Great British Gardens: from well-known gems to hidden treasures

From iconic landscapes to secluded havens, step into a world of natural wonders as we embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting gardens of the UK..

RT Travel - 27 July 2023

When it comes to stunning gardens, the UK is home to a treasure trove of landscapes that are bound to leave you in awe. From world famous estates to lesser known splendours, UK’s botanical wonders are waiting to be explored.

1. Kew Gardens, London

The iconic Kew Gardens is host to an extensive collection of plants from across the world. Alongside its wide variety of greenery, it also boasts the stunning Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Temperate House and more amongst it's charms.

Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens & London’s Capital Sights

2. The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park

Planning a day out to Windsor Castle? Why not make a stop at The Savill Garden in the Windsor Great Park whilst you're there! The 35 acres of interconnecting gardens which includes woodlands, meticulously designed formal gardens and serene lakes, such as the 'Cow Pond' a serene ornamental lake created in the 1700s that boasts a stunning display of waterlilies during the summer months.

3. Bodnant Gardens, Wales

The charming Bodnant Gardens, spans across 80 acres and over 250 years of horticultural history. Regarded as the finest rose garden in Wales, it also boasts five Italianite terraces and and an enviable collection of plants collected by famous global explorers. Not only is the garden a spectacle in itself, but the sloping ground above the River Conwy it resides means you can witness breathtaking views of the Snowdonia mountains whilst you're there.

North Wales - Conwy Coast & Portmeirion

Scenic North Wales and Chester

4. Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

Sissinghurst Castle Garden was created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the 1930s when they transformed the ruins of an Elizabethan mansion. Arguably one of most famous gardens in the British Isles, Sissinghurst Castle Garden enchants visitors with its themed gardens: the White Garden, the Purple Border, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, the Lime Walk, and the Cottage Garden.

Castles & Gardens of Glorious Kent

5. Hidcote Manor Garden, Gloucestershire

An Arts and Crafts-inspired garden, a network of 'outdoor rooms' designed by the renowned horticulturalist Lawrence Johnston. Visitors can Explore the maze of narrow paved pathways and discover secret gardens, magnificent vistas and plants collected from Johnston’s many plant-hunting trips to faraway places.

6. RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

Owned by the Royal Horticultural Society, this horticultural marvel offers cutting-edge gardening displays and stunning gardens, including the Rose Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Woodland Garden.

7. Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

One of England's most famous garden restorations, this wonderland covers 200 acres and is home to subtropical gardens, ancient woodland and a jungle filled with strange and marvellous plants and trees.

Devon & Cornwall in Five nights

Cornwall – Falmouth Bay & St Ives

8. Levens Hall, Cumbria

Renowned for being the world’s oldest topiary garden, Levens Hall showcases a unique collection of ancient box and yew trees, in abstract or geometric shape, and magnificent herbaceous borders.

9. Stourhead, Wiltshire

A captivating landscape garden that stands among England's finest, Stourhead's 18th century landscape garden captivates with it's lakeside walks, grottoes, classical temples and more.

10. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland

If you're looking to discover Northern Ireland's botanical wonders, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens is not to be missed! Hillsborough Castle (technically a Georgian mansion) served as the official royal residence in Northern Ireland and this historic Georgian castle certainly possesses a garden that is fit for a king. With the 100 acres of glorious gardens, you can explore ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, winding waterways and picturesque glen, an idyllic lake and a large walled garden and garden features.

11. Trebah Gardens, Cornwall

Trebah is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. A 26 acre Cornish valley garden, with exotic blooms and vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to it's very own secluded beach on the Helford River.

Devon & Cornwall in Five nights

Cornwall – Falmouth Bay & St Ives

But that's not all! Beyond the renowned gardens, there are hidden havens awaiting garden enthusiasts to discover them...

1. Balmoral Cottage, Kent

Tucked away from the bustling tourist spots, Balmoral Cottage holds an array of rare and unusual plants. As you wander through the gardens, you'll be captivated by stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

2. Batcombe House, Somerset

A hidden treasure guarded by the National Trust, Batcombe House welcomes you with its enchanting wildflower meadows and a walled garden.

3. Broughton Grange, Oxfordshire

Known for its captivating water features, Broughton Grange is home to an array ponds, lakes, and fountains plus breathtaking views of the countryside.

4. Combermere Abbey Gardens, Cheshire

Steeped in a thousand years of English history, This breath-taking former abbey sits amongst 1000 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland, nature which includes the restored Victorian Walled Gardens, iconic Glasshouse and the world's only Fruit Tree Maze.

5. Perrycroft, Herefordshire

At Perrycroft, unusual plants take are the stars of the show. With a diverse collection of bamboo, palms, succulents, and more, this is a real haven for plant enthusiasts.

6. The Hill Garden, Hampstead

Regarded as one of London's best kept secrets, The Hill Garden is Edwardian Era garden featuring an extravagant Italianate pergola that was once part of a, now demolished, manor house.