Gardens by the sea

Coastal gardens have unique climates. Hardy plants are needed to survive against the exposed landscape. The sea view and diverse planting schemes makes these coastal gardens some of our favourites.

The view of the Mewstone from the top of Coleton Fishacre garden

Coleton Fishacre, Devon 

The RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.

A coastal paradise
Bright pink flowers line a curving path at Glendurgan in Cornwall

Glendurgan, Cornwall 

There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in. Big leaves and exotic flowers thrive in the jungle-like lower valley and sun-loving specimens enjoy the upper banks. Wandering through the garden leads down to the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River: a place to watch birds and boats, skim stones and build sand-castles.

Lose yourself at Glendurgan
The Gertrude Jekyll Garden near Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland 

Arts and Crafts garden designer, writer and artist Gertrude Jekyll created this small walled garden in 1911 alongside Edwin Lutyens; it still creates wonderful colour and scent every year. Jekyll designed a garden - with a dropped wall on the Castle side - that would flourish into a riot of colour in the summer.

A small haven at Lindisfarne
Summer flowers and plants in the gardens at Mottistone, Isle of Wight

Mottistone, Isle of Wight 

Set in a sheltered valley this 20th-century garden takes advantage of its southerly location and maritime climate with eye-catching Mediterranean-style planting. Sub-tropical plants were introduced several years ago, including a miniature olive grove. The stars of the show are the double herbaceous borders, packed with long flowering plants in pastel shades.

An island garden in bloom
Mount Stewart house overlooking the Italian Garden

Mount Stewart, County Down 

Mount Stewart has one of the most spectacular and distinctive gardens in Western Europe and is universally renowned for the extraordinary scope of its plant collections. The originality of its design has flourished in this unique micro climate.

A gardener's dream