The Best Gardens to Visit in England and Wales
A Guide to Stunning Landscapes & Hidden Gems
England is a nation of gardeners, and its landscapes are proof of that. From grand stately home estates to intimate, flower-filled hideaways, English gardens are a feast for the senses - bursting with colour, rich with history, and designed to surprise and delight at every turn.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegant symmetry of formal gardens, the wild beauty of romantic plantings, or simply want to wander through nature with a stunning view, there’s a garden for every taste. Some are centuries old, shaped by legendary designers like Capability Brown and Gertrude Jekyll, while others continue to evolve and experiment with bold, modern plantings.
In this guide, you’ll find some of the best gardens in England - each with its own unique character and charm. Alongside world-famous spots like Kew Gardens and Stourhead, you’ll discover hidden gems that deserve just as much attention. Expect jaw-dropping floral displays, secret pathways, lakeside views, and dreamy garden rooms that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
So grab your wellies, pack your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through some of England’s most breathtaking gardens!
Kew Gardens (London)
The Ultimate Plant Lover’s Paradise
Home to over 50,000 plant species, Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important botanical gardens in the world. Explore the soaring Palm House, wander through the Temperate House, and take in stunning views from the Treetop Walkway. Each season brings something new, from cherry blossoms in spring to dazzling autumn foliage.
đź“Ť Where? Southwest London
🎟 Top Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and stop by the Marianne North Gallery for incredible botanical art.
Enjoy some of Kew’s best attractions in this video:
Video credit: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike many historic English gardens, Kew is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a scientific powerhouse dedicated to plant conservation and research. The Millennium Seed Bank stores seeds from around the world to protect plant species for future generations.
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
Most visitors head straight to the glasshouses, but the Japanese Landscape Garden is a peaceful retreat that often gets overlooked. It features a tranquil rock garden, a traditional Japanese gateway, and a striking Chokushi-Mon (Imperial Gateway).
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: Cherry blossoms line the Broad Walk, creating a picture-perfect tunnel of pink blooms.
Summer: The Great Broad Walk Borders explode with vibrant perennials.
Autumn: The Japanese maples turn fiery red, making the Temperate House look even more magical.
Winter: The Kew Gardens Light Trail transforms the garden into a twinkling wonderland.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden (Kent)
A Garden of Romance & Poetry
Created by Vita Sackville-West, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is one of the most famous and atmospheric gardens in England. Designed as a series of intimate “garden rooms”, each space has its own mood, from the dreamy White Garden to the fiery Cottage Garden. It’s a place that feels deeply personal, artistic, and full of soul—a reflection of Vita’s love for gardening, literature, and beauty.
đź“Ť Where? Near Cranbrook, Kent
🎟 Top Tip: Visit in June or July for the roses at their peak!
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike grand landscape gardens, Sissinghurst is designed on a human scale, full of small, enclosed spaces that feel like secret hideaways. There’s an intimacy here that’s rare—each “room” unfolds like a chapter in a novel, drawing you deeper into its story.
Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
Most people head straight for the White Garden, but tucked away at the edge of the property is the Moat Walk. It’s a quiet, wild space that feels completely different from the rest of the garden—less manicured, more untouched, with beautiful views of the Kent countryside.
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: The Orchard comes alive with blossom, and tulips brighten up the flower beds.
Summer: The Rose Garden is at its most intoxicating, with a heady scent filling the air.
Autumn: The Cottage Garden takes on rich, warm tones with golden foliage and late-season flowers.
Winter: Even in the colder months, the topiary and structural beauty of the garden shine through.
Read more about Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Stourhead (Wiltshire)
A Landscape Straight Out of a Painting
Stourhead isn’t just a garden—it’s an experience. It feels like walking through a masterpiece, with its tranquil lake, classical temples, and sweeping vistas. The Palladian bridge, grottoes, and hidden pathways make this a magical place to explore. If you visit in autumn, prepare to be blown away by the fiery colours reflecting in the lake.
đź“Ť Where? Near Mere, Wiltshire
🎟 Top Tip: Walk the full circular route around the lake to soak in the best views.
