The Garden Trail
Throughout the South East, there are numerous beautiful gardens large and small, for the serious enthusiast or the absolute beginner to enjoy. The region is home to many of Britain's most historic and well known gardens, not surprising when you think that the region's climate offers an ideal gardening environment. There really is something here for everyone, and whether you are planning to visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter, the South East's gardens are sure to provide a truly inspirational and relaxing environment.
With such a wealth of formal English gardens and houses on display in the South East, it would be impossible to cover every garden here. Below is just a snapshot of what you can experience in, what is to many, the most beautiful part of England.
Heading out from London, the region's first great area for gardens is the Royal Borough of Windsor. When here be sure not to miss the magnificent Savill Garden, within Windsor Great Park. A pristine 35 acre oasis, Savill is a montage of colour and scents with its sweeping herbaceous borders and formal rose beds. Why not spend a day in the area; explore historic Windsor Castle in the morning and then spend an afternoon relaxing in the tranquil gardens of Savill.
Next on the list is the county of Buckinghamshire, a landscape of tranquil parks and romantic, quintessentially English gardens. Tour the area, it's quite simply a must see when in the South East. One of the county's finest properties, Waddesdon Manor, boasts a fabulous Victorian garden dotted with some beautiful wild flowers and seasonal beddings. The surrounding grounds feature picturesque walks and marvellous fountains for you to enjoy, and are an extraordinary testimony to Victorian taste, technology and wealth. The house itself is renowned for its connections with the famous Rothschild family of the 19th century, and today houses a fine collection of French furniture, paintings and decorative arts.
Another fantastic area to visit, with a wealth of fine gardens, is the county of Wiltshire. One of the area's finest properties is Wilton House, home to the Earls of Pembroke for over 450 years, and well worth a look. The House's gardens have developed, over the centuries, into a mix of scenic landscaped parkland together with a number of smaller formal English gardens. This includes a rose, water and knot garden. With the city of Salisbury less than 20 minutes away, why not spend the morning at Wilton, then drive into the city for the afternoon. Explore the city's famous cathedral and grab a bite to eat at one of the cities many lovely cafés and restaurants.
Staying in Wiltshire, the district of Kennet has some spectacular scenery and is only an hour and a half's drive from London. When in the area, a visit to Broadleas Gardens is not to be missed. This lovely ten acre garden is stunning in the spring, with sheets of bulbs stretched out beneath enchanting flowering trees. There is a secret garden and a woodland walk for you to discover, as well as a wide variety of shrubs and exotic climbers for you to enjoy.
Last on our list is the county of West Sussex, home to some wonderfully tranquil landscaped parks, many romantic and quintessentially English. Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a particularly well renowned one, with its 240 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, you are sure not be disappointed when visiting. Leonardslee not only has seven lakes and spectacular landscapes, but also a captivating collection of wallabies and deer for you to marvel at.