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

For me, planting bulbs is usually an autumn activity. Once the summer flowering annuals have finished and the containers have...

5 Summer Flowering Bulbs to Plant in Spring

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Llwyngarreg is a 3-acre plantaholic’s haven created over 22 years, with year-round impact, from spring bulbs through to glorious autumn colour. There are tapestries of colour and texture in the many trees, interspersed with unusual shrubs and perennial underplantings. A willow tunnel welcomes visitors into a maturing shelter belt, beyond which lies the main garden with wide mixed borders. Additionally there are closely planted areas in front of the house and in gravel gardens behind it. A woodland garden leads down to the potager. Plantsmen will linger to find many gems.  Now maturing are a sunken garden for tender/exotic gems and extensive gravel terraces with formal raised pool. Several deep ponds - children need close supervision.

We have been included in the recent book "Great Gardens of Wales" by Tony Russell, former Head Forester at Westonbirt Arboretum.

Llwyngarreg Gardens

One of the 'Great Gardens of Wales' set in Carmarthenshire with colour and beauty all year round.

Pentillie Castle was built by Sir James Tillie in 1698, sitting beautifully in a 1,500 private family estate on the Cornish banks of the River Tamar. The garden walls are said to be some of the oldest in the UK, featuring landscape by the renowned Humphrey Repton and influence by Lewis Kennedy in the American Gardens. 

Sheltering a huge variety of shrubs, trees (including a collection from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh), the gardens stretch over the 55 acres surrounding the historic Castle. From snowdrops in February to berries that adorn the woodland trees throughout the winter, the gardens have a show of colour almost all year round. They are not heavily manicured, by contrast, the woodland flowers are left to go to seed and the undergrowth left wild for the resident hedgehogs, and birds to live in harmony. Trainers or boots are recommended for these garden paths. You will be tempted to explore the many wandering paths past old ruins, ponds, up and down huge stone staircases, and via the remains of old summer houses.

As a woodland shrub garden, Pentillie’s gardens are usually open to the public on specific days in spring, when the flowers are at their finest. However, access to the garden’s year round is available through our 'Friends of Pentillie' membership scheme and forms part of any stay, afternoon tea visit or event booking. You can see how you would like to explore and enjoy Pentillie, and details of our garden open days by visiting www.pentillie.co.uk/whats-on.

Pentillie Castle & Estate

This 5-star estate is considered one of the jewels of the River Tamar 

Mount Stuart House and Gardens are located on the beautiful island of Bute. Bute is only 33 miles from Glasgow.  It is the most accessible of the westerly isles from the Scottish Central Belt. It’s a peaceful island haven, just a stone’s throw away from the mainland.

Mount Stuart House & Gardens

Huge and verdant gardens on a Scottish island.

A meandering and richly planted open garden on the east coast of Scotland. Cambo Estate offers amazing variety, from the alliums, lilacs and roses in its walled garden to one of the UK’s most impressive collections of snowdrops. 

One of the most interesting features of the Georgian walled garden is the burn – a gently flowing stream - that runs through it down to the sea. Start with a view of the whole garden by the twisted weeping willow, then wander past herbaceous borders packed with late-season naturalistic and prairie-style plants. In the winter, don’t miss the surrounding woodland, home to birch trees and 350 types of snowdrop.

Children will love playing in the Lost Elf Village or spying on each other through the spider hole. And those in need of a good cuppa can drop into the café. There are exciting plans for a contemporary cutting garden, though you can also buy plants in the stables. 

Go on a tour of the gardens with Lady Catherine Erksine, who has lived at Cambo House since 1976. Learn about its history as well as its quirkier features, and which parts of the garden really come to life at different points in the year.  

Cambo Gardens

Richly planted walled garden set in a large estate.

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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.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden is the most visited garden of its kind in the UK and it’s not just botany students that flock to its extensive collection. Among the visitors are more than 100 species of bird, including a pair of sparrowhawks and the increasingly rare song thrush. 

Established in 1846, the garden boasts over 8000 species encompassing nine national collections from fetching Fritillaries and elegant Bergenias to unusual shrubs. The much older western side is framed by a canopy of mature trees and home to Systematic Beds, with herbaceous temperate plants laid out to aid teaching. The eastern half of the garden, which was developed in the 1950s opens out onto a drought-tolerant meadow, a scented garden and spectacular planting arrangements. In between, pollinators dance among the bee borders, while those feeling brave should sniff out Titan Arum, aka the Corpse Plant, so-called for its pungent whiff. 

A visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to the infamous apple tree, said to be a descendant of the species under which Newton discovered the theory of gravity. Family-friendly activities range from craft workshops to educational talks and tours. 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Species-rich botanic garden at the heart of Cambridge.

With its impressive medieval architecture, lush countryside setting and stunning RHS partner gardens, The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, located in the heart of the City of Wells certainly makes for a picturesque day out.

Beyond the ancient ramparts and moat (where you should look out for the resident family of bell-ringing swans), there are 14 acres of Grade II listed gardens, including the shady well pools that give the city its name. 

Breathe in the fabulous rose-covered parterre, float past vast herbaceous borders or take a walk on the wild side in the Arboretum, where swathes of bluebells, primroses and snowdrops blossom. In Spring, the Quiet Garden’s ashy silver birches are ablaze with a carpet of red tulips. Here visitors can share a moment of reflection and contemplation – when they’re not snapping the eye-catching display. 

As well as more than 800 years of horticultural history, The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens also hosts alfresco theatre and art exhibitions. After a plant-packed day out, pull up a well-deserved seat at The Bishop’s Table, where you can tuck into produce grown in the community garden. 

Bishop's Palace & Gardens

Medieval palace with moat and formal gardens in Wells.

The walled gardens at Restoration House enclose a stunning parterre, topiary and other formal features, along with herbaceous borders, greenhouses, and a cutting garden. There is an early 17th-century Italian garden, with wide terraces on three levels, statues, ponds, and brickwork that is now nearing completion.

Restoration House

Historic formal walled garden at the heart of Rochester.

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.

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An extraordinary space at the heart of the capital. 17th Century apothecaries established Chelsea Physic Garden, and their work is continued today in its living collection of around 5,000 plants that have changed the world. 

Tucked away beside the Thames in one of London’s smartest boroughs, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a retreat from the buzz of the city. Within its sheltered walls, rare and unusual plants flourish: walkthrough shaded avenues and admire the gardens of edible, herbal and medicinal plants, colourful floral displays from the Atlantic islands and woodland and wilderness areas. Don’t miss the historical collections in the 100-year-old glasshouses. 

The Physic Garden Café serves up breakfast and lunch using British produce that you can enjoy while admiring the gardens. The garden shop is a real treat for horticultural goodies and gifts. And a whole host of events runs all year, from workshops to family activities. 

Chelsea Physic Garden

A peaceful leafy oasis with heritage glasshouses.

An intimate 3 acre award-winning cottage style garden and specialist plant nursery nestled in a secluded hidden valley in Cornwall. There are 26 identified beds and borders that are full of colour from early season to late autumn. It is a wonderfully peaceful place to sit and dream amongst the borders/beds set with herbaceous perennials, shrubs and grasses, and collections of Crocosmia, Agapanthus and Dahlias. There is a pond area with wildlife and bog planting, and a shady Fernery, also Japanese and Mediterranean areas and Iris Bed.

Hidden Valley Gardens

Incredible floral displays in a sheltered Cornish valley.

Woods, orchards, and cultivated gardens are nurtured using age-old skills at The Newt in Somerset. Close to artistic Bruton, this large working estate immerses visitors in the tranquillity of nature. 

The world-class gardens at The Newt cleverly evoke different historic eras. Explore the Cottage Garden for a glimpse of Gertrude Jekyll’s famous landscaping style, and see the flowers that scented 19th century gardens in the Victorian area. The Cascade is a contemporary twist on traditional water features, and the Colour Gardens feature hellebores, astrantias and anemones inspired by garden designer Penelope Hobhouse. Her family home was The Newt’s Georgian manor Hadspen House – now a luxurious hotel. 

Once you’ve taken in the gardens and explored the woodland walkways, you can refuel at The Garden Café. Or, at the Cyder Press, sample the cider made from the estate’s 3,000 apple trees, perhaps enjoying a guided tour of the cellar and apple pressing demonstrations. 

Make sure to activate your Garden Membership on Candide, and return to The Newt as often as you like over the next 12 months.

Accessibility Information
All gardens areas are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though via indirect routes – often up thick lawns, steep gradients, uneven ground and gravelled pathways. For longer distances transport is available for those requiring assistance.


The Newt in Somerset

Magnificent estate with productive gardens, museum and parkland.

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).

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.

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