5 fabulous English gardens

Hever Castle in Kent. Credit: Visit Britain
Hever Castle in Kent. Credit: Visit Britain

English gardens are renowned world wide, we bring you five of the most beautiful gardens in Britain

The sun is shining – what better way to make the most of it than with a visit to some of the UK’s most charming gardens.

Cholmondeley Castle and Gardens, Malpas, Cheshire

Cholmondeley Castle
Spring in the Temple Garden at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire Credit: VisitEngland/VisitBritain/Joe Wainwright

The finest gardens in the north,  surround this romantic gothic castle – a product of the early 19th century – which stands high on a rise above a lake. Sweeping lawns and a variety of mature trees, including cedars of Lebanon, oak, and chestnut provide a lovely mix of colour and height, with intriguing walks around the lake. There is a Temple Water Garden, Rose Garden, a variety of mixed borders. Planting is planned to provide colour at all times of the year.

Castle Howard, York, Yorkshire

Castle Howard, gardens
The Temple of The Four Winds at the end of a long avenue of trees, Temple Terrace and a classical statue of The Gladiator in the Castle Howard parkland. Credit: VisitEngland Images/Mike Kipling

With 1,000 acres to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquility with extensive woodland walks, temples, lakes and fountains. The monumental landscape offers breathtaking views at every turn, taking in the countryside of the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As well as the dramatic landscape, Castle Howard is well known for its annual displays of daffodils, rhododendrons, bluebells and roses.

Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire

 Capability Brown, Burghley House
Burghley House, a large Elizabeth 16th-century mansion, in parkland created in the 18th century by Capability Brown. Credit: VisitEngland/Verity Milligan

The gardens and parkland that you see today at Burghley were largely designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century. Today, sweeping vistas down to the spires of Stamford with the backdrop of the House create the perfect canvas for open air classical concerts, wedding receptions, events or just a quiet stroll with the dog.

Port Lympne, Hythe, Kent

Port Lympne Mansion, gardens
The Port Lympne Mansion hotel gardens. A historic house with landscaped gardens. A crocodile statue in a waterlily pool. Credit: VisitEngland/Visit Kent/Dan Desborough

Port Lympne Gardens are set in 15 acres of beautiful landscaped terrain and include a vineyard, figary, chessboard and stripe garden. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Trojan stairway across Romney Marsh and the English Channel. Attention to detail in each of section of the gardens is exhibited by complementary grouping of colour.

Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent

Hever Castle in Kent. Credit: Visit Britain
Hever Castle in Kent. Credit: Visit Britain

Hever Castle’s award-winning gardens are set in 125 acres of glorious grounds and feature a Pompeiian wall and classical statuary in the Italian Garden and a giant topiary chess set. There are more than 4,000 rose bushes in the quintessential English Rose Garden and the Loggia, overlooking the 38-acre lake, is the perfect spot to relax before exploring the many cascades, grottoes and fountains. The Tudor Garden, Blue Corner or Rhododendron Walk provide colour and interest throughout the year.