8 Gardens to Visit in the UK

As the mercury begins to rise and the flowers bloom we round up the best gardens to visit in the UK.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Finally, the days are longer and Spring has most definitely sprung. Our beautiful English gardens are lush, green and flowering and are exactly where we want to be on a beautiful sunny day. Here are our top picks from around the country. 

Chelsea Physic Garden, London

Known as London’s secret garden, Chelsea Physic Garden is tucked away just behind the Thames and celebrates the beauty and importance of plants. The garden was founded in 1673 for the cultivation of medicinal plants and contains a Garden of World Medicine as well as an area dedicated to over 5,000 edible plants. This peaceful place is truly London’s little oasis and a perfect place to ponder. Workshops including art, photography and textiles are often run here as well.

For opening times and more information visit: Chelsea Physic Garden

Syon House and Gardens, Brentford

A stone’s throw away from central London and just across the river from Kew Gardens, the impressive Syon House is steeped in history and is surrounded by 100 acres of stunning grounds. The parkland was landscaped by renowned garden innovator Capability Brown and is home to a few ancient oak trees that are over 400 years old. The spectacular Great Conservatory is host to lots of rare plants and trees. The first ever garden centre in the UK can also be found here and is a great shop to pick up some more unusual plants and flowers.

For opening times and more information visit: Syon Park Wyevale Garden Centre: Wyevale Garden Centres

Helmsley Walled Garden, North Yorkshire

Nestled at the foot of the North York Moors and built in the 18th century,this beautiful  walled garden features  extensive flower borders as well as greenhouses  and fruit trees. The  garden was restored just over 20 years ago by a  local lady Alison  Ticehurst, for everyone to enjoy and is run as a  charity that aims to help  anyone with a disability benefit from the restorative qualities of gardening with weekly horticultural therapy sessions.

For opening times and more information visit: Helmsley Walled Garden

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Possibly the most famous and popular garden in country, Sissinghurst Castle Garden epitomises the English garden in the mid-20th century. The Delos garden is named after the Greek island of Delos, and plays host to a colourful carpet of pink chinodoxias, scillas and white anemones in early spring. The Lime Walk was designed to be at its best in the spring months of March, April and May. Well worth a wander down whilst it’s bursting with colour.

For opening times and more information visit: Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens, Norfolk


This exquisite private garden is the work of Alan Gray and Graham Robeson, who have spent 40 years transforming the 32 acres of land into a floral feast. In fact, it is made up of lots of little gardens with delightful themes such as the Dutch Garden, Desert Wash, the Exotic Garden and the Winter Garden with a beautiful view of Happisburgh Lighthouse (to name a few). The Mediterranean Garden in particular has two exciting plants. Firstly, Echium pininana that hails from the Canary Islands and produces an amazing towering column of blue flowers that are loved by bees. The other beauty is Beschonaria yuccoides that comes from all the way from Mexico.

These grounds hold wonder around every corner and are well worth a visit for some magical garden inspiration.

For opening times and more information visit: Old Vicarage Gardens

Hestercombe, Somerset

With 50 acres of lakes, woodland and terraces built up over 300 years, Hestercombe is a fantastic place to witness contrasting styles of garden design. The Victorian Shrubbery, Georgian Landscape Garden and Edwardian Formal Gardens all offer a different experience as you explore Hestercombe. The two ponds make this a very tranquil garden and a captivating place to spend an afternoon,

For opening times and more information visit: Hestercombe

Trebah Garden, Cornwall 

Set in the sub-tropical climate of the Cornish coast, this paradise is rated among the finest gardens in the world. The Rhododendron Valley takes centre stage in spring with hundreds of specimens (some of which are over 100 years old) blooming from late March throughout April. The magnificent Magnolias are also in bloom at this time and can be seen along Badger’s Walk. As well as boasting diverse plant life, there is a secluded private beach and the well-known amphitheatre.

For opening times and more information visit: Trebah Garden

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

With spectacular views across Snowdonia, this garden includes plants from across the globe. The botanical collection, built up during Victorian plant-hunting expeditions, is world famous and includes 5 National Collections of Magnolia, Embothrium, Eucryphia, Rhododendron forrestii and Bodnant Rhododendron Hybrids. It’s said there's a rhododendron in bloom every month of the year here but they reach a peak in Spring, making it well worth a visit now.

For opening times and more information visit: Bodnant Garden

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