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike formal gardens with neat borders and flower beds, Stourhead is all about grand, sweeping landscapes. Inspired by classical mythology and art, it’s a garden designed to feel natural yet theatrical, with hidden surprises waiting around every curve.
And for fans of the 2006 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice some of Stourhead may look familiar….
Take a look around Stourhead in this video:
Video credit: monalogue
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
Most visitors focus on the main lake walk, but if you venture off the beaten path, you’ll find King Alfred’s Tower, a secret lookout point hidden in the woods. Climb the 205 steps for one of the best panoramic views in Wiltshire!
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: The rhododendrons and azaleas create a burst of colour around the lake.
Summer: Perfect for picnics on the grassy slopes, with the temple reflections in the water.
Autumn: Absolutely stunning. The trees turn fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, mirrored beautifully in the lake.
Winter: A misty, atmospheric wonderland, especially on frosty mornings.
Chatsworth House (Derbyshire)
Grandeur & Gardens
Set in the heart of the Peak District, Chatsworth House is more than just a stately home—it’s a spectacular garden full of surprises. Designed by Capability Brown, the gardens are a perfect blend of formal elegance and natural beauty. Marvel at the towering Emperor Fountain, wander through the Rockery, and admire the tumbling waters of The Cascade. Then, step inside the grand stately home, packed with priceless art, sculpture, and history.
đź“Ť Where? Peak District, Derbyshire
🎟 Top Tip: The Christmas displays inside the house are absolutely magical! Book early if visiting in winter!
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike gardens focused purely on flowers and borders, Chatsworth is all about drama. Expect huge rock formations, towering fountains, and bold, theatrical landscapes that feel like they belong in a fairy tale.
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
While the Emperor Fountain steals the show, don’t miss the Coal Tunnel—a hidden underground passageway built to keep soot from the house’s chimneys out of sight! It’s a fascinating glimpse into Chatsworth’s behind-the-scenes history.
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: The Rockery is at its best, with fresh greens and new life bursting from the cracks.
Summer: The formal flower gardens and long borders are in full bloom.
Autumn: The golden trees create stunning reflections in the water features.
Winter: The Chatsworth Christmas Market and seasonal house decorations are world-famous.
Great Dixter (East Sussex)
A Riot of Colour & Creativity
If you love bold, playful, and totally unexpected gardens, Great Dixter is the one. Created by Christopher Lloyd, this garden throws traditional gardening rules out the window, mixing colours and textures in wildly exciting ways. The result? A space that feels alive, ever-changing, and bursting with personality.
đź“Ť Where? Near Rye, East Sussex
🎟 Top Tip: Expect the unexpected - this garden is always evolving, and that’s what makes it so special.
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike gardens that focus on order and symmetry, Great Dixter thrives on controlled chaos. Bright oranges clash with deep purples, exotic plants grow alongside English cottage flowers, and every corner feels like a painter’s palette brought to life.
Great Dixter Garden
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
While most visitors admire the Long Border, take a moment to explore the Exotic Garden. It’s a tropical surprise, filled with giant banana plants and bold foliage that feel completely unexpected in an English setting.
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: Fresh green shoots and explosions of tulips.
Summer: The garden is at its most dramatic, with towering plants and a riot of colour.
Autumn: Late-season flowers keep the borders glowing.
Winter: Even in the colder months, Great Dixter’s structure and evergreen planting make it worth a visit.
Bodnant Garden (North Wales)
A Garden with Views That Steal the Show
Perched on a hillside with breathtaking views of Snowdonia, Bodnant Garden is a dream for plant lovers and landscape enthusiasts alike. Its famous Laburnum Arch, which bursts into a golden tunnel of flowers in late May, is one of the most photographed garden features in the UK—but there’s so much more to explore.
đź“Ť Where? Conwy, North Wales
🎟 Top Tip: Visit in autumn for breathtaking foliage against a backdrop of Snowdonia’s mountains.
