Enjoy Britains Best Gardens

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, in Gloucestershire is only three miles away from Tetbury, in the Costwolds. The internationally important shrub and tree collection in this historic and picturesque landscape is supported by Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and managed by the Forestry Commission. There are more than 2,500 types of trees from all over the world, including China, North America, Chile, Japan, Britain, as well as from numerous countries with temperate climates.

The Westonbirt Estate was owned by Robert Holford, a rich Victorian landowner, who started planting trees during the 1850s. The Arboretum consists of 3 main areas.

The Old Arboretum, is a beautifully designed landscape dating back to the 1850s and offers beautiful vistas from stately avenues of trees.

Silk Wood is a semi-natural, ancient woodland with exotic plants.

The Grade 1 Downs contains grassland rich in grass species which makes it a great location for picnicking.

Westonbirt attracts more than 350,000 visitors per year who come from all over the world to view the spectacular autumn colours of the trees, or the spring displays of azalea, magnolia and rhododendron. Groups and individuals, young and old take part in guided walks, educational visits, workshops, guided walks or self-led trails.

Some of the popular events held at Westonbirt include the illuminated Enchanted Christmas trail, the Treefest and the Forest Live concert programme.

STOURHEAD

This landscape garden was first opened in the 1740s and is known world-wide. It has been described as ‘a living work of art’ by journalists and gardeners for its magnificent lake that reflects exotic and rare trees and for its mystical grottoes and classical temples. Stourhead House has a fascinating history that can be discovered with and adventurous Italian Grand Tour.

This Palladian mansion, set amid perfect lawns and expansive parkland contains a unique Regency library with antique Chippendale furniture and famous paintings. The 1,072 hectare estate can be explored to discover its ancient woods, chalk downs and farmland that is managed for wildlife. Stourhead is beautiful, come rain or shine, so pull on your wellies, bring your umbrella, and walk in the beautiful gardens or take a tour to learn more about the Hoare family history.

GREAT DIXTER

Great Dixter estate belonged to the writer and gardener, Christopher Lloyd, who found the inspiration and enthusiasm that fueled his books and articles for over 40 years in the gardens of the estate. The estate contains a garden, the historic house, an education center and a pilgrimage for horticulturists who come from all over the world to experience its magic.

Great Dixter is in fact made up of three different houses. The first was built on the estate in the mid 15th Century, the second, a yeoman’s house from Benenden, was built in the 16th Century and moved in 1910, and the third house is a combination of the former two with additional accommodation added in 1912. The medieval art of the house, the Great Hall, Solar and Palour, can be visited with the help of a guide.

RHS GARDEN WISLEY

The RHS is committed to bring gardening to everyone, including groundbreaking research, world class flower shows, school campaigns and community outreach programmes. At Wisley Gardens, the RHS shares the best in gardening with everyone, as this is what is at the heart of everything that the RHS does.

Enjoy the exciting new Food Hall, where Wisley grown produce and treats are served. Fill a basket with Wisley fare and enjoy a picnic on the lush green lawns of the beautiful gardens.

HELMSLEY WALLED GARDEN

This beautiful garden in the heart of New Yorkshire is the result of a huge amount of hard work by a number of volunteers, supporters, friends and staff, over a very long period of time. Many of the individuals involved in this garden project have moved on, but the ethos remains, always seeking to retain the serenity of this reflective space and utilize the restorative qualities of gardening to maintain that goal. A visit to Helmsley Walled Garden will restore your spirit and relax your mind.

The gardens at Helmsley is a historic site with greenhouses filled with vines and produce. The Social and Therapeutic Horticulture model is a holistic care model that aims to provide the restorative qualities of gardening to individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Helmsley Walled Garden promotes peoples enjoyment of gardening and the staff will happily share their experience with you.