The National Trust has over 200 gardens and parks for you to explore and enjoy. There are plenty of places to enjoy and explore, from beautiful landscape gardens, expansive parks, water features and more.
National Trust members can experience all their gardens and parks for FREE.
Here are five top National Trust gardens that you will not want to miss.
Anglesey Abbey, Garden and Lode Mill – Cambridgeshire, England
Girl amongst flowers in the garden at Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire © National Trust Images/John Millar
The garden at Anglesey Abbey is superb and popular with visitors. The winter garden at Anglesey Abbey is famed in Britain as the most extensive and inspiring in the country.
Not to be missed at Anglesey Abbey Gardens:
- Garden of statues – you’ll see figures everywhere, a favourite of the gardens founder Lord Fairhaven
- Wildflower meadows – a fine collection with over 50 species across 30 acres
- Avenues of trees – ideal for a stroll between gardens and ever-changing throughout the year
- Rose Garden – hundreds of hybrid tea-roses in the summer months
- Dahlia Garden – late summer bursts of colour with a Dahlia Festival in September
Biddulph Grange Garden – Staffordshire, England
Looking down the Dahlia walk to the Shelter House at Biddulph Grange, with the yew hedges and buttresses on the left © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Biddulph garden is delightful and a surviving example of the golden age of Victorian gardens. It’s an exciting and unusual place with different themes with plants and flowers from all over the world.
Not to be missed at Biddulph Grange Garden:
- Chinese Garden – beautiful landscape based on a Willow pattern design with a Chinese bridge
- Dahlia Walk – enjoy the colourful Dahlia Walk set amongst manicured and styled hedges
- Himalayan glen – tucked away with delightful mountain ferns
- Woodland Walk – take a stroll through Oaks and Pines and enjoy the spring flowers
- Discover – international influenced gardens of plants and flowers
Bodnant Garden – Conwy, Wales
Blue Hydrangea flower in August at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra
Bodnant is world-famous for its collection of worldwide plants and flowers. This 80-acre garden is superb, with spectacular views of Snowdonia. Explore the wonderful lawns, ponds, terraces, wooded valleys and streams.
Not to be missed at Bodnant Garden:
- Terraces – relax among the roses and tranquil pond with views across the valley to the Carneddau mountains
- Lily Pond – marvel at the colourful water lilies
- The Dell – relax in this hidden wooded valley and seek out the wildlife
- Shrub borders – explore the glades throughout the year with spring bulbs and autumnal leaves
- Yew Dell – for the first time in a century, this hidden gem is now open to enjoy
Hidcote Manor Garden – Gloucestershire, England
Golden Lilies in the gardens at Hidcote with the manor house in the background © Chris P King
Nestled in the beautiful north Costwolds countryside, Hidcote Garden has something for everyone with diverse gardens set between paved pathways. Take a stroll through the wilderness, explore secret gardens and marvel at these truly inspiring gardens.
Not to be missed at Hidcote Manor Garden:
- Lily Pool – be mesmerised by the beautiful pink and white waterlilies
- Explore – wander the maze of narrow pathways to secret gardens
- Kitchen Garden – see the vegetables and fruits in this varied working garden
- Old Garden – take a stroll and see the garden become less formal as you go along
- Plant House – relax and enjoy the powerful Springtime scents
- The Wilderness – discover amazing views of The Cotswolds countryside
Stourhead – Wiltshire, England
The Palladian Bridge at Stourhead, Wiltshire, with a family visiting the landscape garden to enjoy the autumn colours © National Trust Images/Ian Shaw
Stourhead is a world-famous landscape garden with a Palladian mansion set amongst perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful parkland. Discover this magnificent garden with its classical features, and walk the ancient woods and farmland in the surrounding estate.
Not to be missed at Hidcote Manor Garden:
- The Pantheon – inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the most famous classical style building at Stourhead
- The Palladian Bridge – a five-arched, ornamental stone bridge that spans the lake
- Stourhead Garden Walk – see the best of the gardens on this two-mile, easy grade walk
- Lake – the centrepiece of Stourhead surrounded by classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees
- Estate Walks – explore 2,650 acres of Stourhead countryside
Visiting just a few of these places will cover the cost of membership straight away.
For more great National Trust days out, I’ve put together a series of guides about where you can discover nature and wildlife. In South West England, my National Trust Cornwall walks, and Devon walks reveal many ways to enjoy flora and fauna. Further along the South Coast, you’ll find more in my National Trust Isle of Wight nature guide.
Get discounted National Trust membership and latest offers, and start enjoying their gardens and parks for FREE.