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike gardens that focus purely on formal plantings, Bodnant offers a mix of terraces, wild meadows, and hidden woodland—all set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
Most visitors flock to the Laburnum Arch, but the Poem Mausoleum is a peaceful and lesser-known spot. Built as a family memorial, it sits tucked away in the woods, offering a moment of tranquility.
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: The Laburnum Arch steals the show, but rhododendrons and azaleas are also spectacular.
Summer: Vibrant borders and wildflower meadows in full bloom.
Autumn: Golden foliage set against the Snowdonia landscape is pure magic.
Winter: The garden is peaceful and atmospheric, with crisp air and stunning evergreens.
Hidcote Manor Garden (Gloucestershire)
A Garden of Secrets & Surprises
Hidcote is a masterclass in garden design, full of winding paths, hidden corners, and perfectly framed views. Created by Lawrence Johnston, it’s a place of mystery and discovery, where you never quite know what’s around the next corner. It’s one of the most atmospheric gardens in England.
đź“Ť Where? Near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
🎟 Top Tip: Don’t rush - this is a garden made for slow, meandering exploration.
Join Hidcote’s Head Gardener for a look around the garden:
Video credit: National Trust
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike open landscape gardens, Hidcote is a series of small, enclosed spaces, each with its own personality. You’ll find vibrant borders, quiet green spaces, and dreamy flower-filled rooms that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
While the Red Border and White Garden get most of the attention, don’t miss the Bee Garden. It’s a quiet, tucked-away corner filled with lavender, herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowers.
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: Wisteria and tulips bring colour and scent.
Summer: The Long Border is at its most dazzling, full of height and drama.
Autumn: Rich golds and deep reds take over the foliage.
Winter: The strong structure of the garden shines through in the frosty air.
Read more about Hidcote Manor Garden
The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall)
A Garden Brought Back from the Dead
The name alone - The Lost Gardens of Heligan - feels like something out of a fairy tale, and the story behind it is just as magical. Hidden beneath a tangle of ivy and brambles for nearly 75 years, this once-thriving Cornish estate was abandoned after World War I, left to be reclaimed by nature. Then, in the 1990s, a team of gardeners and historians uncovered its forgotten beauty, bringing Heligan back to life. Today, it’s one of the most atmospheric and enchanting gardens in England.
đź“Ť Where? Near St Austell, Cornwall
🎟 Top Tip: Visit in spring or early summer for lush, vibrant plant life, and don’t miss the Muddy Maid sculpture—a true Heligan icon.
🌿 What Makes It Special?
Unlike most historic gardens that have been carefully maintained over the centuries, Heligan is a garden that was lost and then rediscovered. It has an almost mystical feel—part secret garden, part botanical adventure, with twisting pathways, hidden structures, and overgrown ruins that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a forgotten world.
đź’ˇ Hidden Gem:
Most visitors come for the famous Mud Maid and Giant’s Head, two whimsical earth sculptures that seem to emerge from the landscape. But if you wander a little further, the Jungle Garden is a must-see—it’s like stepping into another climate, filled with towering banana trees, giant rhubarb, and exotic ferns.
📸 Best Seasonal Highlights:
Spring: The garden bursts into life with flowering magnolias, camellias, and bluebells carpeting the woodland.
Summer: The Jungle Garden is at its most tropical, with lush green ferns and towering palms.
Autumn: Heligan takes on a golden glow, with crisp air and late-season flowers still adding colour.
Winter: Even in the colder months, Heligan has an eerie, atmospheric beauty, with frost-covered ruins and misty pathways adding to its mystery.
How to Choose the Right Garden for You
History Buffs – Stately home gardens like Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth, and Hampton Court offer fascinating historical insights.
Plant Lovers – Places like Great Dixter, RHS Wisley, and Sissinghurst showcase incredible planting styles and experimental designs.
Peace Seekers – If you’re after a quiet escape, consider Hidcote, Stourhead, or Rievaulx Terrace.
Families & Walkers – Gardens like Kew, Wakehurst, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan have vast grounds, fun features, and plenty of space to roam.
