winter
Blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a refreshing walk in a frosty garden. From exotic colour to spectacular landscapes that seem to look their best stripped to their bones with a sprinkle of Jack Frost, we’ve tons of great places to explore during the cold winter months.
Here’s our pick of some the best places to enjoy the crisp winter weather:
Anglesey Abbey, Garden and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire
Measure up next to Corinthian columns in the Temple Lawn or walk the atmospheric Emperors’ Walk and spot the statuary spying on you. But don’t forget the winter garden, with some 150 species of plants and it’s an oasis of colour and scent.
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
There are over 3,000 acres of green open space to enjoy at Clumber. Why not wrap up warm and discover more on your bike (there’s over 20 miles of cycle routes). Or take things a bit easier with a stroll down the longest lime tree avenue in Europe.
Croome Park, Worcestershire
Find yourself enchanted by Capability Brown’s array of eye-catchers - scattered across the park, visit the beautiful St Mary Magdalene church, explore Dunstall Castle or visit the Island Pavilion that sits on Croome’s lake.
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire
Get to know the superb 18th-century landscape on one of the five walks through the estate. Spot rare and historic White Park cattle in the medieval parkland and enjoy the majestic views.
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Enjoy the seven acre winter garden - the largest of its kind in the UK. With over 700 different plant species and a further 1,600 shrubs, there’s plenty of colour and scent to enjoy in this unique garden.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Explore the extensive ruins of the Cistercian abbey and discover the Royal Water Garden that contains canals, moon shaped ponds, elegant temples and neo-classical statues the water garden is guaranteed to capture your imagination.
Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne
A 400 acre ‘forest garden’ designed in the 18th-century, Gibside combines woodland and open spaces with atmospheric buildings. Take time to explore the ruins of the orangery, bathhouse and hall or take a stroll down the impressive oak lined Long Walk.
Killerton, Devon
Discover a green oasis just 8 miles from Exeter, making it the perfect pit-stop en route to and from Cornwall. Take a stroll and enjoy far-reaching views towards Dartmoor, Woodbury Common and the Exe estuary or, discover the ice house and rustic summerhouse known as the ‘Bear's Hut’.
Rowallane Garden, County Down
Feel inspired by this enchanting garden's dazzling array of exotic species from the four corners of the globe. Discover the walled garden, the electric blue bandstand in the Pleasure Grounds and the stable yard that’s full of intriguing features.
Sheffield Park Garden, East Sussex
Wrap up warm and discover over 120 acres of landscaped garden at Sheffield Park; follow winding paths to enchanting lakes, where the reflection showcases the magnificent planting and stunning trees.
Stowe Landscape Garden, Buckinghamshire
Experience the satisfying ‘crunch’ of walking on frosty grass in a landscape that includes wide open spaces, wooded valleys, and ornamental lakes. With spectacular views, hidden corners and over 40 temples and monuments, Stowe is the perfect spot for a winter’s walk.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Explore over a 100 acres set around a huge lake, scattered with classical and gothic buildings. Visit the circular temple dedicated to Apollo and recreate the famous scene from the recent Pride and Prejudice film or find some peace and tranquillity in the enchanting grotto.
Wallington, Northumberland
A garden that has developed over more than two centuries, spend time with the mysterious griffin’s heads on the East Lawn and discover the picturesque China ponds in the East Woods, lined with fragrant shrubs and grassy areas it’s an enchanting spot.
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