Apple Court
Hordle Lane, Hordle, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 OHU. (T) 01590 642 130
A compact walled garden renowned for its colour-themed daylily beds. Designed as a series of interlocking areas, it also features a Japanese garden, white garden and subtropical borders.
Open 6 Mar-31 Oct, Fri-Sun & bank hols, 10am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £4, under 17s free.
Arundel Castle
Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AB. (T) 01903 882 173
The exciting new formal garden (The Collector Earl's Garden) is adorned with temples, fountains, obelisks, pergolas and grottoes. The castle may be visited at extra cost.
Open 4 Apr-1 Nov, Tue-Sun & bank hols (plus Mon in Aug), 10am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £7, under 5s free.
Arundel Castle Arundel, West Sussex.
Belmont House & Gardens
Belmont Park, Throwley, nr Faversham, Kent ME13 0HH. (T) 01795 536 250
Around the Georgian mansion lie 13 acres of delightful gardens, which include a walled garden, kitchen garden with Victorian greenhouses, a pinetum and yellow-lined walks.
Open all year, daily, 10am-6pm (dusk in winter). Adults £4, OAPs £2, children (12-16) £1.50.
Belmont House Faversham, Kent.
Borde Hill Garden
Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XP. (T) 01444 450 326
A beautiful Grade ll listed garden, laid out as a series of rooms. Magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons give way to roses and herbaceous plants. Woodland and lakeside walks offer magnificent views.
Open 20 Mar - 13 Sep, plus 24 Oct - 1 Nov (half term), daily, 10am-6pm (dusk in winter). Adults £7.50, OAPs £6.50, children (3-15) £4.
Brogdale Farm
Brogdale Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ. (T) 01795 536 250
Brogdale holds the world's largest collection of fruit trees and plants, with more than 4,000 varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, soft fruit and nuts. Guided tours are available at extra cost.
Open all year, daily, 10am-5pm (4.30PM Oct-Easter). Adults £4.50, OAPs £4, under-16s £2.
Brook Cottage Garden
Well Lane, Alkerton, nr Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 6NL. (T) 01295 670 303
A richly planted hillside garden with year-round interest, including colour-themed borders and water, bog and gravel gardens. There are roses and clematis in profusion, as well as many unusual trees.
Open Easter Mon - 31 Oct, Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm. Adults £5, OAPs £4, under-17s free.
Capel Manor Gardens
Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4RQ. (T) 08456 122 122
The grounds of this top horticultural college are a great source of inspiration, with numerous show gardens, trial beds and glasshouses, plus traditional herbaceous borders, a maze and woodland.
Open all year, Mar - Oct daily, 10am-6pm, Nov-Feb Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. Adults £5.50, OAPs £4.50, children (6-16) £2.50.
Capel Manor Gardens Enfield, Middlesex.
Chelsea Physic Garden
66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS. (T) 020 7352 5646
Hidden behind high walls, this is an oasis of calm. It's also one of the world's most important botanic gardens, dating back from 1673. In its warm, sheltered micro-climate, an extensive collection of medicinal plants thrives.
Open 1 Apr - 30 Oct, Wed-Fri 12 noon - 4.30pm (.30pm on Weds in July & Aug), Sun & bank hols 12 noon-5.30pm. Adults/OAPs £8, children (5-15) £5.
Chenies Manor House Garden
Chenies, Buckinghamshire WD3 6ER. (T) 01494 762 888
An enchanting five-acre garden with 6,000 tulips in bloom up to early May, followed by many other vibrant displays throughout the season. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Open 1 Apr - 29 Oct, Wed-Thu & bank hol Mons, 2-5pm. Adults/OAPs £4, under-15s £2.
The Claydon Estate Gardens
Middle Claydon, nr Buckingham MK18 2EX. (T) 01296 730 252
Both decorative and productive, this is a classic example of an English country house walled garden. Features include kitchen, rose and pool gardens and a 19th-century greenhouse.
Open 7 Mar - 1 Nov, Sat-Wed, 12 noon - 5pm. Adults/OAPs £3.50, children (5-16) £1.
Cressing Temple
Witham Road, Cressing, nr Braintree, Essex CM77 8PD. (T) 01376 585 046
Travel back in time at this reconstructed Tudor walled garden. The formal knot garden and vegetable potager contrast with flower-filled orchards and a small box hedge maze.
Open 1 Mar - 30 Oct, Sun-Fri (also Sat on event weekends - phone or see website for details), 10am-5pm. Adults £4. OAPs/under-16s £3.
Cressing Temple Cressing, Essex.
