Get outside and enjoy green spaces with these fantastic gardens located up and down the country
Staycations are on the cards for many of us this year, and there are plenty of stunning public gardens to get explore right on our doorsteps. Whether you have some annual leave to use up, or want to make plans for the weekend, here are some gardens well worth a trip to.
Eden Project, Cornwall
A must-see for all the family – no matter how much of a newbie you are to all things green you are. So much more than just a huge, tropical garden, Eden Project is an educative experience that’s brimming with information on plants and makes for great day out. It’s definitely worth dedicating a day to if you’re holidaying down in Cornwall.
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
If you’re based further up north or are visiting Scotland this summer, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a must! It was set up over 350 years ago, and boasts an incredibly diverse collection of plants across its 70 acre site. You’ll be instantly transported to an oasis of greenery, and yet this venue is only a short mile north of the city centre. It even has impressive panoramic views of the city skyline, including Edinburgh Castle.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Just because you’re based in a city, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on beautiful and luscious outdoor spaces – and Birmingham’s Botanical Garden proves this. There are four glasshouses at this venue, each dedicated to showcasing the best of different landscapes from tropical rainforest to arid desert.
Beth Chatto Gardens, Essex
For those based in the South East, or if you’re a Londoner seeking an escape from the city, Beth Chatto Gardens is tucked away in the town of Colchester and makes for a great day out. Though smaller than other venues, it’s still equally as impressive – gardener and author, Beth Chatto, transformed this 15 acre site from being a modest, old car park to the beautiful garden it is today! Look out for the water garden and woodland area.
Chatsworth, Derbyshire
For a garden that’s steeped in history, look no further than Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. A day out here is the perfect country escape – in fact, Jane Austen was said to be so impressed by it that Chatsworth inspired Mr Darcy’s residence, Pemberley, in her novel Pride & Prejudice. This garden has something for everyone with architecture and contemporary sculptures, whilst younger visitors can enjoy the maze, adventure playground and farmyard.