10 Beautiful Gardens to Visit This Spring
Need some inspiration for a blooming lovely family day out? 🌸 If your little adventurers love splashing through puddles, following winding woodland paths and discovering all the wonderful things nature has to offer, a garden day out could be just the ticket!
From colourful flower displays and secret garden hideaways to wildlife spotting, den building and trails that are made for little legs, the UK is bursting with beautiful gardens just waiting to be explored. Whether you're planning a springtime adventure, a summer staycation or simply fancy swapping the sofa for some fresh air, these lovely spots promise plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and make magical family memories.
Think sweet-smelling roses, towering trees, hidden pathways and plenty of space for little ones to run wild. And the best bit? There's no need to worry about keeping muddy boots at bay. In fact, we rather encourage them!
So, pack a few snacks, grab your wellies and get ready to discover 10 of our favourite gardens for a wonderful family day out.
1) Emmetts Garden, Kent
Best for: Wild play, wonderful views and discovering unusual trees.
Tucked away in the beautiful Kent countryside, Emmetts Garden is a real treat for families who love a little colour, a little adventure and lots of fresh air. This charming Edwardian garden is known for its impressive collection of plants from around the world, with seasonal flowers bringing delightful splashes of colour to the landscape.
Take a gentle wander through the Rock Garden, where there's plenty to admire, and keep your eyes peeled for the rather marvellous Wedding Cake tree. Its branches grow in distinctive horizontal tiers, giving it the appearance of a giant, leafy wedding cake! It's a lovely little nature discovery to share with curious children as you explore.
And when little legs need a break from admiring the blooms, there's more than enough fun to be had outdoors. Head to the natural children's play area, where swings, balance beams and den-building opportunities invite little adventurers to climb, balance, build and let their imaginations run wild.
2) Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill, Cambridge
Best for: Seasonal colour, wildlife spotting and creative outdoor play.
Who says gardens are just for sunny summer days? At Anglesey Abbey, there's something lovely to discover throughout the year, making it a wonderful choice for families who enjoy seeing how nature changes with the seasons.
Encourage your little ones to look closely as you explore. Can they spot a busy bee visiting a flower, listen for birdsong in the trees or find a leaf in every shade of green? Sometimes it's the smallest discoveries that make the biggest impression.
Once you've had your fill of garden exploring, make your way to the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area. This is where the fun really begins for little nature lovers, with opportunities to look for wildlife, create wild art and get stuck into den building. It's the perfect spot for children to let their imaginations take over. One minute they're woodland detectives, the next they're building a secret hideaway fit for a family of forest fairies!
3) Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire
Best for: Woodland wanders, long walks and playful discoveries.
With more than 180 acres to explore, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a wonderful destination for families with energy to burn and a love of the great outdoors. There's plenty of room to stretch little legs here, from peaceful woodland paths to beautiful garden displays and open spaces that make you want to stop, take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air. With such a variety of plants and landscapes, there's always something new to catch the eye, whatever the season.
Make a day of exploring the winding paths together, keeping an eye out for interesting leaves, towering trees and seasonal flowers along the way. It's also a lovely opportunity to introduce little ones to the wonderful world of plants and explain how gardens provide homes and food for all sorts of creatures.
For children who prefer a little action with their nature, look out for the musical instruments and the wobbly bridge along the garden's walking routes. These playful features add an extra dash of adventure to your wander, turning an ordinary stroll into something much more exciting.
4) Greencombe Gardens, Somerset
Best for: Peaceful exploring, beautiful blooms and a slower-paced family adventure.
Sometimes the loveliest days out are the ones where you can simply wander, explore and see where the path takes you. Greencombe Gardens, tucked away in Somerset, is a delightful little garden with a character all of its own. Established in 1946, this special garden is filled with interesting plants, wonderful colours and little details that reward a closer look.
As you wander through the garden, take your time. Encourage your little explorers to look high and low, noticing the tiny details they might otherwise miss. What colours can they see? Which flowers smell the sweetest? Can they find a leaf that looks a little like a heart?
Greencombe has a more intimate feel than some of the UK's larger gardens, making it a lovely option for families who prefer a gentler pace and enjoy discovering somewhere a little different. Do plan your visit ahead, though. The garden's traditional opening season is relatively short, generally running from April into July, and opening arrangements can vary.
5) Trewidden Garden, Cornwall
Best for: Twist-and-turn trails, exotic plants and garden adventures.
Fancy a garden adventure with a hint of the jungle? Then Trewidden Garden in Cornwall deserves a spot on your family day-out list. Famous for its magnificent collection of camellias and magnolias, Trewidden is full of leafy corners, unusual plants and wonderfully atmospheric pathways. Its collection includes more than 300 camellias, alongside a striking tree fern dell that feels like a little escape into another world.
For children, half the fun is discovering what's around the next bend. Winding paths encourage little explorers to slow down, peer through the greenery and imagine themselves on a secret expedition. Keep an eye out for the Trewidden Trail, which encourages families to explore the garden's paths and discover its intriguing features, including old burrows. It's a lovely way to turn a leisurely garden visit into a proper adventure.
