Gardens & parks

We have more than 200 wonderful gardens to explore and enjoy. Beautiful flower gardens, impressive landscape parks and space for you and your family to relax

A winter's day at Scotney Castle, Kent

Our top winter gardens 

Winter is here, but that doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy exploring gardens. We've got plenty of special places where you can find bright pops of colour from berries and flowers, or see textured grasses and frosted seed heads. Where will you discover first?

Explore our top winter gardens
Flower count family

Where to see snowdrops 

A cheerful sight on a woodland walk or garden stroll, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring will soon be on its way. Find out where you can spot snowdrops and how to grow them in your own garden.

Snowdrops near you
Parkland at Charlecote Park on a sunny frosty day in winter

Nine great parklands to explore 

We look after a great number of parklands across the UK with wide green spaces, leafy avenues and ancient woods. Here's our pick of the best.

Grandparent and grandson playing on a log at dyffryn gardens

Our top gardens for children 

Planning a day out the whole family will enjoy? Let your children's or grandchildren's imaginations run free as they explore our gardens.

Container display in the Plant House at Hidcote in Gloucestershire, including a large agave, orchids and aeoniums

Houseplants to explore in our conservatories and glasshouses 

As houseplants enjoy a renaissance, there’s never been a better time to get indoor plant inspiration from National Trust gardens.

Child playing with winter leaves in the gardens

'50 things' activities for gardens and parks 

From getting to know a tree to discovering wild animal clues, there's plenty of ways to keep the kids busy over the winter. Find inspiration with our '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' activities, perfect for connecting children with nature.

Gardens and parks near you

From walled gardens to landscaped lawns, gardens designed by big names to acres of parkland, we've more than 500 years of history for you to explore.

Discover our gardens and parks
National Trust Vegetable Curry

Cosy tea-rooms and cafés 

After a bracing walk around a winter garden, come in from the cold and treat yourself to a warming soup or the perfect scone. Whether you want to recharge with a cuppa or enjoy lunch with a view, our tea-rooms and cafés have got it covered.

Recharge with some festive treats
A tour of the garden at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales

Gardening events 

If you love gardens, then why not come along to one of our garden events? We have tours, walks, workshops and courses on all aspects of gardening, from hedge laying to rhododendron rambling.

A waterfall in winter surrounded by trees

Podcast episodes on gardens 

Delve into a world of tropical paradises and tranquil lakes as you explore episodes from the National Trust Podcast that explore our gardens. We'll shed light on the visionaries who designed these spectacular landscapes, and find out what it takes to care for them today.

Listen now

Gardens through the ages

Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Abbey
The garden at Moseley Old Hall
Powis Castle, Welshpool
The Pleasure Grounds at Osterley
Orchard House at Cragside
Hidcote Manor garden

Medieval gardens: Middle Ages to 1500 

Medieval garden style was dominated by monasteries and manor houses. Herbs were grown for medicine and gardens were an important food source.

Tudor gardens: Henry VII 1485 - Elizabeth I 1603 

The influence of the Renaissance left its mark on the gardens of the Tudors, seen in the inclusion of architectural features. The most recognised feature from this period is the knot garden.

Stuart Gardens: 1600-early 1700s 

Gardens grew larger during the Stuart period as the influence of French and Dutch formal gardens brought features such as long avenues, terraces and topiary.

Georgian gardens: 1714-1830 

Gardens and parks merged into one during the 18th century to create a British style that would influence gardens across Europe.

Victorian Garden Designs: 1837-1901 

Exotic plants from around the world were brought home to gardens by Victorian collectors. The bright new colours were displayed in more formal garden styles.

20th-century gardens: Edwardian gardens to present day 

The structured 'rooms' that epitomised gardens at the turn of the century were later softened with borders of the many new herbaceous plants being bred.

Garden conservation

Find out more about the work that goes on behind the scenes by our talented garden teams to restore and conserve the gardens you love to visit

What we do

Gardener's tips

Looking after more than 200 gardens has taught us a thing or two, so here our gardeners share some of their tips for a blooming beautiful garden

Pick up some top tips