Beautiful gardens to catch the best spring blooms
Lift your spirits and find the perfect location for a springtime ramble at some of the UK’s most amazing gardens.
Whether you love strolling the grounds, admiring the landscapes or simply enjoy being outdoors when the weather is fine, here’s our top pick of some of the best gardens to add to your list this spring and summer.
Cerney House, Gloucestershire, England
Discover a romantic, secret garden in the Cotswolds and lose yourself amongst its delightful, old-fashioned designs. From dreamy woodland paths to delightful walled gardens, Cerney Gardens is bursting with wonderful sights. You can also enjoy a homemade snack in the lovely bothy and tearoom, perfect fortification for a tramp round the gardens.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy, North Wales
Boasting one of the most impressive collections of plats and flowers around the world, Bodnant Garden is spilt into two distinct parts and each has plenty of pleasures to offer. Tour the five terraces of the upper garden and enjoy the Italian influence and lovely stone buttresses then plan a leisurely stroll through the dreamy, woodland-like lower gardens.
Overbecks Garden, Devon, England
A gem of a seaside garden that’s supported by the National Trust, Overbecks Garden is perched high on the cliffs above Salcombe and boasts an amazing range of subtropical plants. While this is a small garden, it really is one of a kind and it’s also attached to a very interesting museum dedicated to the former owner, eccentric scientist Otto Overbeck.
Bennetts Water Garden, Dorset, England
Spend the whole day exploring this 8-acre wonderland and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling invigorated. Not only is Bennetts Water Garden home to the National Plant Collection of Water Lilies, it also has a lovely Monet-inspired Japanese bridge to view them from, as well as fabulous woodland walks and a lush tropical house.
Braco Castle, near Crieff, Perth and Kinross, Scotland
The stern, grey stone building at Braco Castle suggests an austere set of gardens but what you’ll actually find is a veritable delight of greenery and blossoms. These 19th century gardens boast a brilliant selection of trees, shrubs and flowers. Explore the partly walled garden, sit by the ornamental pond and wander down some of the many secluded pathways.
Cliveden Gardens, Buckinghamshire, England
For a look at an impressive topiary collection, head along to the Cliveden Gardens and estate in Maidenhead. These lovely gardens are set high above the Thames and offer excellent views as well as a great collection of woodland walks and peaceful spots. Make sure you enjoy the quirky statuary and topiary in the Long Garden.
Dereen Gardens, County Kerry, Ireland
With a stunning 60 acres of garden, a real adventure waits at Dereen Gardens. Follow some of the exciting, winding paths to discover gorgeous views of the Kilmakilloge Harbour, the Caha Mountains and the distant McGillicuddy Reeks as well as an excellent selection of mature trees, lovely flowers and wildlife.
Do you have a favourite garden for wandering?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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