These gardens are must-sees for any group with an interest in horticulture - and many of them are as wonderful in the winter as during the summer season!
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Experience the splendour enjoyed by royalty and the aristocracy in one of England's grandest country homes.
See the lavish interiors reflecting past generations of style and relax in the lovingly restored 19th-century parterre garden with its elaborate floral displays and beautiful Elysian garden.
For more information on Audley End House and Gardens
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Beautiful neo-classical hall, built from its own quarries with a spectacular garden deservedly listed Grade I in the Register of Gardens.
The magnificent 30 acres of grounds contain the ruins of a 14th-century castle.
For more information on Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Yorkshire
From the luxurious life of England’s landed gentry more than a century ago right up to the late 1980s, Brodsworth proudly bears the marks of over a century’s continuous occupation.
Outside, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around one of the country’s most authentic nineteenth century gardens.
Groups will enjoy the rose garden and its collection of 19th-century rose varieties that perfume the air at the end of June and beginning of July; formal lawns dotted with classical marble statues; and a flower garden with breathtaking displays of period bedding plants.
For more information on Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
The Home of Charles Darwin, Down House, Kent
Charles Darwin, perhaps the most influential scientist of the 19th century, lived at Down House for over 40 years.
The gardens have been restored to their appearance in Darwin’s time and some of his outdoor experiments on natural selection have been recreated.
Walk in his footsteps and follow the ‘Sandwalk’ – the scientists thinking path.
For more information on The home of Charles Darwin, Down House
Kirby Hall, Northamptonshire
An outstanding Elizabethan mansion, built in the hope of receiving Elizabeth I on her annual ‘progresses’, with unusually strict symmetry and amazing Renaissance detail.
Find out why it is the most dramatic 'shell' today. The beautiful formal gardens gained a reputation in the 17th century as being the finest in all England.
For more information on Kirby Hall
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
Don't miss the chance to re-discover Kenilworth Castle, now magnificently enhanced by a sumptuous Elizabethan garden.
Like Queen Elizabeth I in 1575, visitors can now marvel at the extravagant garden Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester created to woo and impress her.
Lovingly brought back to life with its arbours, towering fountain and bejewelled aviary, it presents the most complete impression of an Elizabethan garden anywhere in the world.
For more information on Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Osborne House, Isle of Wight
The beloved seaside retreat of Queen Victoria offers a glimpse into the private family life of Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
The royal apartments are full of personal treasures and the stunning Durbar Room reflects Queen Victoria’s admiration of Indian craftsmanship.
Enjoy the extensive gardens and the charming Swiss Cottage where the royal children played.
For more information on Osborne House
Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
This Tudor castle has been transformed over the years into an elegant home and residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports.
See the rooms of the Duke of Wellington who lived and died here.
HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was Lord Warden for 24 years and enjoyed many summers here.
The beautiful gardens also include the Broad Walk, with formal borders framed by the famous Cloud Yew Hedge; a commemorative lawn; woodland walk; croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden.
The garden includes areas carefully managed to encourage wild flowers and insects.
These wild gardens are also a great place to spot birds.
For more information on Walmer Castle and Gardens
Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
Discover the spectacular ruins of this once-great house destroyed by fire in 1937.
Explore the magnificent newly restored gardens, home to contemporary sculpture and the stunning Perseus & Andromeda fountain.
The restoration was based on two years of archaeological investigation and old photographs of the garden in its prime.
A scrollwork of box hedges has been planted, interspersed with areas of coloured gravels and colourful bedding plant displays.
The garden is said to resemble embroidery, a truly beautiful sight.
When the fountains jets are playing and the central jet shoots 120 feet skywards.
For more information on Witley Court and Gardens
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Over 90 acres of breathtaking landscapes to explore.
Wrest Park's formal gardens are a fascinating history of gardening styles laid out over 150 years and inspired by the great gardens of Versailles and the Loire Valley in France.
Stroll through the French Garden with its statues and fountains or simply sit back, relax and dream of days gone by.
For more information on Wrest Park
