Summer is the perfect time to venture outdoors to take in some lovely sunshine and make the most of nature in full bloom. I’ve found some magical gardens that little (and big!) explorers will love, with some offering great events for all of the family to take part in.
Holkham Hall and Garden
Holkham Estate is an idyllic place to come and unwind with the kids. In particular, take a stroll through the 6 acre Walled Garden, which is currently undergoing some renovation work but visitors are invited to come and see how it is progressing. The walls act as a windbreak and reflect the sun back in to create a slight microclimate, allowing for flowers and wildlife to flourish in a protected area.
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Furzey Gardens, Lyndhurst
These magical gardens are hiding over 30 fairy doors for you to hunt out as you make your way around. You will also find a variety of tree houses, lookout towers and an adventure playground. Plus, on the 31st of May they have a Bug Barn Event where children can plant a sunflower seed and paint their own flower pot to take home!
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Trentham Gardens, Stoke on Trent
Take a stroll around these award winning gardens no matter the time of year and you will find stunning flowers and plants. Children will enjoy the superb adventure playground and spotting the fairies along the fairy trail. Visit on Sunday 12th of June and you can also watch an open air theatre production of Alice in Wonderland!
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The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
Throughout the year the gardens are full of life and colour, there’s also a giant treehouse that the kids will love exploring, it’s one of the largest in the world! Plus, from the 24th of May until the 5th of September (on weekends and school holidays) you can take part in the Fairy Tale Trail – dressing up is encouraged!
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The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
The Lost Gardens of Heligan cover over 200 acres. You can walk through the jungle where there are tropical trees, colourful plants and vibrant foliage creating an exotic oasis; it’s hard to believe you’re still in Cornwall! Visit them between the 28th of May and the 5th of June and you and the little ones can participate in WILD WEEK – join a tribe, have your face painted and warm your toes on an open fire.
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Bowood, Wiltshire
In the gardens at Bowood you will find gorgeous flowers and landscaped parkland, if you wander around the gardens you will also find a waterfall, grottos and a hermits cave. Bowood is also home to Tractor Ted and over the bank holiday weekend this May Bowood will be hosting Tractor Ted’s Big Machines Weekend with machinery displays, tractor rides, a bouncey castle and games for kids.
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Picton Castle and Gardens, Pembrokeshire
The gardens at Picton Castle are great for everyone to explore,with stunning and unusual plants, woodlands and lakes. There’s also a woodland trail to follow and an adventure playground for the kids.
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Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury
This arboretum is well known for its internationally renowned tree collection. All year round you can take one of the many walks to see the stunning collection, plus the kids can enjoy the different play zones and interactive quizzes around the arboretum.
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Logan Botanical Gardens, near Port Logan
These beautiful gardens are a must if you’re in the area! You can see a range of exotic and rare plants that burst into life in spring and summer creating a tropical paradise.
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Forbidden Corner, Layburn
Winner of the White Rose Awards 2015, Forbidden Corner’s four acres of labyrinths, grottos, walled gardens, statues and passages are great to explore. You’re not provided with a map so you have to find your own way around, which is all part of the fun.
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Have we missed any of your favourite magical spots? Let us know! Don’t forget to share your garden snaps to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 😀