Denmans Garden
Denmans Lane, Fontwell,West Sussex BN18 OSU. (T) 01243 542 808
This unique 20th-century garden is designed for year-round interest through the imaginative use of shapes, colours and textures. The style is relaxed and natural, with an abundance of innovative planting ideas.
Open all year, daily, 9am-5pm (dusk in winter). Adults £4.95, OAPs £4.75, children (4-14) £3.95.
Edenbridge House Garden
Main Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6SJ. (T) 01732 862 122
Discover a feast of interesting and unusual plants. The billowing herbaceous borders are complemented by a glorious rose garden, as well as water and gravel gardens, plus a productive vegetable garden and greenhouses.
Open 1 Apr - 30 Sep, Tue-Thu, 2-5pm. Adults/OAPs £3.50, under-16s free.
Exbury Gardens
Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ. (T) 023 8089 1203
A beautiful woodland garden, offering 20 miles of paths among majestic trees, leading to ponds, a bog garden, exotic plantings and an extensive rock garden. Don't miss the dazzling autumn foliage.
Open 7 Mar - 8 Nov, daily, 10am-5pm. Adults £8, OAPs £7.50, children (3-15) £1.50.
Feeringbury Manor
Coggeshall Road, Feering, nr Colchester, Essex CO5 9RB. (T) 01376 561 946
The season begins with tulips and apple blossom, then shrub roses, wildflowers and bountiful herbaceous borders take over. It draws to a close with a feast of glorious autumn foliage and Michaelmas daisies.
Open 1 May - 30 Sep (closed Aug), Thu & Fri only, 9am-4pm. Adults/OAPs £4, under-15s free.
The Gibberd Garden
Marsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow, Essex CM17 0NA. (T) 01279 442 112
More than 80 sculptures are displayed in this large 20th century garden, which also offers terraces, vistas, a wild garden, pools and streams, along with a new arboretum.
Open 1 Apr - 30 Sep, Wed, Sat, Sun & bank hols, 2-6pm. Adults £4, OAPs £2.50, children (6-16) £1.
Gilberts White's House & the Oates Museum
The Wakes, High Street, Selbourne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3JH. (T) 01420 511 275
This tranquil garden, which belonged to 18th century natural historian Gilbert White, has been restored, with a wildflower garden, vegetable plot and revolving barrel seat overlooking the house and grounds.
Open all year, Tue-Sun & bank hols, plus Mon in Jun-Aug, 11am 5pm. Adults £6.95, OAPs £5.95, children (5-16) £1.50.
Gilberts White's House & the Oates Museum Selbourne, Hampshire.
Goodnestone Park Gardens
nr Wingham, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1PL. (T) 01304 840 107
Many beautiful climbers adorn the mellow brickwork of the walled garden. Colourful borders, roses, alpines, fruit and vegetables thrive in this sheltered spot, while beyond is a richly planted woodland garden.
Open 24 Mar - 2 Oct, Tue-Fri, Sun & bank hols, 11am-5pm (from 12 noon on Sun). Adults £5, OAPs £4.50, children (6-16) £1.
Great Comp Garden
Comp Lane, Platt, nr Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8QS. (T) 01732 886 154
Including both formal and informal areas, this garden offers beautiful and unusual plants, colourful borders and romantic ruins. There are azaleas, salvias, dahlias and exotic perennials.
Open 1 Apr - 31Oct, daily, 11am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £5, children (6-16) £1.
Green Island Gardens
Park Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex CO7 7SP. (T) 01206 230 455
Beautifully situated in extensive woodland, these structured, themed gardens offer a wealth of interesting plants. There is always plenty to enjoy, from the Japanese garden with its ferns, acers and hostas to a dry seaside garden.
Open 1 Feb - 30 Nov, 10 am-5pm, Tue-Fri, Sun & bank hols. Adults £4, children (3-16) £1.
Green Island Gardens Colchester, Essex.
Groombridge Place gardens and Enchanted Forest
Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG. (T) 01892 861 444
The spectacular formal gardens include exuberant borders, a knot garden and quirky topiary, among which the resident peacocks roam. Beyond is the Enchanted Forest, a woodland adventure for all ages.
Open 28 Mar - 7 Nov, daily, 10am-5.30pm (dusk in winter). Adults £8.95, OAPs/children (3-12) £7.45.
Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
Black and White Cottage, Standon Lane, Ockley, Surrey RH5 5QR. (T) 01306 627 269
Each year, more than 100 sculptures are selected by Hannah Peschar and installed amongst the mature woodlands, naturalistic plantings and ponds. It's a garden full of surprises.
Open 2 May - 31 Oct, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun & bank hols 2-5pm. Adults £9, OAPs £7, children (4-16) £6.
