Gardens in London and the South East

Gardener at work in the South Cottage garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent — A gardener working in the beds at Sissinghurst, Kent | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Discover some of the most scenic gardens to visit in London and the South East and enjoy great days out all year round.

Summer is one of the best times to visit National Trust gardens in London and the South East, with vibrant borders, fragrant roses and colourful wildflowers in full bloom. From sweeping herbaceous displays to peaceful walled gardens, discover where to see the season at its peak and enjoy the sights, scents and sounds of summer across our most beautiful outdoor spaces.

Slate footpath runs between two flower beds and leads through a garden arch. pink roses and lavendar full the flower beds with colour. — The walled rose garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Sculpture and art in gardens

Many National Trust gardens in London and the South East come alive in summer with outdoor art and sculpture exhibitions. Set against backdrops of historic landscapes and blooming borders, these installations offer a unique way to experience art in nature, whether you’re discovering contemporary pieces, craft displays or large-scale sculptures on a garden trail.

White Cube at Claydon

This summer, White Cube and the National Trust unveil White Cube at Claydon, a major contemporary art exhibition set within the extraordinary rococo interiors and private gardens of Claydon House.

Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff

Expressions in Blue invites visitors to see Petworth through the lens of these monumental works in porcelain. The exhibition will be on show at Petworth House and Park from 23 May to 27 September 2026. Entry is free after normal admission to the house (free for National Trust members).

Two visitors walking past giant blue and white ceramic monoliths from the Expressions in Blue exhibition, in Petworth House's parkland with house in background.

Oxford Sculpture Group at Greys Court

Original Sculpture "Stag" by Darren Greenhow previously exhibited at Greys Court (Oxford Sculptor Group)

Walled and kitchen gardens in the South East

From carefully restored Victorian kitchen gardens to flourishing heritage orchards and productive walled spaces, these special places offer a glimpse into traditional gardening techniques and sustainable growing. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own garden, planning a day out, or searching for the best historic gardens to visit near London, explore these vibrant spaces filled with fruit, vegetables, flowers and fascinating stories of the past.

The garden at Greys Court

Discover the productive kitchen garden at Greys Court, where August brings a rich harvest of seasonal fruit and vegetables, showcasing traditional growing methods in a peaceful setting.

An image of the walled garden in summer at Greys Court, Oxfordshire with tall red brick wall in the background with arched doorway flanked by a pair of clipped, domed trees and a froth of pink Cosmos flowers in the foreground

The garden at Osterley Park

Explore Osterley’s much-loved Tudor walled garden, where ornamental vegetable beds reach their vibrant peak from early summer through to autumn.

The Ornamental Vegetable Garden at Osterley Park and House, Middlesex, in September, with the Stables seen in the background. There are some purple amaranth plants in the foreground, against a backdrop of bright yellow cone shaped plant supports.

Visiting Nymans garden

Tucked within the wider garden, Nymans’ walled garden offers a sheltered space bursting with colour, seasonal planting and a mix of ornamental and productive displays.

A view of the 1920s dovecote in the Forecourt Garden

The garden at Polesden Lacey

Wander through Polesden Lacey’s tranquil Edwardian walled garden, filled with fragrant roses, lavender, cut flowers and a productive kitchen garden.

The garden at Chartwell

Dating from the 1920s and built under the direction of Sir Winston Churchill himself, Chartwell’s walled garden features the beautiful Golden Rose Avenue and productive growing spaces.

Close up of white roses from Lady Churchill's Rose Garden with the house at Chartwell in the background

The garden at Hinton Ampner

Enjoy the order and beauty of Hinton Ampner’s traditional walled kitchen garden, with neat pathways, vegetable beds and borders full of seasonal colour.

Summer borders with a stone path through the middle, a brick wall in the background and a church behind the wall

Top gardens to visit this summer in South East England

At this time of year, many of us look forward to the displays of spring bulbs at our most cherished National Trust places. Making the trip to see them is an annual pilgrimage, signalling the start of a new year. From carpets of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells, to trees laden with blossom and colourful beds bursting with tulips. As we move through the seasons, here's where to find a splash of spring near you.

Hampshire: Our Hampshire gardens like Hinton Ampner, Mottisfont and The Vyne are highlights all year round. Grand borders, productive kitchen gardens and panoramic views combine to give joy and inspiration at every turn.Find out more
Kent: There are gardens aplenty to explore in Kent, including Sissinghurst Castle Garden, one of the most famous in country and the romantic Scotney Castle. From productive walled gardens to beautiful borders, there's something for every taste.Find out more
Surrey: Discover the best gardens and open spaces to explore around Surrey, from bold landscapes at Winkworth Arboretum and Claremont Landscape Garden, to the romantic Polesden Lacey.Find out more
Sussex: Garden top spots in Sussex include the dreamy Nymans, and Bateman's. There's Capability Brown landscapes at Sheffield Park and Garden and Petworth too.Find out more
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire: Gardens in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire are peaceful places to wander. Head to Cliveden, Hughenden and Waddesdon for parterres and sweeping countryside. At Greys Court there's drama and formality in the courtyard displays and intimate garden rooms.Find out more
London: Take in rose gardens and wilds at Morden Hall park, or glorious kitchen gardens at Ham House. National Trust gardens across London are waiting for your perfect day out.Find out more