Gardens

South East England showcases some of the finest landscape gardens and country parks in the UK with everything from stunning Capability Brown inspired floral displays to family and dog friendly parks with much to do and see.

The benefits of both exercising and spending time outdoors have been well publicised, helping to improve mental health and physical well-being.  Gardens offer the chance to enjoy space, fresh air and exercise with friends and family. Visit South East England's gardens and enjoy the dainty snowdrops (January - March), the carpets of bluebells and vibrant tulips (late March to early May), the colourful rhododendrons and azaleas (late March - early June) the scented roses, (late April - August), the fragrant lavender (late June - August) andthe oranges and reds of autumn. Experience the lakes and rivers glistening in the sunshine, and the smell of fresh flowers and grass filling the air.

Beautiful gardens to visit in South East England

The climate in southern England means the South East is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in England. Some of the best from each county are featured, but find many more and gardens to visit near you using the map at the bottom of this page.

Surrey

• Painshill Landscape Garden, Cobham
  A beautiful 18th century landscape garden with iconic crystal grotto and gothic temple.
• The Savill Garden, Egham
  Resting in the heart of Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden is one of Britain's greatest ornamental gardens

Kent, the garden of England

• Walmer Castle & Gardens, Deal, Kent
  Home to the Queens Mother's Garden designed and planted as a 95th birthday presence, there are eight acres of gardens and woodland to explore.
• Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent
  Set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens complete with Italian sculptures, 35-acre lake and over 3,000 plants.

Sussex

• Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex
  Grade 1 listed, 240 acres with outstanding displays of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and the beautiful ornamental rock garden.
• Wakehurst, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
  Beautiful botanic gardens with four national collections; Betula, Skimmia, Nothofagus and Hypericum.
• Bates Green Garden, Polegate, East Sussex
  Owned by the McCutchan family for over 100 years, this gardens journey started in 1968 and has been featured in many publications.  
• West Dean Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex
  Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, this is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.
• Arlington Bluebell Walk, Arlington, East Sussex
  Open for around 2 months a year (April - May) this walk has been raising money for charities since 1972.
• St Mary's House & Gardens, Steyning, West Sussex
  Five acres of beautiful gardens, prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba 'living fossil' tree, amusing animal topiary, and Victorian 'Secret' Garden with unusual circular English Poetry Garden and Rural Museum.
• Gravetye Manor Hotel, East Grinstead, West Sussex
  You may not expect to see a hotel on a gardens page, but this hotel is where William Robinson, a pioneer of  the English garden created his masterpiece, explore during your stay or book for a garden tour.

Hampshire

• Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
  A collction of more than 42,000 plants with superb seasonal colour any time of year.
• Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire
  Stroll around the Mill Pond, wander the wilderness garden, explore the kitchen and Victorian garden, and marvel at the wonderful Topiary.

Oxfordshire

• Waterperry Gardens, Oxford
  Spectacular 200 foot herbaceous border with rose and formal gardens, lily canal and riverside walk.
• Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
  This World Heritage Site has over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, alongside the Grand Cascades, Formal Gardens and family friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Isle of Wight

• Osborne, East Cowes, Isle of Wight
  With both formal gardens, parklands and woodland, the now 354 acre grounds was once home to Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert

Buckinghamshire

• Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, Beaconsfield
  Enjoy the 1.5 acres of manicured gardens which are home to over 3,000 trees and shrubs intertwined with the beautiful model houses, mini lakes and railway.

Gardens near me

Whether you're lucky enough to live in this part of the world surrounded by beautiful gardens, find something near you by selecting the 'map view' button below.