, 2-6pm; grounds only: April and May, 2-6pm, Sun-Thu National Trust property; perfectly preserved rococo landscape garden; circular walks; neo-classical mansion, created in mid 18th century by Sir Francis Dashwood; exerior of house in Italianate style; interior with Palmyrene ceilings and decoration; pictures, furniture, sculpture of 18th century; parking
Westbury Court Garden
Gloucestershire South-west Counties
Westbury-on-Severn, on the A48 Tel. 01452 760 461 Open: mid March-end June and Sep-Oct, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm; July and Aug, daily, 10am-5pm National Trust property; formal Dutch water garden dates from late 17th century, now restored; canals, hedges; 17th century vegetable plots; old varieties of fruit trees; parking
Weston Park
Shropshire West Midlands
Weston-under-Lizard, near Shifnal Tel. 01952 852 100 Open: gardens: daily from last week May-first weekend Sep, in Aug except one week--check website for exact dates each year, 10.30am-6pm, last admission 4.30pm; house, Sun-Fri, 1-5pm, last admission 4.30pm; park 11am-6.30pm, last admission 5pm Historic Houses Association member; built in 1651; collection of tapestries, fine art, and porcelain; 1000 acres of parkland, woodland, and grounds landscaped by Capability Brown; formal terraces; sunken Italian garden; Victorian orangery; rose walk; pleasure grounds; church; 1770 bridge; pool; restaurant and coffee bar; shop; special events; adventure playground; parking Web: Weston Park
Winderwath Garden
Cumbria North-west Counties
Temple Sowerby, Penrith, CA10 2AW Tel. 0 1768 88250 Open: year round, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 9am-noon 4.5 acre plantsman's rock theme garden with alpine, New Zealand and Himalayan plants, including Himalayan poppy; rare alpines; unusual and specimen trees including a Wellingtonia and cut leaf beech; picnic area; pond; parking
Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Shropshire West Midlands
Wollerton, near Market Drayton Tel. 0 1630 685 760 Open: Good Fri-end Sep, Fri, Sun and BH, noon-5pm; winter walk in Feb, 10am-4pm, phone for exact date 16th century house (not open to public) with four acre plantsman’s garden from 1984; emphasis on perennials; tea-room; plant nursery Web: Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Wortley Hall Gardens
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Wortley Hall, Wortley, 11 miles north-west of Sheffield Tel. 0114 288 2100 Open: March-end Oct, 9.30am- 4pm 26 acres of gardens dating from 17-18th centuries; 11 acres in Italianate style are formal; 15 acres of pleasure grounds; herbaceous perennials; old English roses; lavender walk; sunken garden of dwarf azaleas and rhododendrons; giant redwoods, Bhutan pines, yews, cedar, and specimen beech and oak including a 500 year old hollow Sessile oak; collections of holly, walnut and sorbus; views through the vale of Worsborough; snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells; small ornamental lake; old ice house; old kitchen garden grows organic fruit and vegetables sold in local farmers’ markets and also used in the Hall’s restaurant—hall is now a hotel; free admission; special events Web: Wortley Hall Gardens
Wrest Park House and Gardens
Bedfordshire Eastern Counties
3/4 mile east of Silsoe, off the A6, 10 miles south of Bedford Tel. 01525 860 152 Open: April-end Sep, daily, 10am-6pm; Oct, daily, 10am-5pm; Nov-mid Feb and March, Sat and Sun, 10am-4pm, rest of Feb varies—check website for exact details English Heritage property; gardens, developed over 300 years, in midst of restoration from 2011 onward for next 20 years; 90 acres of grounds; 18th century landscape and gardens; woods; canal walks;long water; long border; statuary. Garden buildings include Chinese temple and bridge, 1711 pavilion with wall paintings and chambers, 1735 bowling green house, bath house, and 1830s orangery; lead statues; 1834-39 house based on Parisian townhouse design; parterre garden; Italian garden; pear orchard; herbaceous perennials; terrace; conservatory; pathways; rose garden, visitor centre; displays; shop; two children’s play areas; cafe; special events; parking
Wyken Hall Gardens
Suffolk Eastern Counties
Wyken Vineyards; 9 miles north-east of Bury, Follow brown tourist signs from Ickworth to Wyken Vineyards Tel. 0 1359 250 287 Open: garden: April-Oct, daily except Sat, 2-6pm Elizabethan manor house with four acre plant lover’s garden; maze, knot and herb garden; rose garden with old roses; walk through ancient woodlands; 7 acre vineyard; 16th century barn is a restaurant open daily, 10am-6pm; shop Web: Wyken Vineyards
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Yorkshire Lavender
Yorkshire North-east Counties
Terrington, York 3 miles west of Castle Howard, 14 miles north-east of York and 8 miles west of Malton Tel. 0 1653 648 008 Open: mid March-end Oct, daily, 10am-5pm (tea-room until 4.30pm) Lavender gardens and plant nursery include: Lavender Maze, Mediterranean Dry Garden, Lavender ‘White Rose’ of Yorkshire, Sensory Garden, Purple Patch Garden, Themed Gardens, Stream Garden, The Wibbly Wobbly Way, Bog Garden, Natural Wild Flower Grassland Meadow, largest Snakes and Ladders, The Lynne Goodwill Memorial Garden, Sculpture Park; parkland, deer, highland cattle; tea-room; shop; parking Web: Yorkshire Lavender
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