As the weather brightens and Britain’s wildlife springs into life, a scenic garden walk is the perfect way to take advantage of the great British summer. Here’s eight of the best gardens to visit this summer
Blenheim Palace’s Secret Garden, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace’s gorgeous Secret Garden was only recently restored to its former magnificence, after years of abandonment. With its new design and the wildlife maturing with each coming year, the garden only intensifies in beauty. blenheimpalace.com
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Hordes of admirers have passed through Stowe’s historic gardens for the 300 years it has stood. Follow its gentle, winding paths past temples, lakes and picturesque views and witness one of the Britain’s most beautiful gardens. nationaltrust.org.uk
Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
Crathes Castle is surrounded by 240 hectares of lavish, formal gardens, which will take far more than one visit to fully explore. From yew hedges and cardiocrinums to snowdrops and chinodoxa, the gardens have a truly remarkable array of scents and fragrances to accompany an afternoon stroll. nts.org.uk
Great Dixter, Sussex
Esteemed gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006) lived at Great Dixter for the majority of his life, devoting his entire being to the practice of decorative horticulture. Behind him, Lloyd has left a life’s work in the form of Great Dixter’s heavenly gardens. greatdixter.co.uk
Hauser & Wirth, Somerset
Landscape designer Piet Oudolf planted the Hauser & Wirth garden and shaped it into the glorious neo-classic expanse it has grown into. We recommend grabbing yourself a tasteful tipple before heading to the Radić Pavilion to appreciate its idyllic quality. hauserwirthsomerset.com
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian estate with a heritage of stellar horticulture and gardens. Originally built in 1336, Polesden Lacey house has been renovated, expanded and remodelled extensively throughout its lifetime. nationaltrust.org.uk
Rosemoor Garden RHS, Devon
Championed by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Rosemoor Garden is a minute paradise of vibrancy and vitality. Hidden away in the depths of the Devon countryside, the gardens are the perfect venue for a vivacious summer wedding. rhs.org.uk
Sissinghurst Castle, Kent
As well as a rich cultural and architectural history, Sissinghurst Castle is home to one of the UK’s favourite bluebell walks. With approximately 126 million bluebells in their forest gardens, the Sissinghurst estate is rife with exquisite indigos and violet colours, not seen in many places in the world. nationaltrust.org.uk
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Yorkshire
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the biggest open-air sculpture park in the whole of Europe, recently celebrating a record-breaking year for visitors. While exploring its tranquil 500 acres of grounds, also gaze upon work by the world’s most famous sculptors, including Henry Moore. ysp.co.uk
Main image: Blenheim Palace
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