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Great Garden Escape: A First Class Adventure From London to Somerset

Planning a weekend getaway? Want to escape London for a day? Look no further as The Newt in Somerset has everything you could...

Editor picks: Things to do at The Newt in Somerset this season

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Got a thing for walled gardens? Nestled between the glistening River Spey and the rugged Moray Coast, Gordon Castle Walled Garden is one of the oldest, largest and arguably one of the loveliest kitchen gardens in Britain.

Thanks to a sensitive restoration back in 2012, this vast space bustles with the sight of gardeners digging, sowing and harvesting – much like they did in 1803 when the garden’s present form was created. Not that you’d ever be able to tell the place had fallen into disrepair from the abundance of carefully trained produce and flourishing borders. Everything grown here is put to good use, whether it’s essential oils from the herb garden, cafe veggies from the supersized allotment or the fragrant cut flowers that decorate the cafe, holiday cottages and castle. 

The seamless transition from 19th-century private kitchen garden to the gem of an attraction it is today is down to renowned designers Arne Maynard and Craig Hamilton and head plantsmith Ed Bollom. The great thing about the grid-like layout – aside from being pleasing on the eye – is that it’s easy to loop around and make sure you haven’t missed anything. Very important when there’s this much horticultural flair on display. 

Gordon Castle Walled Garden

- A historic walled garden - the perfect Kitchen Garden inspiration.
- Book **[day tickets](/GB/places/4a33aa4448ace3bdde9d0a3b952f9f9b/tickets)** or buy an **[annual membership](/GB/places/4a33aa4448ace3bdde9d0a3b952f9f9b/tickets)** with Candide.

Achamore Gardens was created by Colonel Sir James Horlick with the assistance of Gardener Kitty Lloyd Jones in 1944. Achamore Gardens is the home of Horlick’s renowned Rhododendron and Camellia Collection. Flourishing in Gigha's warm microclimate, the 54-acre Gardens hosts many notable and unusual plants and trees from around the world. The Garden Viewpoint has stunning views over to the Islands of Islay and Jura, while the pond area offers a secluded oasis.

Enjoy woodland walks with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, New Zealand tree ferns, Hydrangeas and Fuchsias that complement the walled gardens with their tender exotics, herbaceous borders and Bamboo Maze for all to enjoy.

The Achamore Gardens are run by the Achamore Gardens Trust which was established in 2017. The Trust exists to lead the restoration of Achamore Gardens and their mandate from the Gardens’ community is to not only invite people to celebrate the wild beauty of Achamore but also to facilitate participation, engagement and regeneration.

As you explore Achamore Gardens, you will discover the amazing work that the team is doing to restore this special place, uncovering plants that haven’t been seen in years, discovering lost paths, and finding entire garden compartments hidden in the undergrowth. 


Achamore Gardens

Historic garden on the Isle of Gigha conserving rhododendron cultivars created by Colonel James Horlick.

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Set across 10 acres of wildlife-rich woodlands the Cotswold Sculpture Park is a large and diverse collection of contemporary art with everything from scrap metal work to bronzes. Some works, such as the Morris Minor mounted atop a vast spike by the entrance are monumental in scale, and many of the pieces are available to buy.

The grounds are considered part of the artwork here, with changing foliage providing a beautiful backdrop and the edges of some sculptures beginning to fade into the landscape. The owners are devoted to wildlife, with a thistle field, wildflower garden, woodland glades and a pond area, so it’s worth bringing along a pair of binoculars to catch the bird life. Visitors will also be pleased to discover that a range of hot and cold refreshments are available, and toilets can be found at the back of the site.

Cotswold Sculpture Park

Contemporary sculptures in a biodiverse woodland.

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East Lambrook Manor Gardens is the iconic and quintessentially English cottage garden created by the celebrated 20th-century plantswoman and gardening writer Margery Fish. It was here that she developed her own style of gardening, combining old-fashioned and contemporary plants in a relaxed and informal manner to create a garden of immense beauty. 

Charming pathways wind through the garden, guiding visitors past the abundant borders and the noteworthy collections of Hellebores, Hardy Geraniums and Snowdrops. You will also find a superb specialist hardy plant nursery - it’s the perfect opportunity to find a real head-turner for your own plot.

East Lambrook has been recognised by English Heritage and awarded its Grade 1 status. It remains one of Britain’s most celebrated cottage gardens and provides plenty of inspiration for this style of planting.

