The best British gardens that you can visit this summer

With lockdown measures easing, but with restriction on travelling abroad still in place, now is the perfect time to explore the best British gardens from across the country.

The team of experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have put together a list of their favourite UK gardens which are spread across the country.

'There are hundreds of beautiful public gardens to visit across the UK,' says a spokesperson. 'These are just a few of our favourites – there are lots more we visit and look to for inspiration all the time.'

Now is a great time to get out and explore all the beauty these gardens have to offer and get some ideas for giving your own outside space a new look. “Do remember to check current regulations and opening times for these gardens and if you need to book in advance, make sure you do.'

THE BEST BRITISH GARDENS

The gardens include the traditional, the contemporary, some world known and respected gardens and even places where visitors can enjoy rare and tropical plants.

1. THE BETH CHATTO GARDENS, ESSEX

This is real hidden gem of a garden. A great place for planting inspiration with a mix of a water garden, woodland area and gravel garden.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDE8m4fANdS/

2. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN

This garden houses thousands of plants from across the globe. There are lots of highlights including the scented garden and winter garden. Inside the glasshouse you’ll find exotic plants and cacti.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBAqG9JJM3a/

See: Garden trends for 2020 – The latest garden design ideas

3. CHATSWORTH, DERBYSHIRE

This huge garden was designed by Capability Brown in the 18 th century. There are fountains, rock gardens, contemporary sculptures and miles of parkland to explore.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAxsRuzB8tr/

4. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW

Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous across the globe and well worth a visit if you’re in London. It was created in 1759 and includes historic buildings, breath-taking views and some of the rarest plants you’ll find.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCgWYyBFmgF/

5. KENILWORTH CASTLE, WARWICKSHIRE

This is a beautiful recreation of an Elizabethan garden. Highlights include the carved arbours and a marble fountain.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B__1Fs-FD-r/

6. BARBARA HEPWORTH SCULPTURE GARDEN, CORNWALL

These gardens in St Ives are at the former home of artist Barbara Hepworth. The gardens show a stunning collection of her works.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9uA6AmHo9_/

7. LEVENS HALL, CUMBRIA

If you enjoy topiary, this is the garden for you to visit. Levens Hall has one of the most extensive topiary gardens you’ll find with over 100 pieces.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCOrpANATrn/

8. TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS, ISLES OF SCILLY

This beautiful garden on the Isle of Scilly was started in the 1800’s. The warmer climate means you’ll spot lots of unusual plants. This is a truly unique garden.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBDvKCaH0mW/

9. BELVOIR CASTLE, LEICESTERSHIRE

There’s something for everyone at Belvoir Castle, home to the Dukes of Rutland. You can enjoy formal gardens, Japanese designs and much more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDL3cAds3Ru/

10. HIDECOTE MANOR, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

This is one of the best known and influential Arts and Crafts garden created by Lawrence Johnston. It has linked rooms of hedges, rare trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCy1pwqAt1c/

11. SISSINGHURST GARDEN, KENT

This is one of the most well known gardens in the country with its beautiful roses and English garden feel. There are five acres of garden to explore and around 450 acres of parkland.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqVvR6AzuP/