Hatfield House: The West Garden
Hatfield, Herts AL9 5NQ. (T) 01707 287 010
The West Garden includes a scented garden, parterres, fountains, herb garden and Elizabethan knot garden. There is also extensive parkland beyond, with woodland trails and bluebells. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Open 11 Apr - 30 Sep, Wed-Sun & bank hols (daily July & Aug), 11am-5.30pm. Adults/OAPs £6, children (5-15) £4.50.
Herstmonceux Castle Gardens & Grounds
Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1RN. (T) 01323 833 816
Stroll through the beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens, enjoying fragrant roses and herbs, or follow a woodland trail for rhododendrons and picturesque views of the moated castle and folly.
Open 11 Apr - 1 Nov, daily, 10am-6pm (5pm in Oct). Adults £6, OAPs £4.95, children (5-14) £3.
Herstmonceux Castle Hailsham, West Sussex.
Hever Castle & Gardens
Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG. (T) 01732 865 224
A new lakeside walk joins the many attractions. Enjoy the Tudor rose gardens, impressive topiary and Italian garden surrounding the castle, with classical statuary, fountains and yew and water mazes.
Open Mar - Dec, days and times vary - phone or see website for details. Adults £12, OAPs £10, children (5-15) £6.50.
High Beeches Gardens
Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6HQ. (T) 01444 400 589
Scented azaleas and carpets of bluebells adorn this enchanting landscaped woodland and water gardens. There is a tree trail, many rare plants, wildflower meadows and glorious autumn colour.
Open 21 Mar - 31 Oct, Thu - Tue & bank hols, 1-5pm. Adults/OAPs £6, under-14s free.
Houghton Lodge Garden
Stockbridge, Hampshire S020 6LQ. (T) 01264 810 912
A haven of peace overlooking the River Test, this garden combines formal and informal planting. Among the many highlights are meadow walks, a topiary dragon, kitchen garden and woodland grotto.
Open 1Mar - 31 Oct, Thu-Tue, 10am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £5, under-14s free.
King John's Garden & Nursery
Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, East Sussex TN197AZ. (T) 01580 819 220
A romantic English garden, complete with ivy-clad walls and naturalised planting. Take the woodland walk to the picturesque medieval barn.
Open 1 Feb - 20 Dec, Wed-Mon (Thu-Mon in Nov), 10am-5pm (4pm in winter). Adults/OAPs £3.50, under-16s free.
Layer Marney Tower
Layer Marney, nr Colchester, Essex CO5 9US. (T) 01206 330 784
The garden's formal structure has been combined with a more relaxed planting style to provide interest in every season, with an emphasis on scent and colour. You can climb the Tudor tower for magnificent views.
Open 1 Apr - 27 Sep, Wed, Sun & bank hols (Sun-Thu in Jul and Aug), 12 noon-5pm. Adults/OAPs £5, children (3-16) £3.
Loseley Park
Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HS. (T) 01483 304 440
This delightful walled garden is divided into a series of themed areas, including a rose garden and white garden. There's also a large organic vegetable plot and peaceful moat walk. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Open 1 May - 30 Sep, Tue-Sun & bank hols, 11am-5pm. Adults £4.50, OAPs £4, children (5-16) £2.25.
Manor House Garden
Upton Grey, Hampshire RG25 2RD. (T) 01256 862 827
www.gertrudejekyllgarden.co.uk
Designed 100 years ago by the great Gertrude Jekyll, this garden has been fully restored and contains an eclectic mix of formal and wild planting, herbaceous borders, a pond and rambler roses.
Open 1 May - 31 July, Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Adults/OAPs/children £5.
Manor House Garden Upton Grey, Hampshire.
Marks Hill Gardens & Arboretum
Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG. (T) 01376 563 796
With the longest double border in East Anglia, the walled garden combines the best of contemporary and traditional landscaping and planting. The arboretum offers extensive walks, with interest all year.
Open all year, mid Mar - 1 Nov, Tue-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; 6Nov - mid Mar, Fri-Sun, 10am-dusk. Adults £3.80, OAPs £3.20, children (5-16) £1.
Marle Place Garden & Gallery
Brenchley, nr Tonbridge, Kent TN12 7HS. (T) 01892 722 304
These 15 acres offer year-round beauty, with formal planting, ornamental ponds and a restored 19th-century greenhouse containing orchids. Take a woodland walk and you'll spot lots of birds and butterflies.
Open 3 Apr - 5 Oct, Fri-Mon, 10am-5pm (until 12 noon only on 9 May) or by appointment. Adults £5, OAPs £4.50, children (4-12) £1.
