Vibrant colours and cool forest walks, waterfalls and great houses: why not spend spring exploring some of the National Trust's most gorgeous gardens? Discover carefully manicured lawns, fresh blooms and ancient trees in these striking gardens across Britain. While this list features just 10 lovely spots, there are plenty more to explore!
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill: Cambridgeshire, England
Visit the grounds of this quintessentially English house. The working watermill and wildlife discovery area offer captivating views, vibrant colour and delicious scents in every season. In spring, massed drifts of daffodils flourish throughout Anglesey Abbey and more than 4,000 hyacinths decorate the formal garden.
Blickling Hall: Norfolk, England
The best time to visit Blickling Hall is in May. Follow the winding paths through the great wood, see the carpet of dainty English bluebells and discover one of England’s great Jacobean houses at the heart of the garden. Try and find the secret garden - a great place to listen to the spring bird chorus.
Bodnant Garden: Conwy, Wales
Created by five generations of a family, Bodnant Garden has wonderful views of Snowdonia, grand terraced lawns, and a gloriously romantic waterfall. In spring don’t miss the Dell: it’s hidden deep within a wooded valley and echoes with the chatter of the River Hiraethlyn.
Clumber Park: Nottinghamshire, England
Parkland and gardens, peaceful woodlands and a magnificent lake make Clumber Park a gorgeous place to spend a day. In spring the woodland comes alive with birdsong while the beautiful walled kitchen garden is famous for growing hundreds of varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs. Don’t miss the Limetree Avenue – it’s two miles long!
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden: North Yorkshire, England
Explore the atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Fountain’s Abbey and look out for wild spring flowers adding a splash of colour to the medieval stone. The water garden is just as spectacular with its moon-shaped ponds and classical statuary. It was the vision of John Aislabie who created it, and the World Heritage Site remains one of Britain’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens.
Glendurgan Garden: Cornwall, England
Lose yourself in the three valleys of Cornwall’s Glendurgan Garden, a sub-tropical garden that blooms with magnolias, wild flowers and woodland flora. There is also a wonderfully puzzling maze, if you feel like a challenge. Weave your way through an array of exotic plants and enjoy a dazzling show of primroses, violets, daffodils and bluebells when they bloom from mid-February onwards.
Morden Hall Park: London
With diverse landscapes and hidden histories, Morden Hall Park is a green oasis within London. The River Wandle meanders through the former deer-park, and the meadows and trees provide a refreshing break from city life.
Sheffield Park and Garden: East Sussex, England
This informal landscape garden was laid out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown and enhanced further in the 20th century by owner Arthur G. Soames. In spring, there are colourful shows of daffodils and bluebells along with rhododendrons and azaleas leading into early summer. The four larger lakes at Sheffield Park form the centrepiece of the garden and parkland, reflecting the careful composition of trees, shrubs, waterfalls and sky.
Sizergh Castle: Cumbria, England
Tucked away outside of Kendal, Sizergh Castle has beautiful gardens and acres of estate to explore. During spring you’ll see brightly coloured tulips on the top terrace, cherry blossom in the Dutch garden and bright spring colours in the rock garden. There are lots of frogs, newts and numerous species of birds to spot, as well as bees and hens in the apple orchard.
Wallington: Northumberland, England
Discover Wallington, much-loved home to generations of the unconventional Trevelyan family. The Trevelyan’s loved being close to nature and the house is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland, just waiting to be explored. Soak up the atmosphere of the tranquil East Woods, alive with the sound of birdsong and discover the beautiful walled garden, a colourful haven of tranquillity in the springtime. The Dragon cycle trail is a great way to discover the estate and can provide fun for all the family.
