Garden highlights

Some of the world's greatest gardens are at your fingertips. Be inspired by this select bunch from around the National Trust:

Trelissick, Cornwall

The tranquil garden of Trelissick contains a superb collection of tender and exotic plants. Set on many levels, it commands panoramic views down to Falmouth and the open sea.

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
© NTPL / Ian Shaw

Informal pleasure grounds and parkland provide the stunning setting for the baroque mansion at Calke Abbey. The parkland is kept as a nature conservation area, while a beautiful walled garden including a flower garden and physic garden can be found in the grounds.

Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire

Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire
© NTPL / Nick Meers

The gardens of Wimpole Hall boast a walled vegetable garden, a Gothic folly, lakes and a spectacular arboretum. The Hall's formal parterre is particularly colourful in the spring. There is also a magnificent display of thousands of daffodils during April and May.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens, Co Down

This celebrated garden is nominated for World Heritage status, such is its unique beauty. The magnificent series of outdoor 'rooms' and parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate here. The Temple of the Winds, which is based on the Tower of the Winds in Athens, provides dramatic views over Strangford Lough.

Speke Hall, Garden & Estate, Liverpool

Highlights of the estate at Speke Hall include a splendid rose garden, bluebell woods and a stream garden. The lawns and borders are surrounded by a dry moat, complete with a picturesque stone bridge to cross. The estate offers walks with spectacular views across the estuary to North Wales.

Nymans Garden, West Sussex

This great Sussex Weald garden boasts a historic collection of plants, gathered from around the world. The inspiring fusion of garden styles incorporates a stunning spring display and knock-out summer borders.

Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire

Set amidst glorious countryside, this peaceful riverside garden is a must for all rose lovers. Plan to visit in mid-June when the walled gardens are full of the soft shades and scents of the National Collection of Old-fashioned Roses. Mottisfont has lots to offer at other times of the year with sweeping lawns, magnificent trees, and the herbaceous borders of the walled gardens to enjoy.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham

The topiary in the formal garden at Chirk Castle
© NTPL / Stephen Robson

A lesser-known treasure waiting to be discovered, the garden at Chirk effortlessly mixes formal and informal styles. Shape comes from rows of clipped yew 'Welsh hats', while features including a rock garden and thatched 'Hawk House' provide a softer feel. A terrace with stunning views leads to a lime tree avenue and a classic pavilion.

Hidcote Manor Garden, Gloucestershire

One of England's greatest gardens, Hidcote is an Arts & Crafts masterpiece. The garden consists of a series of outdoor 'rooms', each with its own character, and is famous for its rare plants and outstanding herbaceous borders.

Packwood House, Warwickshire

Packwood House is famed for its yew garden. The topiary columns, up to 15m (50ft) high, are said to represent the Sermon on the Mount and have to be seen to be believed. This charming garden also features a walled Carolean garden with colourful herbaceous borders and gazebos.

Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden. Elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas. The garden also provides the perfect complement to Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country.

Visitors in the garden at Packwood House, Warwickshire

The National Trust

Garden highlights