With spring and summer fast approaching, now is the time to organise those trips to some of the most beautiful gardens the UK has to offer. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own garden, or just love a relaxing day out, there are many to visit with something to offer everyone. Here are some of the best:
Located in the stunning Cotswolds, the parklands surrounding the palace were designed by Capability Brown. As well as being the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim boasts being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here is a must. You’ll discover rose gardens, Italian gardens, secret gardens and a memorial dedicated to Churchill.
Botanic Gardens, Northern Ireland
In Belfast you’ll find these beautiful gardens spread over 28 acres and most well known for its Palm House conservatory. There are tropical displays, cast iron glasshouses and rose gardens to further tempt the flower-loving visitor. If this has inspired you to do something great with your garden, ensure you have the best tools for the job. To find out more about Mountfield Spares, visit www.diyspareparts.com/parts/mountfield
Levens Hall, Cumbria
If you love topiary, this is the place for you. Surrounding the Elizabeth country house you’ll discover the world’s oldest and largest topiary gardens in the world. King James II’s gardener started the project and there are stunning examples, including giant chess pieces. Beware, the gardens are said to be haunted by a black dog!
Kew Gardens
Based in London, this world renowned UNESCO site is visited by two million guests every year! Set up in 1759, the gardens now cover 330 acres in south west London. Here you’ll discover the world’s biggest botanical collection containing 30,000 plant species at the last count! Fun fact – Kew has its own police force and is one of the smallest constabularies on the planet!
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
This Scottish treasure boasts ten different glasshouses, each representing a different climate. There is also a woodland garden outside where visitors enjoy gazing up at the giant redwood trees. With over 300 years of horticultural experience, the location also boasts fantastic views across the Edinburgh skyline.
Charles Darwin lived here, so if you want to experience where the theories of evolution were born, then a visit to Down House is a must. English Heritage have recreated some of his experiments in the gardens.
