Gardens in and near Luton

Ascott

The garden at Ascott has always been among its best known and more original features. The gardens were a mixture of the formal and informal including the exuberant Venus and Cupid fountains by Thomas Waldo Story. ... more

England's beautiful gardens are legendary, nurtured by the frequently wet weather and England's expert gardeners. There's nothing quite as lovely as a well-tended English garden, with its fresh green lawns and borders full of delicately coloured blooms.

England is truly the most garden-loving country in the world, with more gardens open to the public than anywhere else. Some of the gardens are situated at stately homes and mansions, complementing the historic architecture, while others are privately-owned cottage gardens, which have been lovingly tended by devoted gardeners who are proud to display the results of their green fingers to the public.

Some of the most romantic gardens in the world have been created in the 'Weald', the area in Kent between London and the South coast, which is rich in fertile clay. These beautiful gardens should be a must on any avid horticulturist's itinerary, as they are a visual delight, and also represent some of the most influential garden designs. In fact, the area is so rich in wonderful gardens, it is known as the 'garden of England'.

Visiting gardens in Royal Tunbridge Wells? Put the celebrated gardens at Sissinghurst Castle at the top of your itinerary.This amazing garden was the careful and creative work of famous English writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. Set in the grounds of an Elizabethan mansion, the garden is made up of romantic little compartments filled with colourful floral displays, and also has lakeside and woodland walks which are open all year. The 'White Garden' is of particular interest, planted entirely with white leafed and flowering species.

Another superb example of gardens in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Emmetts Garden commands panaromic views from its spectacular hilltop location. Boasting year-roung features and a charming informal section, the garden also features the highest tree top in Kent, as well as many rare and exotic trees and shrubs. Visit the garden in spring, when the flowers and shrubs are flourishing, or in autumn, to see the gorgeous autumn colours.

Nearby is Riverhill House Gardens, situated at a small, privately owned ancestral home dating back to around 1714. Riverhill also has a hillside garden, with amazing views across the unspoilt Weald countryside. There's a lovely bluebell wood with rhodedendrons, azeleas and Japanese maples, as well as sheltered terraces with rose gardens and rare shrubs.

The other area of England renowned for its spectacular gardens is Cornwall, which is often described as the 'garden capital of the world'. Cornwall's mild coastal climate means garden lovers are treated to a feast of the lush vegetation and colour all year round. Cornwall's gardens include everything from wild woodland to classic gardens with manicured lawns.

When visiting gardens in Penzance, make sure to swing by the Trevano Estate. The impressive gardens that grace the grounds of this historic homestead encompasses 70 acres and features one of Cornwall's largest and most diverse plant collections set within magnificent formal gardens and woodland areas. There are many specimen shrubs and trees, a gorgeous bluebell valley, an ornamental lake with a charming Victorian Boathouse, as well as a Sunken Italian Garden, Serpentine Yew Tunnel, large Pinetum, a Bamboo collection and an atmospheric Rockery and Grotto. Garden-lovers will certainly not run out of fascinating and attractive areas to see at these spectacular gardens.

Other gardens in Penzance worthy of a visit include the subtropical paradise of Glendurgan. The garden is great for families, with its fantastic laurel maze and maypole, and it provides a warm, sheltered setting for exotic flowers, trees and shrubs. Visitors can also enjoy the glorious view over the Helford River and the Cornwall coastline.

One of the most famous gardens in Penzance and its surrounds, Trebah Gardens rank among the 80 finest in the world. The lush ravine garden winds down to a private and secluded beach on the Helford River, from which the 29th US Infantry Division embarked for the assault landing on Omaha beach on D-Day in 1944. The densely wooded garden encompasses a stream cascading over waterfalls and water gardens with ponds full of Koi carp, as well as two acres of magnificent blue and white hydrangeas. Huge 100 year old tree-ferns are mixed with a forest of rhododendrons, magnolias and camelias, sheltered by a canopy of ancient oaks and beeches. Trebah is full of colour and scent all year, and is also especially great for families, as kids will adore the lush wilderness, as well as the fantastic play area and specially devised children's nature trails.

Moving on from gardens in Penzance, let's pay a visit to the graceful splendour that is Penjerrick Garden. This unspoilt jungle-like garden was created in the 19th century by Robert Were Fox, who was also responsible for the garden at Trebah. The upper section of the garden is planted with rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, azaleas, tree ferns and bamboos, while the lower part is a dense valley garden that is reached by a wooden bridge. The peaceful, lush garden is at its best in April and May.

Treat your eyes and soothe your soul as you visit the tranquil, charming gardens of England.