The United Kingdom is blessed with an abundance of stunning gardens and estates that showcase the beauty and diversity of nature. From the meticulously manicured lawns to the vibrant blooms and ancient trees, these green spaces offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here are 12 spectacular gardens and estates that you simply must add to your UK travel itinerary.
1. Kew Gardens (London, England)
Kew Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden that boasts over 50,000 living plants from around the globe. Spanning 326 acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning glasshouses, a treetop walkway, and a serene Japanese garden. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Palm House, a magnificent Victorian glasshouse that houses an exotic collection of tropical plants.
2. Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire, England)
Blenheim Palace is a stunning baroque masterpiece that serves as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, including the formal Italian Garden, the fragrant Rose Garden, and the tranquil Water Terraces. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and marvel at the grandeur of this historic estate.
3. Sissinghurst Castle Garden (Kent, England)
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a romantic and intimate garden that was created by the renowned writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson in the 1930s. The garden is divided into a series of “rooms,” each with its own distinct character and planting scheme. Don’t miss the iconic White Garden, a serene space filled with white blooms and silvery foliage.
4. Hidcote Manor Garden (Gloucestershire, England)
Hidcote Manor Garden is a stunning Arts and Crafts garden that was created by the American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston in the early 20th century. The garden is divided into a series of intimate outdoor “rooms,” each with its own unique character and planting scheme. Don’t miss the chance to explore the vibrant Red Borders, the tranquil White Garden, and the charming Old Garden.
5. Drummond Castle Gardens (Perthshire, Scotland)
Drummond Castle Gardens is a stunning formal garden that dates back to the 17th century. The garden features immaculate parterres, topiary sculptures, and a beautiful copper beech tree avenue. Take a stroll through the grounds and marvel at the intricate designs and vibrant colors of this historic garden.
6. Bodnant Garden (Conwy, Wales)
Bodnant Garden is a stunning 80-acre garden that features a diverse collection of plants from around the world. The garden is divided into several distinct areas, including the grand Italianate Terraces, the tranquil Dell, and the vibrant Shrub Borders. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous Laburnum Arch in full bloom during late spring.
7. Powerscourt Estate (County Wicklow, Ireland)
Powerscourt Estate is a stunning 47-acre garden that features a mix of formal and natural landscapes. The garden is home to the iconic Triton Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by classical statues and ornate fountains. Take a leisurely stroll through the Japanese Garden, the walled garden, and the enchanting Pepper Pot Tower for breathtaking views of the estate.
8. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall, England)
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a unique and enchanting garden that was rediscovered and restored in the 1990s after decades of neglect. The garden features a mix of formal gardens, woodland walks, and a productive vegetable garden. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Jungle, a lush subtropical garden filled with towering bamboos, giant rhubarb, and exotic palms.
9. Stourhead (Wiltshire, England)
Stourhead is a stunning 18th-century landscape garden that features a serene lake, classical temples, and picturesque grottos. The garden is a masterpiece of English landscape design, with carefully composed views and vistas that unfold as you explore the grounds. Don’t miss the chance to see the garden in autumn, when the foliage turns a stunning array of gold, red, and orange hues.
10. Chatsworth House (Derbyshire, England)
Chatsworth House is a stunning stately home that is surrounded by over 105 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The gardens feature a mix of formal and natural landscapes, including the iconic Cascade, a stunning water feature that dates back to the 17th century. Take a stroll through the Rock Garden, the Maze, and the Sensory Garden for a delightful sensory experience.
11. Inverewe Garden (Wester Ross, Scotland)
Inverewe Garden is a stunning botanical garden that is located on the rugged coast of the Scottish Highlands. The garden features a diverse collection of exotic plants from around the world, including rare species from the Himalayas, New Zealand, and Chile. Take a leisurely stroll through the Walled Garden, the Pond Garden, and the Rhododendron Walk for a truly unforgettable experience.
12. Mount Stewart (County Down, Northern Ireland)
Mount Stewart is a stunning neoclassical house that is surrounded by over 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The gardens feature a mix of formal and informal landscapes, including the iconic Shamrock Garden, the Sunken Garden, and the Lake Walk. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Mediterranean Garden, a sunny oasis filled with citrus trees, palms, and vibrant bougainvillea.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