Mount Ephraim Gardens
Hernhill, nr Faversham, Kent. ME13 9TX. (T) 01227 751 496
The highlight of this large Edwardian terraced garden is a maze made of ornamental grasses and perennials. You'll also find elegant roses, a lake, colourful borders, a rock garden and majestic trees.
Open Easter - 30 Sep, Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun & bank hols, 12 noon-6pm (from 11am on bank hols). Adults/OAPs £4.50, children (3-16) £2.50.
Myddelton House Gardens
Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 9HG. (T) 08456 770 600
Discover this hidden gem, close to central London. Enchanting all year, the gardens feature a wide range of diverse plants, from snowdrops in winter to bearded irises in summer.
Open all year, daily, 10am-4.30pm (3pm Oct-Mar). Adults £3.10, OAPs/under-17s £2.60.
Nunwell House Gardens
Coach Lane, Brading, Isle of Wight PO36 0JQ. (T) 01983 407 240
A peaceful haven featuring an 18th-century walled garden, roses, lavender steps and a small arboretum, as well as beautiful Solent views. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Open 24-25 May, 31 May (charity open day), 6 Jul - 9 Sep, Mon-Wed, 1-5pm. Adults/OAPs £3, under-10s £1.
Nunwell House Gardens Brading, Isle of Wight.
Painshill Park
Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. (T) 01932 868 113
This magnificent 18th century Georgian landscape provides year-round interest. A leisurely stroll will reveal a spectacular lake, many fine trees and vistas, a crystal grotto and various follies, including a Turkish Tent and Gothic Tower. There is plenty of wildlife to look out for too, from kingfishers to rabbits.
Open all year, daily, 10.30am-6pm (4pm or dusk Nov-Feb). Adults £6.60, OAPs £5.80, children (5-16) £3.85.
Parham House Gardens
Parham Park, Storrington, nr Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 4HS. (T) 01903 744 888
There's lots for all to enjoy, from voluptuous borders and an organic ornamental vegetable garden to a turf maze and 1920s Wendy house built into a wall. Parham House may be visited at extra cost.
Open 12 Apr - 30 Sep, Tue-Fri, Sun & bank hols, Oct, Sun only, 12 noon-5pm. Adults £6, OAPs £5, children (5-15) £2.50.
Pashley Manor Gardens
Pashley Road, Ticehurst, nr Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 7HE. (T) 01580 200 888
A sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative planting, splendid old trees, fountains and tranquil ponds. Highlights include the rose garden, lilies, kitchen garden and herbaceous borders.
Open 2 Apr - 30 Apr Sep, Tue-Thu, Sat & bank hol Mons, 11am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £7.50, children (6-15) £5.
Penshurst Place Gardens
Penshurst, nr Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG. (T) 01892 870 307
The series of exquisite garden rooms, all with their own style and character, includes a glorious 100m peony border, fragrant roses, a Union Flag garden and more. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Open Apr - 1 Nov, daily, 10.30am-6pm, plus weekends in Mar. Adults/OAPs £7, children (5-16) £5.
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House & Gardens
Quex Park, Birchington, Kent CT7 0BH. (T) 01843 842 168
The 15 acres of beautiful, informal gardens feature mature woodlands and a peaceful walled garden filled with vibrant exotic plants.
Open 1 Apr - 29 Oct, Sun-Thu & bank hols, 11am-5pm; Nov - Mar, Sun only, 1-3.30pm. Adults £7, OAPs/children (5-16) £5.
Ramster Garden
Ramster, Chiddingfold, Surrey GU8 4SN.
(T) 01428 654 167
Wander through woodland filled with rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells, past the lake and bog garden, and relax in the colourful Millennium Garden with its raised beds and waterfall.
Open 4 Apr - 21 Jun, daily, 10am-5pm, plus 17-18 Oct & 24-25 Oct (for autumn colour). Adults £5, OAPs £4.50, under-16s free.
Ramster Gardens Chiddingford, Surrey.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8AT.
(T) 01245 400 256
There's plenty to admire and inspire in every season in this large garden, from breathtaking herbaceous borders to a vast dry garden, fragrant roses to themed vegetable plots.
Open all year, daily, 10am-6pm (dusk in winter). Adults/OAPs £5.50, children (6-16) £2.
Riverhill House Gardens
Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RR.
(T) 01732 458 802
Enjoy delightful woodland walks in this hillside garden, with mature trees, rhododendrons, azaleas and Japanese maples. There are also terraces, roses, rare shrubs and fine views.
Open 22 Mar - 28 Jun, Sun & bank hols, 11am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £3.50, children (3-15) 50p.
Rousham Gardens
nr Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire OX25 4QX.