East Lambrook Manor Gardens

Perfect cottage garden inspiration and independent hardy plant nursery.

After being closed for 10 years, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens was nearly lost forever. However, it reopened its doors in 2019 after undergoing one of the largest garden restoration projects in England. These spectacular and ancient gardens are now open for the public to enjoy once again. 

With over 240-acres of English woodland gardens set within a steep valley, you can expect to find lakes, woodland areas, and the famous Rock Garden.

Many people in the local area have fond memories of their visits and life around these gardens. Leonardslee aims to protect this magnificent heritage so that future generations get to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna within.  

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

240-acres of English woodland gardens where you'll find lakes, forests, and the famous Rock Garden.

The Gardens are the pride and joy of the Laird’s mother, Clare Russell, and the Head Gardener, Kevin Clarke. Although not blessed with the most ideal of climates to produce reliably horticultural firework displays, the Gardens have been planned to make the most of the soil and the landscape throughout the year!

Today the visitor enters the Gardens by passing the 18th Century Doo’cot (or dovecote) and soon discovers that there are, in fact, three distinct gardens waiting to be explored. Beyond the large lawn extending from the front of the Castle lies the Rockery, climbing up from the lower slopes of the valley of the River Avon, and affording fine views of the Castle itself. Adjacent to, and enclosed on three sides by the Castle, sits the Courtyard Garden, classically formal and hauntingly romantic. North of the Castle a laburnum arch and tree-lined avenue leads to the magnificent Walled Garden, redesigned in 1996 to celebrate the Castle’s 450th anniversary, and a profusion of colour and perfume all year round.

From the riot of daffodils in Spring to the Autumn roses, with the herbaceous border through the summer, there is plenty to see around the Castle all through the year. All three gardens offer a cornucopia of flora and fauna. Red Squirrels darting here and there between the magnificent trees; roe deer grazing along the banks of the River Avon.

Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens

This beautifully eclectic garden is full of hidden surprises, nestled on the banks of the River Avon.

The gardens were started in 1922 when a chain of seven lakes and pools was created with rare trees and shrubs. April is the perfect time to admire the camellias, crocuses, daffodils, and the magnificent Magnolia Walk.  May & June showcases rhododendrons, lilacs, azaleas and bluebell woods.  Summer is brimming with peonies, hydrangeas, roses, the colours lasting right through September.  

There is also a full working Walled Garden providing Cut Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables throughout the year for the Hall.

Hodnet Hall Gardens

65 acres of beautiful woodland with a string of tranquil pools.

Broughton Grange overlooks a beautiful Oxfordshire valley. Its history dates back to 1620 initially as a small farm cottage associated with the Saye and Sele estate at neighbouring Broughton Castle. Broughton Grange is set in over 400 acres of parkland, farmland and open meadow, with parkland planting that owes its origins to the Victorian era. In the early 20th century and under the ownership of Lady Ottoline and Philip Morrell, and although not ultimately fond of Broughton, Lady Ottoline wrote“I think the country looks very charming, very secluded; the trees and air and stillness are so delightful”. 

Over the last 25 years, Broughton Grange and its gardens have been substantially transformed such that it is now recognised as one of the most significant private contemporary gardens in Britain. Its development accelerated in 2001, when leading landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith was commissioned to transform a six-acre south facing field into a walled garden. This impressive new garden, walled on two sides only, features three individually themed terraces and has been designed in strong relation to the surrounding rural landscape. It is now seen as amongst Tom’s best work and is widely featured in books and magazines. Since the late 1990s, many other parts of the gardens have been beautifully developed and from 2003 onwards, a substantial arboretum has been planted and continues to be developed. The tree collection at Broughton includes a wide range of interesting species and cultivars, covering an area of approximately 80 acres.

Broughton Grange Gardens

1st prize winner for 'Best Development of a Historical Garden' category by the European Garden Heritage Network.

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum has been described as one of the most beautiful newly made gardens in Scotland – and they weren’t lying. As well as clusters of rare trees and shrubs, more than 120 species of wildflowers, grasses and ferns have been coaxed from the rugged Scottish moorland. The result is a blaze of colour set against a dreamy backdrop of sea and sky.