Tips for Visiting English Gardens
Check opening times – Many gardens have seasonal hours, so double-check before you go.
Spring and summer bring peak blooms – But autumn colours and winter landscapes can be just as stunning!
Every garden has its own personality – Whether you love manicured landscapes, wilder plantings, or grand stately home gardens, England has something for everyone.
Click on the icons to get more information
FAQ: Visiting England’s Most Beautiful Gardens
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just love a good stroll through bloom-filled landscapes, here are answers to some of the most common questions about visiting England’s best gardens.
When is the best time to visit English gardens?
It depends on what you want to see!
🌸 Spring (March–May) – Best for cherry blossoms, magnolias, tulips, and rhododendrons. Gardens like Kew, Bodnant, and Heligan burst into life.
🌿 Summer (June–August) – Roses, herbaceous borders, and tropical displays reach their peak. This is the best time to visit Sissinghurst, Hidcote, and Great Dixter.
🍂 Autumn (September–November) – Gardens like Stourhead, Bodnant, and Sheffield Park are famous for their fiery foliage. Late-season flowers like dahlias and asters still bloom in cottage gardens.
❄️ Winter (December–February) – Some gardens, like Anglesey Abbey and Wakehurst, have special winter gardens, and many hold festive light trails (Kew Gardens is especially magical at Christmas!).
Are English gardens wheelchair-friendly?
Many gardens have accessible routes, but because some are historic landscapes, not all areas are easy to navigate.
âś… Best for accessibility: Kew Gardens, RHS Wisley, and the formal terraces at Chatsworth and Bodnant.
⚠️ Trickier terrain: Stourhead and Heligan have steep slopes and woodland paths.
💡 Top Tip: Check the garden’s official website for accessibility guides before visiting.
Can I bring my dog?
Some gardens allow dogs on leads, while others restrict them to certain areas.
Dog-friendly gardens:
The Lost Gardens of Heligan welcome dogs year-round.
Stourhead allows dogs from November to February.
Some National Trust properties have designated dog-friendly routes.
💡 Top Tip: Always check individual garden policies, as some have dog-free days or restrictions on café areas.
Which gardens are best for photography?
If you’re looking for stunning photo opportunities, here are some top picks:
🌸 Best for flowers: The Long Border at Great Dixter, the White Garden at Sissinghurst, and the Laburnum Arch at Bodnant (late May).
🏛 Best for classical landscapes: Stourhead’s Palladian Bridge and lake reflections.
🍂 Best for autumn colour: Stourhead, Sheffield Park, and Westonbirt Arboretum.
🎄 Best for Christmas lights: Kew Gardens and Chatsworth winter trails.
đź’ˇ Top Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Are guided tours available at these gardens?
Yes! Many gardens offer guided walks led by expert gardeners, which can be a fantastic way to learn about the history, plantings, and hidden corners you might miss.
🔎 Where to find great tours:
Kew Gardens runs themed tours (tropical plants, history, or conservation).
Chatsworth House offers garden and behind-the-scenes estate tours.
Heligan runs fascinating tours about its restoration story.
💡 Top Tip: Some gardens offer seasonal tours, like autumn colour walks or spring bulb trails—check individual garden websites for details!
Can I bring a picnic?
Some gardens welcome picnics, while others prefer visitors to use their cafés.
âś… Picnic-friendly gardens: Stourhead, Hidcote, and Chatsworth have lovely open spaces for picnicking.
🚫 No picnics allowed: Kew Gardens and some formal gardens like Sissinghurst (but they have great cafés!). Indulge in a classic cream tea at a garden café instead!
💡 Top Tip: If you can’t picnic inside the garden, check nearby parks or woodlands—many National Trust properties have scenic picnic areas just outside the grounds.
What should I wear when visiting an English garden?
Layers and comfortable shoes are a must!
đź‘ź Footwear: Even formal gardens have gravel paths, slopes, and uneven ground, so wear walking shoes or trainers.
🌦 Weather: British weather is unpredictable, so pack a light rain jacket just in case!
