10 Beautiful Gardens to Visit
Need some inspiration for a blooming lovely family day out?
From woodland walks and nature trails to kitchen gardens and orchards, these are our picks of some of the best gardens to explore on your next family day trip or staycation. Breathe in the sweet scents and enjoy the shades of colour while your little adventurers burn off some energy.
1) Emmetts Garden, Kent
Emmetts Garden is filled with wonderful colours and lots of marvellous flower species. Take pictures in the Rock Garden and see the Wedding Cake tree which gets its name from how the branches grow in horizontal tiers, resembling the structure of a wedding cake. There's also a lovely natural children’s wild play area with swings, balance beams, den building areas and more which your little explorers will love.
2) Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge
Whatever time of year you visit, there is something different to see but highlights include the Rose Garden and The Winter Garden. After exploring the gardens, head to the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area where your little ones can build dens, look for wildlife and create some wild art.
Anglesey Abbey. Photo by Karen Cann on Unsplash
3) Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire
With over 180 acres, there is so much to discover at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Visit the gardens with your little ones and explore the woodland walks and take in the breath taking views. Look out for the musical instruments whilst running along the Board Walks and discover the wobbly bridge!
4) Greencombe Gardens, Somerset
Greencombe Gardens located in Somerset is a small and lovely garden, started in 1946 and is filled with secrets, smells and wonderful colours. It’s open every day from April to July so don’t miss the opportunity to visit it this Spring.
5) Trewidden Garden, Cornwall
Trewidden Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Cornwall. It’s home to a collection of over 300 camellias and magnolias that lie beside a large tree fern dell. Your children will love the Trewidden Trail which is set round the garden encouraging them to explore the twisty paths and old burrows.
Trewidden Garden. Photo credit: Great Gardens of Cornwall
6) Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales
Bodnant Garden is home to National Collections and Champion Trees and includes a huge number of plant species from all around the world. It's said there's a rhododendron in flower every month of the year at Bodnant Garden. If you're planning a visit late spring, don't miss the blossoming of the Laburnum Arch, a pergola walkway of golden flowers which glow for three weeks in late May and early June. There's also a natural maze made from living willow trees which change through the seasons and a den building area for your little adventurers to enjoy.
7) Audley End, Essex
This is the perfect place for a wonderful family day out. Explore the award-winning gardens, remodelled by Capability Brown with wonderful views and a serpentine lake. Wander through the acres of parkland and let your little adventurers wear themselves out exploring the grounds.
Audley End. Photo credit: Visit Saffron Walden
8) Fenton House and Garden, London
Fenton House is a wonderful 17th-century house with walled garden. If you live in London, you can feel the atmosphere of the countryside without leaving the city! Enjoy thousands of colourful plants throughout the season. Look out for the sunken rose garden filled with the aroma of roses that are in full flower by mid-June and wander through the 300-year-old orchard and kitchen garden adorned with flowers.
9) Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex
Sheffield Park is home to many different tree and shrub species from around the world. Head over the parkland to Ringwood Toll to explore the natural play trail and enjoy a range of outdoor activities to keep little ones entertained. Wander the shores of the lakes, adorned by thousands of waterlily plants.
Sheffield Park and Gardens. Photo by Chris Meaney on Unsplash
10) Sizergh Castle: Cumbria, England
Developed over 800 years, the garden at Sizergh is a photogenic delight. There's plenty to see including the Rock Garden, Stumpery, the Dutch Garden, Kitchen Garden and herbaceous border. Take in the stunning views on the wildlife walk and keep a look out for the fritillary butterfly species while you enjoy stunning views of the Pennines, the Lakeland Fells and the coast at Morecambe Bay.
