Some of the best gardens in the UK

Portmeirion, Gwynedd Wales

As the climate in Portmeirion is very mild, and winter frosts are also very rare, the gardens have been planted with an amazing array of tender and exotic plants more usually found in Cornish gardens.  The first plantings were in the late 1850s by a Victorian gentleman, Henry Seymour Westcott, who was responsible for the large Douglas Firs, Coast Redwoods, Wellingtonia, Noble and Himalayan Firs to name a few.

During the Edwardian period Caton Haigh managed a further phase of extensive planting creating ‘The Gwyllt’, a display woodland. Alongside a wide variety of trees, there’s a stunning concentration of Rhododenron, Azalea and Camellia plantings. The woodland gardens, subtropical plants, giant yuccas, palms and formal borders can all be visited between 9.30am and 5.30pm throughout the year.

Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff Scotland

The gardens at Drummond Castle are simply spectacular, especially when viewed from the terrace. The approach to the castle is lined with beautiful ancient beech trees and garden layout has the characteristics of a Scottish Renaissance garden.

The gardens were first laid out in the early 17th century and then re-designed and terraced in the early 19th century.  The gardens you visit today were in fact replanted in the 1950s, with careful preservation of the ancient yew hedges and the copper beech trees that commemorate Queen Victoria’s visit in 1842. When visiting the gardens, make sure you don’t miss the impressive 17th century sundial.  The gardens are open to visitors daily from the beginning of May to the end of October between 1pm and 6pm.

Florence Court, Enniskillen Northern Ireland

Florence Court was formerly the home of the Earls of Enniskillen, the Coles. It is surrounded by a large area of beautiful garden and woodland and has breathtaking views of Benaughlin Mountains. You can enjoy glorious walks throughout the grounds, which include a charming walled garden. Other places to explore include a sawmill, an ice house and a pretty thatched summerhouse.

There is the famous Florence Court Yew in the gardens which is reputedly the parent of all Irish yew trees. If you’re thinking of taking your grandchildren, there is also a children’s playground and picnic area. The house and gardens are open all year round.

Wimpole Hall, Royston England

The impressive Wimpole Hall is set in a classical 18th century landscape. The gardens feature a Victorian parterre with seasonal plantings, whith dahlias, fuschias and tomatoes in the walled garden at this time of year. The parterre uses over 20,000 plants to create its fantastic spectacle. As the source of vegetables for the restaurant, the working walled garden measures one hectare and includes a re-built glasshouse by Sir John Sloane.

There are many walks and trails through the woodland gardens, around the lakes, over the Chinese bridge - and the collection of walnut trees are not to be missed! The gardens are open to visitors throughout the year.

Helmsley Hall Walled Garden, Helmsley England

The delightful walled garden dates back to 1759 and is nestled between the beautiful landscape of Duncombe Park and Helmsley Castle. In 1984 it was abandoned and fell into dereliction until restoration began in 1994 to restore the garden to its original Victorian charm. It is also a productive garden, conserving old, rare and endangered plants and using organic techniques where possible.

The walls have been replanted with fruit trees, which include special collections of Yorkshire apples, over 34 varieties of Victorian vines and a beautiful array of clematis.  The produce is served daily in the café and a wide variety of plants, including rare species are all for sale.  You can visit Helmsley walled garden from the beginning of April to the end of October, daily between 10.30am and 5pm.