You could spend hours gazing out at those sparkling sea views across the Isle of Man, Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway, but then you’d miss out on feeling the dappled light warm your skin as it bursts through the tree trail’s canopy. Foliage-filled borders interspersed with sculptures, calming lakes and the 17-acre Moorland Walk are equally brilliant additions that manage to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. 

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum isn’t just a hit with the people who merrily whisk away plants from the nursery and tuck into a locally sourced menu before bidding the garden adieu. It’s also become a vital habitat for the endangered red squirrel and many birds of prey. Perhaps nature moving in is the best accolade a garden can hope for. 

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum

Delightful mosaic of sheltered lakes, open moorland and parkland.

Considered one of the finest gardens in East Anglia since the mid 17th century, the gardens at Somerleyton continue to delight.

Set in 12 acres, the garden is gradually being re-imagined as a series of interconnected 'rooms'. The gardens include magnificent trees, Victorian architecture and glasshouses, walled gardens, a rose garden, shrubberies planted with rare and unusual plants, exotica, a working kitchen and cut flower garden. Visitors will also enjoy exploring the Yew Hedge maze, which was planted in 1846.

Somerleyton  Hall Gardens

One of the finest Victorian Stately homes and gardens in the wilds of East Anglia.

Upon entering the grounds of Blenheim Palace, it’s easy to see why the likes of Harry Potter, Spectre 007 and many other blockbusters have been filmed here. The lavish UNESCO world heritage site is home to award-winning formal gardens, swoon-worthy vistas and one of Britain’s grandest houses. 

Dubbed 'the finest view in England' by Winston Churchill's father, the showstopper is the vast lake and beautiful Vanburgh Bridge set in 2100 acres of naturalistic parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. With its links to Churchill, history buffs will find plenty here to intrigue. But it’s not just the colourful history that draws people to this idyllic corner of Oxfordshire.

A delight in all seasons, the grounds play host to open-air cinema during the summer months, while the Christmas period sees the palace and gardens lit up for the annual illuminated light trail. Whether you’ve come to marvel at the opulent Baroque architecture, seek out the serenity of the secret garden, bury your nose in the rose garden or enjoy the views from the water terraces, Blenheim Palace is sure to be an unforgettable day out.  

Blenheim Palace

- Magnificent country house and vast estate with formal gardens.
- Book **[Palace, Park & Garden tickets](/GB/places/4a33aa4448ace3bdde9d0a3b950e0b86/tickets)** for a free upgrade to annual membership. 
- Book **[Park & Garden tickets](/GB/places/4a33aa4448ace3bdde9d0a3b950e0b86/tickets) **for a great value single day pass (excl. Palace entry).

Ardmaddy Castle Gardens sit in a quiet, gentle corner of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. Surrounded by woodland, hills, moors and the sea, Ardmaddy is a haven for wildlife. Eagles soar above the hills, skylarks sing their hearts out, deer graze on the hillsides and otters hunt by the shore. 

The large walled garden lies beyond an old arched footbridge hosting a fine collection of azaleas, herbaceous perennials and climbing plants that line the walls. Between dwarf box hedges, a range of interesting vegetables and cane fruits are grown using a variety of ingenious labour-saving methods. Summer visits offer the opportunity to buy some of this marvellous produce.

Delight in both the Clock garden and Water garden, brimming with cutting flowers, various stone and water features, as well as damp-loving candelabra primulas, irises and rodgersias. The woodland walks meander alongside the burn where you can spot enormous rhododendrons dating back more than half a century.


Ardmaddy Castle Gardens

A quiet tranquil garden surrounded by woodland, hills, moors and the sea

At Adlington Hall & Garden's sprawling 700-year old country estate in rural Cheshire, it’s not just the furniture that’s original. At its heart, you’ll find two grand old oak trees that date back to when Adlington Hall & Gardens was a humble forest lodge – making this a real crowd-pleaser for green-fingered history buffs.

In Spring, visitors are greeted with a lush carpet of bluebells, while the summer months simmer with the heady scent of the rose-festooned garden complete with elegant pillars of rambling roses. At Adlington Hall and Gardens there’s something to please all ages, from the 17th century Lime Avenue and the intricate shell adorned cottage to the Yew Maze, complete with a unicorn at its centre. 

Once you’ve explored the beautiful grounds, make a beeline for the oak-panelled tea rooms, where you can tour this striking house before filling up on homemade scones. 

