The National Trust is renowned for its collection of gardens, spanning from the 16th to the 20th century.

From orangeries to follies, glasshouses to pagodas, our gardens boast hundreds of both classical and more eccentric buildings and architectural features.

Early survivors from the 16th century include the unfinished garden of Lyveden New Bield, with its canals and earthwork mounds, and the pavilions and roof-top banqueting houses of Melford Hall, Hardwick Hall and Lacock Abbey.

The 17th century gives us the summer house at The Vyne; the recently restored grandstand of Lodge Park; and the garden at Ham House, also partly restored with new statuary.

Gardens and parks of international significance, such as Studley Royal, Stourhead and Stowe, represent the crowning achievement of the 18th century, and contain many pioneering buildings. The restored Chinese House at Stowe, erected by 1738, is perhaps the earliest Chinese garden building in England. China was later one of many themes employed in the extraordinary Victorian gardens of Biddulph Grange.

For one of the finest collections of garden statuary in England, visit Anglesey Abbey. It was created by Huttleston Broughton, First Lord Fairhaven, during the first half of the 20th century. One of the most impressive water gardens we care for can be found at Cliveden, complete with pagoda and koi carp.

• To find gardens which the Trust cares for, select 'garden' under 'type of place', along with any other criteria you require, on our 'find a place' page.