💡 Top Tip: If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, bring waterproof boots—some gardens can get muddy in wet weather.
Can I buy plants at these gardens?
Yes! Many gardens have fantastic plant nurseries selling rare and unusual plants.
🌿 Best gardens for plant shopping:
Great Dixter – Specialist plants, including many from Christopher Lloyd’s garden.
Hidcote & Sissinghurst – Cottage garden favourites, perfect for recreating their signature look.
RHS Wisley – One of the best garden centres in the UK, with expert advice.
💡 Top Tip: If you’re driving, bring a box or crate to keep plants secure in the car!
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For popular gardens, advance booking is a good idea - especially in peak seasons or for special events.
Book in advance for: Kew Gardens (especially for Christmas lights), Sissinghurst (summer weekends), and Heligan (school holidays).
Less crowded options: If you prefer quieter visits, early mornings and weekdays are best.
đź’ˇ Top Tip: Many National Trust and RHS members get free entry - consider joining if you plan to visit multiple gardens!
Are these gardens family-friendly?
Most gardens are great for kids, with space to run, nature trails, and even adventure areas.
👦 Best gardens for children:
Kew Gardens – The Treetop Walkway and indoor glasshouses make it an exciting visit.
Lost Gardens of Heligan – Jungle trails, tunnels, and giant sculptures make it a hit with kids.
Stourhead – Plenty of open space and woodland walks.
đź’ˇ Top Tip: Look out for seasonal family events, like pumpkin trails in autumn or Easter egg hunts in spring!
How Much Do English Gardens Cost to Visit?
Entry prices vary depending on the garden, but expect to pay between £10–£20 per adult for most National Trust, RHS, and privately owned gardens.
đź’· Typical Entry Fees:
Kew Gardens – £15–£20
Stourhead (National Trust) – Around £14
Chatsworth House & Gardens – Around £18 (or £30+ if visiting the house too)
The Lost Gardens of Heligan – Around £17
Great Dixter – Around £14
Bodnant Garden (National Trust) – Around £15
(Note: please check with individual gardens for current pricing - these prices are a guide only)
🎟 Are there ways to save money?
Yes! If you’re planning to visit several gardens, a membership can be a fantastic investment.
🌿 National Trust Membership:
Cost: ÂŁ91.20 per year (or ÂŁ10 a month) for adults
Best for: Visiting gardens like Sissinghurst, Stourhead, Hidcote, and Bodnant, plus hundreds of historic houses and parks.
Extra perks: Free parking at NT properties.
Visit the National Trust Membership site for more info
🌱 RHS Membership:
Cost: ÂŁ59.50 per year for individual membership.
Best for: RHS gardens like Wisley, plus free entry to partner gardens at certain times.
Visit the RHS membership site for more info.
🏡 Historic Houses Membership:
Cost: ÂŁ75 per year for an individual.
Best for: Privately owned estates like Chatsworth, Blenheim Palace, and Arley Hall.
Visit the Historic Houses Membership site for more info.
💡 Top Tip: Even if you’re visiting from abroad, a National Trust or Historic Houses membership might still be worth it for a longer UK trip—it can pay for itself in just a few visits!
**Note: Prices current at February 2025. Please check individual websites for current pricing.
Final Thoughts: Why England’s Gardens Are Worth Exploring
England’s gardens aren’t just places to admire flowers - they’re living works of art, shaped by history, creativity, and a deep love of the natural world. From the romantic rooms of Sissinghurst to the grand landscapes of Stourhead, each garden has its own unique character and story to tell.
Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a photographer looking for the perfect shot, or just someone who loves a good wander, there’s a garden in England that will capture your imagination. Some are wild and playful, like Great Dixter, while others offer pure tranquillity, like Hidcote. And then there are the places with a touch of magic—like the Lost Gardens of Heligan, where nature reclaimed its space for decades before being rediscovered.
With so many to choose from, the hardest part is deciding where to start. But that’s the beauty of it—you can visit again and again, and no two visits will ever be the same.