Adlington Hall & Gardens

Adlington Hall’s gardens are an oasis of tranquillity. It’s thought that Charles Legh first landscaped the gardens in the 18th century, in the style of Capability Brown

Though the original residents of Hoveton Hall Gardens vacated sometime in the 19th century, many species call this sprawling estate home. 

White admiral butterflies dance in light-dappled woodland, where mature Rhododendrons and Azaleas provide vibrant splashes of colour among a sea of green. Bring your binoculars as more than 100 species of bird dart about the sprawling estate and nesting waterfowl can be spotted delicately building their nests on Kidney Lake’s island. 

History buffs should seek out the cavernous ice well – a task as these were traditionally tucked out of sight among the trees. The Old Kitchen Garden has been redeveloped with manicured lawns and a blaze of herbaceous borders. It still produces fruit for the Regency Hall, an architectural gem dating back to 1809. 

Speaking of food, the Garden Kitchen Café is a delightful place to pick up freshly made, locally grown grub and estate-reared meat while snatching a last glimpse of the grounds. 

Hoveton Hall Gardens

An extensive estate with plentiful wildlife and gardens.

Fans of ferns are in for a treat at Attadale Gardens, which is home to one of the largest fern collections in Scotland. The fern-filled geodesic dome and atmospheric sunken garden are a joy to discover. But these unfurling fronds aren’t the only thing exciting green-fingered visitors. 

On arrival, visitors can marvel at the lily pad-covered water gardens before taking a stroll along the old rhododendron walk. Those with kids in tow will have a blast seeking out the animal sculptures hidden among the foliage while those looking to slow the pace can unwind in the Japanese-inspired raked gravel gardens. 

But what really makes Attadale Gardens special is its location in Wester Ross, Scotland. Head up to the viewpoint where you can see this mosaic of gardens set against the beautiful backdrop of neighbouring Skye. As well as the charming gardens, there’s an onsite tearoom providing homemade snacks, sweet treats and hot drinks in exchange for a donation, which you can leave in the honesty box.

Attadale Gardens

- Large fern collection and gardens in spectacular setting.
- Book **[day tickets](/GB/places/6cd9f9c1b9ed8123ff7df4ec3d008ab7/tickets)** or buy a **[season ticket](/GB/places/6cd9f9c1b9ed8123ff7df4ec3d008ab7/tickets)** with Candide.

The Sculpture Park in Churt is a perfect destination for photographers and fans of modern art, with 10 acres of delightful and inspiring sculptures at the heart of the Surrey Hills. It’s a real hidden gem - a tardis-like site that reveals magical woodland landscapes and tranquil reflecting pools beyond the garden gates.

There are an abundance of dramatic photo opportunities scattered throughout the grounds here, and it’s simply down to the visitor to decide which way to capture them. A giant tarantula hanging over the path, a charming folly nestled atop a waterfall and myriad other eclectic pieces from national and international artists which reflect the owners’ love of art and sense of humour.

The sculptures aren’t the only inhabitants of these gardens, and you’ll find plenty of wildlife here, too, with an arboretum and thousands of plants and bulbs putting on a show each year. Two miles of paths lead through woodlands and over heathland, in a valley with spring-fed lakes. If you’re taken by the pieces on display here, many sculptures are available for sale, and for those looking for something at the lower end of the budget, there’s also a great gift shop.

The Sculpture Park

Over 600 sculptures in a beautiful landscape of woodland and lakes.

The gardens at Arley Hall have been designed and kept by the same family for generations. A treasure trove for plant enthusiasts, the hall and gardens also host the Arley Hall Food Festival.  

The main attraction of this RHS Partner Garden is the double herbaceous border, one of the oldest in Britain. Sit in the alcove and look out over vibrant spring and summer flowers. See Lord Ashbrook’s amazing collection of rhododendrons in The Grove before a peaceful stroll in the Woodland Walk. Enjoy sweeping views of the parkland from the Sundial Garden, and if it’s a warm day, the walled Scented Garden is a must-see.

The Gardener’s Kitchen Café uses ingredients and herbs from the estate to create delicious seasonal dishes. If you’re feeling inspired, pick up your favourite plants from the nursery. Arley Hall also regularly runs interesting events, like Guided Estate and Bluebell Walks, so keep an eye on the website for the latest goings-on.

Arley Hall & Gardens

Mount Ephraim Gardens is set in 10-acres of Edwardian terraced gardens against a backdrop of the Kent countryside. The gardens also feature a Japanese rock garden, water garden and lake, arboretum and a grass maze with a play area for children.

