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. Explore our gardens and parks from afar and see them blooming in their colourful glory.
Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit
We're starting to open some gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland at reduced capacity, through advance bookings every week. Most places up to 8 June have sold out. New tickets are released every Friday and we'll continue to add new places over the coming weeks. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are now open. All houses remain closed for now and all places in Wales remain closed following Welsh Government advice. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.
Explore our spring gardens virtually
Sissinghurst, East Sussex
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Tredegar House, Newport
Standen, West Sussex
Blossom watch
Take time to admire spring blossom, whether this be from your window, down the street on your daily exercise or in your garden if you’re lucky enough to have it grow there. You can also learn more about how these floral wonders support wildlife.
The colours of spring
Iris reticulata
There are plenty of Iris varieties that can be grown throughout the year, but in spring the electric-blue blooms of Iris reticulata are the ones to look out for.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths come in a range of colours: from classic deep indigo through to pinks, purples, magentas and whites. They’re a great choice for fragrance.
Snake's head fritillary
These pink-and-purple-chequered flowers are said to resemble the head of a snake, hence the name. They’re usually found in meadows and some wilder gardens.
Alliums
Alliums offer a great burst of colour and drama in late May, marking the transition into summer.
Magnolias
Magnolias are one of the earliest spring blooms, bringing a welcome pop of colour to gardens we care for.
A history of glasshouses, orangeries and potting sheds
From the 17th-century orangery at Ham House in Surrey to the 1920s greenhouse at Mr Straw's House in Nottinghamshire, the desire to cultivate rare and tender plants is an integral part of our horticultural history. Uncover the fascinating story of these garden structures at our places.
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.
