Our top winter gardens

Frost sparkles in the morning sunlight, coating the trees, shrubs and flowers with a magical layer of white. Holly berries are all around, telling us that it’s finally winter. Get your walking boots on and explore a garden made new by winter's spell.

Winter gardens near me
The Winter Walk in February at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Winter gardens in the East of England 

There are plenty of gardens to visit this winter in the East of England right on your doorstep. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and check out winter flowers at the walled garden at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk. Explore the outdoors on a crisp, refreshing day at Shaw's Corner in Hertfordshire for a relaxing place to catch up with loved ones.

Discover spellbinding gardens in the East
Visitors in the garden in January at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire

Winter gardens in the Midlands 

Wind down with a visit to a winter garden in the Midlands. Wrap up warm and take a stroll around the walled kitchen garden at Clumber in Nottinghamshire. Winter days sprinkle our gardens with frost that glistens in the sunlight at places like Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire – explore a garden in the Midlands for a burst of energy this winter.

Explore winter gardens in the Midlands
Visitors walking in the Winter Garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Winter gardens in the North 

Find a garden near you in the North to make the most of the flowers that bloom during the winter. You can also spot lots of wildlife in gardens such as the ones at East Riddlesden Hall in West Yorkshire. Explore magical formal gardens like the ones at Cragside in Northumberland, carpets of white snowdrops and sweeping views in winter gardens in the North.

Explore spellbinding gardens in the North
Visitors walking in the gardens of Mount Stewart, County Down

Winter gardens in Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland is home to some beautiful gardens, and in winter they’re even more special. See the ground covered in frost at Florence Court gardens in County Fermanagh and take a look at some unique plants at Rowallane Garden in County Down.

Visit a winter garden in Northern Ireland
A bridge with columns follows a path leading up a hill to a darker looking triangular shaped monument.

Winter gardens in the South East and London 

Discover a winter garden on your doorstep in the South East and London. See winter flowers dotting the ground at Mottisfont in Hampshire, and get ideas to keep your own garden flourishing throughout the colder months. There are many peaceful gardens to feel calm in, like the one at Osterley Park in Middlesex where you can spot winter birds, or be inspired by the landscaped gardens at Stowe in Buckinghamshire.

Discover wintery gardens in the South East
Morning light on the South Terrace at Tyntesfield, Somerset

Winter gardens in the South West 

The South West is great for finding a nearby garden that suits you all year round, including during the winter. Discover peace and quiet at The Courts Garden in Wiltshire, the fine landscape at Tyntesfield in Somerset and dramatic views at the historic Dunster Castle in Somerset.

Find a winter garden in the South West
Visitors at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales

Winter gardens in Wales 

Come and explore a winter garden in Wales. Feel refreshed on a walk through a world-class garden at Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool, and marvel at the medieval castle while you're there. At Bodnant Garden in Conwy, there's lots to discover in this horticultural haven which is a delight all year round.

Discover winter gardens in Wales

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.​

Visiting and booking changes

Winter plants

National trust gardens

Mistletoe 

There's more to mistletoe than meets the eye – it even features in Greek mythology. Ever wondered what the tradition of kissing under mistletoe's all about? Learn more about its history, nature facts about mistletoe and places we care for where you can see mistletoe.

National trust gardens near me

Holly 

Holly is an iconic winter plant, associated with traditional winter celebrations. It's also an important source of food and shelter to many birds and animals. Discover some facts about this evergreen plant, including its Pagan roots and gilded history.

Winter plants UK

Snowdrops 

Snowdrops are hardy little plants, surviving even the lowest of winter temperatures. They flower between January and March, and can be a welcome sight in winter gardens. Find out more about the folklore behind these snowy plants and where you can see them at places we care for.

What the gardeners are up to...

Winter is a time for pruning, planting, tree work, mulching, and getting excited about new seed catalogues as planning takes place for the coming year. 

Annual rose prunings happen at places like Mottisfont. If you visit the walled gardens in winter you'll see gardeners out in all weathers tackling this task. An intense period of work helps places to prepare for the spectacular displays in early summer.

Homemade compost is spread throughout the rose gardens and kitchen gardens. This will feed the soil, help with water retention, reduce outbreaks of disease and increase the natural production of beneficial fungi.

Gardening tips for the winter

Preparing your garden for the frostier season can be made easier with the right preparation. Megan Pearson, gardener at Dunham Massey, shares her thoughts:

  • In winter, trees can be planted and most shrubs and trees can be pruned to help define shape and height
  • Mulching beds and borders around plants is a productive early winter task to help insulate the soil and to improve the condition of the soil
  • Don’t attempt to be too tidy in the garden in winter – there may be wildlife hibernating in piles of leaves
  • If you have a greenhouse, seeds can be started off in trays in late winter/early spring to start initial growth ready for planting out in the coming seasons
  • Don't cut back all ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials in autumn, but leave attractive dead seed heads and flowers standing which is both beneficial for overwintering insects and can be aesthetically pleasing in winter light. Leaving some woodier stems standing such as penstemons can actually help protect the crown of the plant from winter frosts
  • Lift tender plants in late autumn, such as dahlias, and keep them in a cool, dry area to protect them during the winter months.