There are countless blissful gardens and seasonal events to enjoy in Britain, but here is our selection of the top 8 spring gardens.
Bodnant garden, Conwy
Created by five generations of one family, this 80-acre garden has wonderful views of Snowdonia, as well as grand terraced lawns, a renowned collection of rhododendrons and a wonderfully romantic waterfall. In spring don’t miss the Dell; hidden deep within a wooded valley, with the river Hiraethlyn chattering through. Spring is also the perfect season to visit the laburnum arch, which will be in full bloom by late May.
Blickling estate, Norfolk
A great place to visit in May, when you can follow the winding paths through the great wood and the carpet of English bluebells in spring.
Wallington, Northumberland
Discover Wallington, a much-loved home to generations of the Trevelyan family. The Trevelyans loved being outdoors and close to nature and the house is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland just waiting to be explored. The tranquil East Woods come alive with the sound of birdsong in spring and the walled garden is absolutely beautiful.
Sissinghurst castle garden, Kent
The creation of English novelist and poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold, Sissinghurst gardens are ideal for a springtime wander. Enjoy the rich, warm colours of the Cottage Garden. Long beds of tulips, fritillaries and hyacinths are marked out by an avenue of pleached limes, scattered by generous terracotta pots, every inch bursting with colour for about four weeks. Early spring sees pink chinodoxias, scillas and white anemones come into bloom, looked over proudly by a Magnolia salicifolia and a big, bold mauve rhododendron.
Hidcote, Gloucestershire
A diverse garden, Hidcote features plants from all over the world. British garden designer and plantsman Lawrence Johnston owned, designed and was passionate about the gardens. He went to endless trouble and expense to find unusual varieties that would bring colour, scent, shape and texture to the garden. The garden is divided into a series of ‘outdoor rooms’, each with its own character. Enjoy drifts of narcissus and later aquilegias and Welsh poppies in the Pillar Garden, and the blossom filled orchard with emerging wild flowers.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
A world-famous landscape garden with a lake as its centrepiece, reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes and rare trees. Stourhead house is set amongst immaculate lawns and parklands filled with colour throughout the spring months, with a succession of azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons bursting into flower.
Trengwainton garden, Cornwall
An early flowering spring garden, there are breath-taking displays of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias throughout the spring at Trengwainton, along with a charming walled kitchen garden. Follow winding, wooded paths, find picnic spots by the stream or sit in quiet corners.
Sizergh castle, Cumbria
Tucked away outside of Kendal, Sizergh Castle has beautiful gardens and 1600 acres of estate to explore. During spring see the brightly coloured tulips on the top terrace, walk beneath cherry blossom in the Dutch garden and enjoy the spring colours in the rock garden. There are lots of frogs, newts and numerous species of birds to spot, as well as bees and hens in the apple orchard.
