Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset DT3 4LA
(T) 01305 871387
This Grade 11 listed garden is full of exotic and rare plants. Famous for its camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, it also has breathtaking tropical borders and woodlands.
Athelhampton House & Gardens
Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG
(T) 01395 848363
Set around this fine manor house are glorious formal gardens adorned with distinctive topiary pyramids. Water is a recurring feature with fountains, pools and a beautiful riverside wall.
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden
Barnoon Hill, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1AD
(T) 01736 796226
Barbara Hepworth, one of Britain's most important 20th century artists, created this small, secluded garden behind her studio as a setting for her sculptures. It is a tranquil oasis, where her wonderful and distinctive works are in perfect harmony with the lush planting.
Batsford Arboretum
Moretone-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL569AB
(T) 01386 701441
This hillside garden contains a magnificent collection of trees and shrubs. Choose from a selection of peaceful and picturesque walks, past flower fringed streams, glades and a lake.
Bennetts Water Garden
Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4AF
(T) 01305 785150
Relax beside the water lily ponds and lakes, among the moisture-loving plants, tress, palms, wild plants and flowers. There is also a Monet-style Japanese bridge and tropical house.
Bowood House & Gardens
Calne, Wiltshire SN11 OLZ
(T) 01249 812102
The grounds were designed by 'Capability' Brown and include several champion trees. Visit from April to early June to enjoy the Rhododendron walks in nearby woodland (at extra cost)
Burrow Farm Gardens
Dalwood, Aximister, Devon EX13 7ET
A beautifully landscaped, 10-acre garden with relaxing walks and far reaching views. Fine trees unusual shrubs and herbaceous plants abound, from woodlands garden to the pergola walk.
Caerhays Castle Gardens
Caerhays, Gorran, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6LY
(T) 01872 501310/14
www.marshvillagardens.co.uk
www.marshvillagardens.co.uk
Internationally famous for its camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias, the gardens are also home to more than 75 champion trees. The castle may be visited at extra cost.
Carwinion
Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JA
(T) 01326 250258
Overlooking the Helford River, this 14 acre valley garden contains one of the finest collections of bamboos in the country, plus an abundance of ferns and wildflowers
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HH
(T) 01460 240328
A renowned and outstanding example of English cottage gardening. Of immense beauty and charm, this garden is particularly noted for its snowdrops, hellebores and hardy geraniums.
Eden Project
Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall PL24 2SG
From the lush, exotic species in the vast Tropical Biome to the flowers and crops in the cooler drier Warm Temperate Biome, as well as outdoor displays, there's plenty to discover all year.
The Garden House
Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7LQ
(T) 01822 854769
Breathtakingly beautiful, with year-round colour, this garden includes a refurbished walled garden, wildflower and bulb meadows, wisteria bridges and fabulous cottage garden.
Hidden Valley Gardens
Treesmill, nr Par, Cornwall PL24 2TU
(T) 01208 873225
www.hiddenvalleygardens.co.uk
This series of themed display gardens nestles in a hidden valley, where trees, shrubs, fruit and perennials of all kinds thrive in the warm microclimate.
Iford Manor: The Peto Garden
Lower Westwood, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2BA
(T) 01225 863146
This Grade I, Italian-style garden is famous for its tranquil beauty. The romantic hillside landscape is adorned with terraces, steps and sculptures, and provides magnificent rural views.
The Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery.
St Mawgan, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4ET
(T) 0167 860116
East meets West in the sheltered valley, creating an oasis of serenity. Follow the winding paths to discover spectacular Japanese maples and azaleas, a koi pond, bamboo grove, Zen garden, and woodland and moss garden.
Ken-Caro
Bicton, St Ive, Nr Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5RF
(T) 01579 362446
A five-acre garden full of unusual plants, plus lily ponds, meadows and a woodland walk. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the panoramic views.
Kiftsgate Court
Chippin Campden Gloucesteshire, GL55 6LN
(T) 01386 438777
Magnificently situated on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment, with sweeping views, this garden is home to several unusual shrubs and roses, including the largest Kiftsgate rose in the country.
Kilver Court Gardens
Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA45NF
(T) 01749 340410
Created more than 150 years ago, this five-acre garden features undulating lawns, herbaceous borders, a large lake and rockery with waterfall. The 19th century viaduct makes a stunning backdrop, with glimpses of the Mendips.
Knoll Gardens
Stapehill Road, Hampreston, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7ND
(T) 01202 87391
You are sure to find lots of inspiration in the spectacular displays of ornamental grasses, perennials and shrubs, designed to show you how to create maximum effect with minimum maintenance.
