Whether you like huge sweeping vistas, small intimate spaces, or educational locations: there’s a garden for everyone on this list. Gardens are a great place to feed the soul and get that all important exercise! They all have an individual character to them, with lots to see for people of all ages.
Chelsea Physic Garden – London
This garden is the second oldest botanical garden in Britain, and was established in 1673 as the Apothecaries’ Garden. The name ‘physic’ refers to the science of healing, as it was initially used to grow medicinal plants and train young apprentices in their use. Education is still at the heart of the garden, as it is now a registered charity and part of the London Museums of Health & Medicine. Best of all it is great to experience, with the high walls and Britain’s largest olive tree giving it a secret, Mediterranean feel in the middle of the city.
Stourhead – Wiltshire
Stourhead is part of the National Trust, so if you like your gardens as part of a vast landscape then this is a great one for you. The place was described as ‘a living work of art’ when it first opened in the 1740s and it’s not hard to see from the combination of hills, trees, water and classical architecture. The Temple of Apollo was famously used in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice in the scene where Mr. Darcy makes his ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth Bennet.
Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden – Cornwall
If you’re down in Cornwall for your summer holidays, the Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden is a great place to visit for a taste of art and landscape. Hepworth was one of Britain’s most prolific artists of the twentieth century and when she died her Cornish workshop was turned into a museum. It’s a unique opportunity to see such impressive sculptural works and to learn as well as experience the beautiful St Ives environment.
Chatsworth House – Derbyshire
It was recently announced that Chatsworth House will soon by the site of another RHS flower show. And just like Hampton Court, the impressive buildings are incredible grounds are the perfect backdrop for flora. There are 106 acres of garden to explore including a Victorian rock garden and maze, historic sculptures and trout stream. It was also seen at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show with Dan Pearson’s natural, wild and transported Chatsworth Garden winning a gold medal.
Kew Gardens – Surrey
There is so much to see at Kew Gardens that it’s a popular place for families to visit. It’s a great way to learn about the different parts of the world, and experience the hot tropical climates of the rainforest. Not only are there thousands of plants, but over 250 scientists are employed making it a major place of botanical research in the UK.