The Best Gardens to Visit in the UK

Posted on March 06, 2017

Visiting a beautiful garden can do wonders when you're trying to inject a bit of character and colour into your own green space. And whilst we can't all replicate an 18th century walled Utopia in our backyards, we can still take inspiration from fellow green fingers. We've rounded up some of our favourite gardens in Britain that are sure to give you ideas.

Helmsley Walled Garden, North Yorkshire

As we're from Yorkshire, it۪d be rude not to mention the stunning Helmsley Walled Garden. Annexed to Helmsley Castle, the 250-year-old garden has been carefully restored in recent years.

Visit the five-acre space for tranquil views and vibrant horticulture. You can even have a chat with some of the staff to get further insight into their techniques and the history of the garden. Afterwards, relax in the Vine House Cafe and pick up something to take home from their plant centre.

The garden is open every day from 1 April until 31 October, 10am-5pm. Admission for adults is 50p whilst children under 16 go free.

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

History buffs will love 19th century Belvoir Castle for its grand interiors, whilst gardeners will lose themselves in the stunning Italian-influenced exteriors.

Choose from walks around the formal gardens, the Japanese woodland, the duchess garden and the hermit's garden. In the meantime, the newly installed landscape, originally designed by Capability Brown, is a must-see. Spring is the perfect time to visit, as many of the flowers will be in full bloom.

Belvoir Castle is open to the public on selected days from March until October. Please check their calendar for specific dates. Garden-only tickets are for adults, for children aged 4-16, and under 3's go free. If you're taking the family, opt for a family ticket for £5.

Threave Garden and Estate, Dumfries, Scotland

Threave Garden has fast become one of Scotland's most popular outdoor tourist attractions and it۪s easy to see why.

Set in the shadow of a Scottish Baronial-style house, the exterior is dotted with rock gardens, water features and secret spaces. Meanwhile, there's also a chance for woodland walks, bird watching and bat spotting.

Threave is open all year round from 10am-5pm. Access the garden only for 50p (adults), 50p (concessions) or choose a family ticket for 6.50.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales

The Victorian botanical collection of Bodnant Garden is a spectacular sight, with views spanning across the iconic Snowdonia.

A National Trust property, the historic garden is Grade I listed and a horticultural gem. March and April are the ideal times to visit, with golden daffodils beginning to open in the rolling green fields.

Adult entry to the gardens is £2, whilst children can get in for.

Trebah Garden, Cornwall

Often described as paradise by visitors, Trebah Garden is nestled in a coastal Cornish valley.

The subtropical space is full of canopies, exotic flowers and dazzling blooms. If you want to steer clear of a traditional British garden, this is the place to visit.

Trebah Garden is open daily 10am-4:30pm.