Lady Farm
Chelwood, Bristol, BS39 4NN
(T) 01761 490770
These 12 acres feature prairie-style grasses and perennials, and organic kitchen garden, formal cottage garden, 2 spring-fed lakes and a waterfall with jungle-style planting.
Lanterns
Restronguet Hill, Mylor Bridge Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5ST
(T) 01326 372007
Walk besides tumbling streams and among jungle-like tall trees, grasses and ferns in this unusual one-acre garden with its plentiful bulbs, herbaceous perennials and conservatory plants.
Mapperton Gardens
Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
(T) 01308 862645
Revel in the formal elegance of the Italianate garden, with its fountains, topiary, and grottos, then wander down into the enchanted woodland garden. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Marsh Villa Gardens
St Andrews Road, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2LU
Enjoy these extensive herbaceous borders, lush bog garden, pond and fernery, set among tranquil waterways and mature trees and shrubs, take time to sit and relax and you're sure to spot some of the wildlife that thrives in this 3-acre garden.
Mill Dene Garden
School Lane, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9HU
(T) 01386 700 457
A beautiful tranquil garden, with a mill pool, grotto and stream with resident trout and kingfishers, while the terraced valley features a herb potager with a rill.
Milton Lodge Gardens
Old Bristol Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 3AQ
(T) 01749 672168
With old fashioned roses, fine trees and a lily pond, this Grade II listed, terraced garden offers views of Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. It also incorporates a nearby arboretum.
Orchid Paradise
Burnham Nurseries, Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6PZ
(T) 01626 3522
Discover the exquisite beauty and vibrant colours of many orchids in this extensive collection. It's ideal to visit whatever the weather, as it's all under cover.
Pencarrow
Waashaway, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL0 AG
(T) 01208 8413369
Follow the extensive walks through this grade II listed garden, where magnificent rhododendrons, camellias, conifers and blue hydrangeas thrive. There is also a sunken Italian garden and rockery.
Penjerrick Garden
Budock Water, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5ED
(T) 01892 870105
A peaceful valley garden where winding hidden paths lead you past vast rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias, under giant tree ferns and around huge clumps of bamboos and gunnera in a magical, jungle like setting. Wellington boots are recommended.
Pinsla Garden & Nursery
Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4AY
(T) 01208 821339
This is a romantic, artists' garden with naturalistic planting, imaginative landscaping and sculptures. It surrounds an 18th - century fairytale cottage set in tranquil woodland.
Plant World Gardens
St Marychurch Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4SE
The design of this fascinating four acre garden is based round the five continents, each planted with indigenous species. There is also a cottage garden, fine views and a new display of succulents.
Prideaux Place
Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8RP
(T) 01841 52411
www.prideauxplace.co.uk
Enjoy woodland walks, landscaped grounds with many historic buildings, views of the Camel Estuary and formal gardens currently under restoration. The house may be visited at extra cost.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH
(T) 01805 624067
This extensive garden offers many formal and informal areas to explore in every season. Highlights included are spectacular roses, a new hot-themed garden and inspirational herb, fruit and vegetable gardens.
Roseland House
Chacewater, Truro, Cornwall TR4 8QB
(T) 01872 560451
A pretty and peaceful garden with a profusion of colour and scent. Its many delightful plants include National Collections of clematis Viticella and Lapageria rosea (Chilean Bellflower).
Sezinecote
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AW
(T) 01386 700444
Designed in 1814 in the picturesque style, this tranquil garden has many Indian features. As well as a formal canal garden, there are informal pools, lush streamside plantings and mature trees.
Stone Lane Gardens
Stone Farm, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8JU
(T) 01647 231311
With National Collections of birch and alder, this woodland and water garden contains more than 1,000 trees, many rarely grown in the UK. Don't miss the sculpture exhibition (May-Sep).
Sudeley Castle Gardens
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5JD
(T) 01242 604244/357
These magnificent, organically managed gardens are renowned for the billowing English roses of the Queen's Garden and the intricately detailed knot garden. There is also a Victorian kitchen garden with old vegetable varieties.
Tapeley Park Gardens
Instow, nr Bideford, North Devon EX39 4NT
(T) 01271 860897
Rare plants abound in these beautiful, sheltered gardens. Explore the delightful Italian garden, kitchen garden and permaculture garden and take the woodland walk to the lake.
Trebah Garden
Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ
(T) 01326 252200
Trebah is the wild and magical result of 160 years of inspired and dedicated creation. Glades of subtropical ferns and palms mingle with trees and shrubs, including century-old rhododendrons and magnolias.
Tregrehan
Tregrehan House, St Blazey, Par, Cornwall PL24 2SJ
(T) 01726 814389
www.tregrehan.org
The large and atmospheric woodland garden has a relaxed informality that contrasts with the equally beautiful but more formal walled garden and glasshouse with exotic plants.