If you're visiting Cornwall on a family holiday, Trewidden makes a wonderful change of pace from sandy beaches and rock-pooling sessions. You can enjoy the fresh air, discover something new and let the children lead the way for a little while.
6) Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales
Best for: Magical flower displays, living mazes and nature-inspired adventures.
If you're looking for a garden that feels a little bit magical, Bodnant Garden in North Wales is a wonderful place to start. Set against a beautiful landscape, this much-loved garden is home to an impressive variety of plants from around the world. There's plenty to discover as you wander through its different garden areas, from colourful blooms to magnificent trees that have stood for generations.
One of the most spectacular sights is the famous Laburnum Arch. In late spring, its long walkway becomes a cascade of golden flowers, creating a truly memorable display. The flowering period is relatively short, usually around late May and early June, although the exact timing depends on the weather and growing conditions. If you're hoping to see it in all its glory, check the garden's latest updates before setting off.
But there's more to Bodnant than beautiful blooms. Little adventurers can discover a natural maze made from living willow trees, whose appearance changes with the seasons, and enjoy den building in a designated area. It's a wonderful place to let imaginations run wild!
7) Audley End, Essex
Best for: Grand gardens, open parkland and plenty of room to roam.
Ready for a day out with a little history thrown in? Audley End House and Gardens offers a wonderful combination of beautiful landscapes, fascinating heritage and outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy. The gardens were remodelled by the celebrated landscape designer Capability Brown, whose naturalistic approach helped create the sweeping views, spacious parkland and serpentine lake that make the grounds so special.
There's plenty of room for children to stretch their legs as you wander through the grounds, taking in the scenery and discovering the different corners of this historic estate. Encourage your little ones to imagine what life might have been like here hundreds of years ago. Who lived in the grand house? What might the gardens have looked like in the past? And what adventures could be hiding around the next corner?
Audley End is a lovely reminder that a family day out can combine fresh air, fascinating history and plenty of opportunities for little imaginations to take flight.
8) Sizergh Castle: Cumbria, England
Best for: Wildlife walks, varied gardens and beautiful countryside views.
Surrounded by the wonderful landscapes of Cumbria, Sizergh is a lovely destination for families who enjoy a little bit of everything. Its gardens have developed over more than 800 years, creating a fascinating mix of different styles and planting. From the Rock Garden and Stumpery to the Dutch Garden, Kitchen Garden and colourful herbaceous borders, there's plenty to keep curious minds busy as you explore.
Take a wander through the different garden areas and see how many contrasting landscapes you can discover. One moment you might be admiring carefully planted borders; the next, you'll be peering at interesting tree stumps or looking for tiny creatures among the leaves. For families who love getting out into the wider countryside, the wildlife walk is another highlight. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies, birds and other wildlife as you follow the route, with lovely views towards the Pennines, the Lakeland Fells and Morecambe Bay.
Sizergh is a lovely place to remind children that gardens aren't just about flowers. They're also important habitats, full of tiny lives and fascinating natural connections.
9) Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex
Best for: Lakeside wanders, spectacular trees and outdoor play.
With its beautiful lakes, winding paths and impressive collection of trees and shrubs from around the world, Sheffield Park and Garden is a wonderful place for a family adventure in the East Sussex countryside. The landscape changes throughout the year, giving families a reason to return in different seasons. Spring brings fresh growth and colourful flowers, summer offers leafy shade and lakeside views.
Take a gentle wander along the shores of the lakes, where you can admire the reflections on the water and look out for the waterlilies that decorate the surface. Little ones might enjoy spotting birds, watching the ripples on the lake or imagining what might be hiding beneath the water. For families with energetic explorers, head towards Ringwood Toll to discover the natural play trail and outdoor activities. It's a lovely way to add a little climbing, balancing and playful exploring to your garden visit.
Sheffield Park is a wonderful reminder that getting outdoors doesn't have to involve a long hike or a complicated plan. Sometimes a beautiful path, a little curiosity and a pair of muddy wellies are all you need.
10) Fenton House and Garden, Hampstead, London
Best for: A countryside feel without leaving the city.
Think you need to head deep into the countryside for a lovely garden adventure? Think again! Tucked away in Hampstead, Fenton House and Garden is a charming little escape from the hustle and bustle of London. The historic 17th-century house is surrounded by a beautiful walled garden, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy colourful planting, seasonal flowers and a slower pace of life. It's a lovely choice for city-dwelling families who fancy a little green-space getaway without travelling too far.
Wander through the garden and take in the different planting displays as the seasons change. During the summer, the sunken rose garden is particularly delightful, with roses bringing colour and fragrance to the space as they come into bloom. There's also a historic orchard and kitchen garden, where you can introduce little ones to the idea of growing food and discover how gardens have long provided both beauty and practical produce.
Fenton House is a lovely option for a gentler family outing, offering a little taste of the countryside in one of London's most charming neighbourhoods. Do check opening dates and access arrangements before travelling, as visits to the house and garden may operate on different schedules.
