Gardens & parks
We care for more than 200 gardens and parks. From small secret hideaways and kitchen gardens to landscaped lawns, beautiful borders and acres of parkland.
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 unearth the secrets of the Plant Conservation Centre.
Gardens through the ages
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.
Plant Conservation Centre turns 40
This year we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Plant Conservation Centre, which plays a vital role in conserving rare and historically important plants for the gardens and parklands in our care. The centre, which began life in 1982, is even more important as plant collections age and as we experience the impacts of climate change.