(T) 01869 347 110
Landscaped in 1735, these extensive grounds contain statues, ponds and cascades, plus a delightful walled flower garden with colourful borders, a parterre, pigeon house and espalier apple trees.
Open all year, daily, 10am-6.30pm (dusk in winter). Entry £5. No children.
Rousham Gardens Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire.
St Paul's Walden Bury
Whitwell, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 8BP.
(T) 01438 871 218
This Grade l listed formal woodland garden was laid out in 1720. It features radiating avenues leading to temples, statues, a lake and ornamental ponds, plus more recent flower gardens. Seasonal displays include rhododendrons, magnolias and wildflowers.
Open 5 Apr, 26 Apr, 17 May, 2-7pm. Also open by appointment. Adults £3.50, over-65s £3, children (5-16) 50p; adults/OAPs/children £6 when visiting by appointment.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA.
(T) 01794 369 317
Discover more than 42,000 plants from temperate regions, set within 180 acres in a range of landscapes, including Europe's largest winter garden.
Open all year, daily, 10am-5pm (4pm 25 Oct - end Mar). Adults £8.25, OAPs £7.15, under-16s free.
Spinners Garden
Boldre, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5QE.
(T) 01590 673 347
A new arboretum joins the attractions at this peaceful woodland garden, which is full of rare trees and shrubs, under planted with a wide selection of shade lovers.
Open 1 Apr - 14 Sep, Tue-Sat & bank hols, 10am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £3, under-6s free.
Squerryes Court Garden
Westerham, Kent TN16 1SJ.
(T) 01959 562 345
With rhododendrons, roses and herbaceous borders, this is a peaceful spot offering parterres, woodland walks and views.
Open 1 Apr - 30 Sep, Wed, Sun & bank hols, 11.30am-4.30pm. Adults £4.50, OAPs £4, children (5-16) £2.50.
Staunton Country Park
Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5HB.
(T) 023 9245 3405
From a kitchen garden to a maze and tranquil sensory garden, there are lots to explore. Amazing tropical plants fill the ornamental glasshouse, which is the largest on the south coast.
Open all year, daily, 10am-5pm (4pm Nov - Mar). Adults £6.20, OAPs/children (3-16) £4.60.
Sulgrave Manor
Manor Road, Sulgrave, nr Banbury, Oxon OX17 2SD.
(T) 01295 760 205
Formally planted with yew hedges and herbaceous borders, this garden also features an orchard, rose garden, knot garden and herb beds. A new addition is the colonial-style vegetable garden, full of plants and crops that settlers would have grown in Virginia in the 17th century.
Open Apr Sat-Sun only, May - Oct Tue-Thu, at, Sun and bank hols, times vary - phone or see website for details. Adults/OAPs £6.25, children (5-16) £3.
Syon House Gardens
Syon Park, Park Lane, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF.
(T) 0208 560 0882
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this Grade 1 listed landscape, with its many rare trees, large lake, organic herbaceous borders and spectacular Great Conservatory. The house may be visited at extra cost.
Open all year, 10.30am-5pm or dusk if earlier (4pm Nov -Feb). Adults £4.50, OAPs £3.50, children (5-16) £2.50.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4AZ.
(T) 01865 286 690
Founded in 1621, this is the UK's oldest botanic garden, with more than 7,000 plant species. A water garden, black border and glasshouses are just some of the attractions. The arboretum, 6 miles away (phone or see website for directions), offers tranquil walks among trees, shrubs, ferns and wildflowers.
Garden open all year, daily, 9am-6pm (4.30pm or 5pm Sep - Apr). Arboretum open all year, daily, 10am-5pm (Nov-end Mar, Mon-Fri., 10am-4.30pm). Combined ticket: adults £3, OAPs £2.50, under-16s free. Botanic garden entry by donation Nov & Dec, Mon-Fri.
Waltham Place Organic Farm & Gardens
(T) 01628 825 517
Planted in naturalistic style, the ornamental gardens are beautiful, free-spirited and full of inspiration. They're set in 170 acres that also include woodlands and an organic farm.
Open 5 May - 25 Sep, Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm. Adults/OAPs £4, children (3-14) £1.
Waterpenny Gardens
Waterpenny, nr Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ.
(T) 01844 339 226
Classical borders, modern planting, secret corners and long vistas all combine to create an idyllic garden full of glorious flowers, shrubs and trees. There's lots to explore in every season, including a formal knot garden, lily canal, rose garden and wildflower meadow.
Open all year, daily, 10am-5.30pm (5pm Nov-Feb. Adults £5.45, OAPs £4.35, children (10-16) £3.65. Reduced rates Nov - Feb.
