Top 10 Gardens in Southern England

Exbury Gardens - Exbury, The New Forest

The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (100 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.

Furzey Gardens  - Minstead, The New Forest

Set in the heart of the New Forest this delightful informal garden was established in 1922 and is renowned for its all year round beauty. 

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens - Near Romsey, Hampshire

Established in 1953 by distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier, the magnificent collection of over 42,000 plants from temperate regions around the world are set within 180 acres.

Hinton Ampner - Near Romsey, Hampshire

Beautifully manicured lawns lead the eye down avenues of sculptured topiary, past borders full of the heady scent of roses, to breathtaking views across the South Downs.

Gilbert White House & Garden - Selborne, Hampshire

Visitors to this secret Hampshire garden marvel at the quirky features, glorious vistas and creative planting which are delightful whatever the season or weather.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens - Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Basking in the microclimate of The Undercliff, Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight the subtropical and exotic plant collection is unrivalled; plants that should be found in protected glasshouses thrive and naturalise out of doors. In 2015, Skincare guru Liz Earle is set to create a tranquil, relaxing garden on her native Isle of Wight.

Wakehurst - Haywards Heath, Mid Sussex

Situated in set in 465 acres in West Sussex, Kew Garden’s Country Estate boasts ornamental gardens, temperate woodlands, a nature reserve and an Elizabethan mansion

Arundel Castle & Gardens – Arundel, West Sussex

The gardens have been open to visitors since 1854. Today the stunning and inspirational walled gardens include the internationally renowned Collector Earl’s Garden, The Stumpery; the hot and cool Herbaceous Borders; the Cut Flower Garden and Organic Kitchen Garden that supply the Castle with fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers.

Kipling Gardens - Rottingdean, Nr Brighton, East Sussex

2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Rudyard Kipling.  The Kiplings Gardens were once part of The Elms, where the author lived from 1897 to 1902. Kipling rented the house for 3 guineas a week and it was here that he wrote Stalky & Co, Kim and some of his famous Just So Stories.

The Savill Garden - Windsor Great Park, Windsor

Visitors to Britain's finest ornamental garden can journey through 35 acres of interconnecting gardens and exotic woodland. Every garden has its own unique attraction, featuring a distinctive group of plants that introduce a fresh burst of vibrant colour throughout the seasons.