Mount Ephraim Gardens

Traditional estate with charming terraced gardens and a maze.

A family home with lovely gardens, open to the public. 3 miles south of Montrose on the Angus coastline.

Dunninald Castle & Gardens

Beautiful wild and walled gardens on the Angus coastline.

A tranquil haven amid Skye’s wild, rugged landscape. Step into the elegant castle gardens at Dunvegan and discover five acres of immaculate grounds and a romantic castle, like no other.

Amble over ornate bridges in the Water Garden, where tranquil ponds are surrounded by a huge variety of colourful flowers and herbaceous plants. See the impressive Japanese Holly centrepiece in the more formal Round Garden, before wandering around the Walled Garden, with its 17th-century sundial and ‘Dunvegan Pebble’ sculpture. Then get a glimpse of the castle and Dunvegan Loch on the shady Woodland Walk. 

Around 30,000 of the estate’s half-hardy plants are grown from cuttings – find out more about them in the Garden Museum before a snack in the Macleod Tables Café. Or explore Dunvegan Castle itself, home to the Clan Macleod for over 800 years. 

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Immaculately-kept castle gardens perched on a rugged shoreline.

Explore the 16th century house and the classically designed gardens with long borders, trees, and lakes. There's also a diverse range of birdlife including red kites, kingfishers, black swans, and little grebes.

Deene Park

Elegant country manor and estate with tea room.

The gardens at Dorfold Hall are filled with tumbling roses, secluded dells and there are also woodlands to view. There is also a 1000-year-old sweet chestnut tree, the dingle, and several other features, not to mention the uninterrupted view extending from the south lawn.

The recently redesigned borders flanking the two lawns to the South of the house provide an array of wonderful colours in the shape of roses, irises, delphineums, peonies, Himalayan poppies and many more.

Dorfold Hall

The gardens at Belmont include a kitchen garden that was originally designed by Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd and has Victorian greenhouses, along with figs, hops, soft fruits, and traditional apple and pear varieties. The walled garden contains a pond and is adjacent to the pinetum complete with grotto. Tours of the garden are also available.

Belmont House

A large parkland estate with walled & kitchen gardens.

Whether you turn up in early December to cut your own Christmas tree or in late March to witness Spring’s first blooms, there really is something to see all year round at Finlaystone Gardens.

Although the Finlaystone Gardens has evolved since its inception in 1900, it still retains the charm and character of a historic garden as felt in the pretty Celtic paving and the traditional charm of the walled garden. The estate offers sweeping vistas of the lapping waters of the Firth of Clyde. And thanks to the restricted play areas, you can stare out to sea in peace. 

As the new year unfolds, the woodlands are glazed in snowdrops while bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas provide a welcome flash of colour at the turn of the season. Look out for unusual trees and shrubs such as Eucryphias and Embothrium. Signs of a sustainable food growing culture can be found in the vegetable garden where soft fruit and espalier trees tumble into view.

The majestic Finlaystone House and accompanying woodland trails provide further roaming space, although rumbling bellies can always swing by the Garden Café. 

Finlaystone Gardens

Family-friendly estate with ancient woodland and mature gardens.

"The Charterhouse may have occupied this site at the heart of Clerkenwell since 1348, but it’s yet to shake its hidden gem status. And that’s no bad thing. 

Those looking for respite from the hubbub of the city could do worse than stumble across the lovingly restored gardens and palatial rooms of The Charterhouse. The interlocking courtyards and garden rooms have been carefully planted to appeal to both people and wildlife. Despite its long history, the gardeners haven’t been afraid to play with convention. The Preacher’s Court offers a modern twist on the cottage garden style, which is a contained riot of clashing colours and plants jostling for space. Contrast this with the muted but no less beautiful pallet of the Norfolk Garden. The garden also features botanical rarities which use their city setting to their advantage. For example, elegant spires of Echiums thrive on this ancient plot thanks to the unique microclimate created by the surrounding buildings. 

Over the years, this site has worn many hats, including as a Carthusian monastery, a grand Tudor mansion, a school, and an almshouse, which it remains to this day. You can soak up this history in the museum, on a tour or just by nabbing a bench in one of the stunning courtyards - just don't tell anyone. 
"

The Charterhouse

- Medieval garden and museum at the heart of London.

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