Top 10 gardens to visit this spring   by Paul Ellison

in Home / Gardening    (submitted 2012-02-22)

In spring the world seems to come alive again, a change of weather signalling the arrival of the first signs of the season, with spring blooms appearing across British gardens, woodland and the countryside. The UK boasts some of the world's most spectacular springtime gardens. Read our top 10 gardens to visit this spring, perfect to inspire ideas for your own garden and for keeping fit, while enjoying the spring weather.

1) Batsford Arboretum, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire
Batsford Arboretum boasts an impressive 2850 labelled specimens, including 1300 different shrubs, trees and bamboo . In spring, visitors can admire a notable collection of Japanese cherry trees, which blossom into a picturesque display from March until May. A carpet of snowdrops, daffodils and narcissi are another spring attraction . As the arboretum is located on a hill, approximately 25% of the area is wheelchair accessible. Free parking is situated by the arboretum entrance, disabled toilets are available on-site and visitors can enjoy cakes, cream teas and sandwiches in the Garden Terrace café.

2) Bowood Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire
For six weeks from April to June, visitors to Bowood Gardens in Wiltshire are in for a spring treat. Throughout the six week flowering season, a separate woodland garden is open to visitors, showcasing an array of colourful azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons. Along this stretch of woodland walk in 2006, over 30 hybrid species which were thought to be extinct were re-discovered by Michael Robinson of the Royal Horticultural Society , making this an exciting visit for anyone with a horticultural interest. Bowood Gardens is family friendly, with a 'soft play palace' and adventure playground for children to enjoy. Visitors can take a break for a light lunch at the Temple Gate coffee shop, the Bowood House Restaurant is open at weekends to serve cream teas and a carvery on Sundays. Baby changing facilities, accessible toilets and free parking are available on-site.

3) Antony Woodland Garden, Antony, Cornwall
The beautiful Antony Woodland Garden in Cornwall has 100 acres of woodland garden to explore, boasting an enchanting landscape which was used as the set for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland . In spring, visitors can expect to see drifts of azaleas, magnolias and camellias. The Antony Woodland Garden also boasts an impressive array of rhododendrons and a formal topiary garden. Free parking is located near to the site and toilets with baby changing facilities are available. A tea room serves traditional lunches and light snacks and there is a picnic area on-site.

4) Eden Project, St Austell, Cornwall
The Eden Project is a great collection of gardens to visit throughout the year, the indoor rainforest and Mediterranean biomes mean you can enjoy a comfortable garden walk regardless of the weather. Spring highlights in the outdoor gardens include colourful stripes of daffodils and tulips. In March, crocuses add a fresh burst of colour to the gardens and a path of grape hyacinths springs to life on the glass roof between the two biomes . From April a flurry of English wild flowers including campions, violets and bluebells emerge as a spectacular season finale. Ample visitor parking is available on-site, with a dedicated disabled parking area. Wheelchairs are available for hire free-of-charge for use on site and all of the gardens are fully wheelchair accessible. With such a huge amount to see, it's worth spending a whole day at the Eden Project. Toilets are located across the site and there are seven cafes to choose from, serving home-made food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5) Hever Castle Gardens, Hever, Kent
These castle gardens were originally transformed from marsh land into a series of impressive themed gardens between 1904 and 1908 and continue to develop today . Spring attractions include beautiful displays of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and bluebells. The Italian Garden is a particularly notable feature throughout spring and summer, with trained camellias blooming throughout spring. Running water features delight visitors throughout the year. The Moat Café is situated within the grounds serving locally sourced food and cakes baked in the castle kitchens . To enjoy the full Hever Castle Gardens experience, guests are advised to allow half a day for their visit . Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible and disabled toilets are located across the site. An on-site car park provides free parking for all visitors.

6) Benmore Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
Spring visitors to Benmore Botanic Gardens are treated to a magnificent display of rhododendrons. Over 300 species, 100 subspecies and over 300 cultivars establish one of the world's finest collections of rhododendrons, with aromatic foliage making this a truly sensory experience. Witch hazel, fothergilla major, camellias and pieris are also in bloom in spring, adding splashes of colour throughout the garden. The Benmore café is open throughout the year, serving traditional home-baking and lunch time meals. Toilets and disabled facilities are located at the café, the extensive lower areas of the garden are wheelchair accessible.

7) Nymans Gardens, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
These enchanting gardens grow around the ruins of a 1920s gothic mansion and are well known for housing a collection of rare and fascinating plants. In spring, vibrant daffodils, grape hyacinths and camellias appear. A particularly exciting spring feature is the emergence of rare magnolia cultivars , making these gardens a horticulturist's dream. At Nymans, there are beautiful gardens and woodland walks to explore all year round. Car parking is available on site, with mobility parking next to the visitor reception. A restaurant with open-air sheltered seating is perfect for enjoying on a sunny day. Visitor toilets with baby changing facilities are located at the restaurant. Family trails and a children's area in the restaurant make Nymans Gardens a great choice for families with young children.

8) Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Follow one of the self-guided woodland tours of Westonbirt Arboretum to encounter hundreds of spring flowers coming into bloom. Expect to see a medley of azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and wild flowers as you explore . Wood violets, celandines and fragrant wild garlic are also emerging at this time for a colourful and sensory experience. Car and coach parking is available on site and visitor toilets are located across the grounds. The large Maples restaurant can seat 300 people, so large groups are well accommodated; there is also a smaller courtyard café which opens in spring and a garden picnic area.

9) Dudmaston Gardens, Quatt, Shropshire
In early spring visitors can enjoy a circular woodland walk at Dudmaston Gardens, admiring the carpet of snowdrops which appear early in the season . The eight acre garden is also home to magnolias, flowering cherry trees and clusters of kalmias, which are under-planted with vibrant daffodils and primroses. A spectacular backdrop of rhododendrons completes this spring garden in bloom. The Dudmaston Estate has free parking available on-site, a tea room, toilets and baby changing facilities, making this a great choice for a family day out.

10) Docton Mill Gardens, Hartland, North Devon
A spring river walk at Docton Mill Gardens is the perfect way to take in the displays of naturalised narcissi, bluebells and wild garlic which surround this charming working water mill. Other spring sights include a stretch of bluebell blanketed woodland, a beautiful magnolia garden and wild flower gardens . After a stroll around the gardens, visitors can enjoy a bite to eat in Docton Mill's award winning tea room.

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