Visit one of the U.K.'s many beautiful gardens this Spring

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place this year from 22^nd-26^th May at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea. If you can’t make it, there are beautiful gardens all over the U.K., why not visit one of our favourites?

Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Aberglasney’s 10 acres of gardens was showcased in the BBC television series “A garden lost in time” which followed its restoration and eventual opening to the public in 1999.  At its centre is an Elizabethan Cloister garden. Also in the grounds is Aberglasney’s Grade II mansion the ground floor of which was restored in 2013. Of interest in Spring and early Summer is Bishop Rudd’s Walk where you can see woodland plants not often found growing in the British Isles.

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Castle Kennedy Gardens, Galloway, Scotland

Castle Kennedy gardens are situated between two natural lochs in the Galloway region of Scotland. The gulf stream climate in on the South West Coast of Scotland means that some rare species of tree can be found here including 20 Champion Trees, as well as rhododendrons and magnolias. There is also a walled garden.  Set in the 75 acres of garden you will find the ruins of Castle Kennedy. Lochinch Castle and gardens is at the Northern end of the Estate.

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Birmingham Botanical Gardens, West Midlands

15 acres of landscaped gardens with around 7000 plants, trees and shrubs. You will find a huge variety or species here as well as a rock pool, bandstand and children’s play area. There are four glasshouses here including the exotic Tropical House. Take one of the seasonal walks on offer which showcase the best of the seasons plants and flowers.

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Iford Manor: The Peto Garden, Wiltshire

This Grade I Italianate garden was designed by the Architect and landscape gardener Harold Ainsworth Peto who was resident between 1899 and 1933. This hillside garden combines plants and architecture and offers terraces, steps and views of the rural landscape and valley. Take one of the tranquil walks through the valley using public footpaths.

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Clinton Lodge Garden, Sussex

A formal garden of around six acres set in the grounds of the 17^th Century Clinton Lodge. The garden is divided by hedges into smaller themed areas including a wildflower meadow and Elizabethan herb garden. You can also view the twentieth century swimming pool, encircled by an arcade of apples.

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Borde Hill Gardens, Sussex

This beautiful garden is set within over 200 acres of parkland. There are numerous themed areas and walks to be experienced including Jay Robin’s Rose Garden and The Garden of Allah.  There is a children’s play area, and an array of plants for sale in the gardens shop. Why not take a picnic and enjoy a quiet spot near the lake?

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Castle Hill Gardens, Devon

Built in 1730 the Palladian mansion house is set in 50 acres of parkland and is now home to the 15^th generation of the Fortescue family. The grounds feature various statues, follies and temples built by the family over generations. Take a woodland walk to the river and then venture to the castle on the hill, or use the paths cut into the more formal gardens in front of the house. Walk through the Millennium Garden including water feature and then on to the walled garden.

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Haddonstone Show Gardens, Northamptonshire

These extensive show gardens showcase everything from ballustrades and fountains to sundials and planters. You can also view the newly constructed busts of legendary landscape gardeners Lancelot “Capability” Brown and Humphry Repton. Spend some time here and you are sure to be inspired to make some changes to your own outside space!