With Spring comes beds of blooming bluebells, meadows filled with golden daffodils and even the occasional glimpse of sunshine. It’s got to be one of our favourite times of the year -perfect to admire some of the most beautiful gardens in Britain!
There’s nothing better than spending time outside and breathing in some fresh spring air. The UK’s huge array of stunning gardens, which explode with vibrant colours and intoxicating scents during the spring and summer months, is the perfect place to do just that.
We’ve rounded up our favourite spots to see nature in full swing and enjoy the warmer weather – here are the UK’s most beautiful spring gardens:
- Anglesey Abbey Gardens, Cambridgeshire
- Kew Gardens, Richmond, London
- Bodnant Gardens, Tal y Cafn, Colwyn Bay
- Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire
- Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
- Armadale, Isle of Skye
Anglesey Abbey Gardens, Cambridgeshire
The grounds and formal garden of this quintessentially English Jacobean house are stunning. The 114-acre surroundings are home to huge drifts of daffodils and 4,000 hyacinths, with captivating views and majestic, tree-lined avenues. You’ll find over 50 species of wildflowers here, including bee orchid, twayblade, and the stunning pyramidal orchid.
You can really make a day of Anglesey Abbey. After enjoying the lush grounds and gardens, visit Lord Fairhaven’s spectacular historic house, which is home to fine furnishings, books, silver, paintings and a rare clock. End the day by having a bite to eat at the lovely on-site cafe restaurant, which serves up tasty home-cooked meals.
Kew Gardens, Richmond, London
Only 30 minutes from central London, Kew is a world-renowned botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring two incredible gardens. It really comes into its own in spring, with vibrant blankets of bulbs and a flowering cherry tree avenue.
Kew Gardens holds loads of spring events, too, so it’s worth checking them out if you plan to visit. Each day in April, one of the garden’s guides will lead tours to explore the spring displays and educate visitors on lesser-known species and blossoms from around the world.
Bodnant Gardens, Tal y Cafn, Colwyn Bay
Bodnant is situated in the stunning North Wales area, offering views over the Carneddau mountains and the renowned Snowdonian range. Its sweeping lawns, wild woodlands and lush meadows are great for visiting all year round, but Bodnant becomes a real feast for the senses come spring.
The Old Park meadow is brimming with golden daffodils from April, and swathes of rich bluebells join in May. Bodnant is home to a National Collection of magnolias and rhododendrons, which spark with colour from March to June, some of which are almost a century old. Known as the spring finale, Bodnant’s famous Laburnum Arch flowers in late May, turning into a walkway of golden flowers – we’d recommend visiting then if you can.
Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire
Stourhead was described as ‘a living work of art’ when it first opened in the 1740s, and some even describe it as the most beautiful and magical landscaped garden in the whole of the UK. Flowering spring shrubs surround classical temples, mythical grottoes, breathtaking vistas, and the magnificent lake centrepiece.
Nestled in the 1,072-hectare estate is the fascinating Stourhead house. With a wealth of history, the Regency library, Chippendale furniture and famous paintings, there’s loads to see and learn at this 18th-century estate. You’re bound to have a fun day at Stourhead – there are nature trails and adventure packs for kids to help them explore and learn all about the rare and exotic plant species and wildlife at the park.
Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
This Midlands paradise is a vast landscape of parkland, woods and heath, covering over 3,000 acres. Scented hyacinths, golden daffodils and bright tulips create a kaleidoscope of colours at Clumber in the spring. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, home to an array of habitats and species.
The park is particularly cheap compared to other National Trust gardens, making it a great place to take a morning or afternoon stroll in serene surroundings on a sunny day, without breaking the bank.
Armadale, Isle of Skye
40 acres of spectacular gardens, romantic ruins, and breathtaking views – Armadale Castle has it all. Dating back to the 17th century, the gardens are home to a diverse range of exotic bulbs, shrubs, and trees, many of which are over 100 years old, from all around the world. In spring, the grounds are transformed into stunning meadows of wildflowers, covered with bluebells and hundreds of vibrant orchids.
Take a walk through the dappled woodlands, search for the estate’s eccentric sculptures or relax and unwind while you enjoy the views from the terraces – this place is a real haven of scent and colour. It’s also worth exploring the romantic Armadale Castle ruins and museum, which offer 1,500 years of history and tales.
It’s worth noting that most of these beautiful gardens (and hundreds of other historic properties, castles and gardens) are free if you’re a member of the National Trust, so if you plan to visit often, it’s worth investing in a membership card.
So, make the most of this beautiful season, put some spring in your step (no pun intended), and book a sunny getaway. We’ve got loads of exciting new tours – we’d love it if you could join us.
