Ah, England—the land of tea, scones, and, of course, a smorgasbord of stunning gardens that seem to sprout from every nook and cranny. Now, we all know about the grandiosity of Kew Gardens and the Queen’s royal floral displays at Windsor, but what about those delightful, lesser-known gardens that offer a more intimate experience? Those hidden gems that make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret that only a few lucky souls are privy to. Well, grab a cuppa (hopefully not the dreadful one I encountered at that questionable little café last week) and let’s take a stroll through some of England’s most enchanting, lesser-known gardens.
Let’s start with something that’s not entirely unknown, but I swear it deserves more hype. The Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, designed by the extraordinary Vita Sackville-West. I mean, wow. The first time I walked through that iconic White Garden, I genuinely felt like I’d been transported into a classic English novel. Let’s be honest, I half expected Mr Darcy to appear from behind the hedges!
Ever tried to take a good picture of white flowers? Turns out it’s harder than it looks—my camera clearly wasn’t in the mood that day. But the smell! Oh, my! The intoxicating scent wafting from the roses was enough to make me forget my camera woes.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sissinghurst was once a dilapidated prison? Just think what the inmates would have thought if they could see it now; I mean, they’d probably have tried to break out just to get a taste of that lavender!
Next on my quest for exquisite greenery is Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset—a place that feels like it should be on a postcard. The sheer variety of the garden styles—Victorian, Edwardian, and even a hint of the Arts and Crafts movement—makes it feel like a horticultural history lesson. Insert nerdy giggles here.
On my visit, I accidentally wandered into an overgrown maze after my potato-on-a-stick (delicious but suspect as a meal) got the better of my coordination. Luckily, I found an adorable family of ducks who took pity on my plight. I named the biggest one Sir Quacks-a-lot for his strut.
One tip if you find yourself here: check out the café! Their homemade cakes are basically slices of heaven, unless you’re on a diet. But let’s be honest, who diets on holiday? Well, unless your bad cup of tea counts as a dietary sin—more on that later!
Now, this next garden comes with a backstory worthy of a film script. Stourhead is not just a garden; it’s like walking into a living painting. My first visit was marred by the typical British weather—rain so intense that it felt like I was in a soup pot.
As I squelched through the muck, I was grumbling about my bad luck when I stumbled upon the Pantheon, an enchanting temple on the edge of a perfectly still lake that reflected the trees like a mirror. Suddenly, I was that weirdo snapping photos while rainwater dripped from my nose—and it was worth every soggy second!
The glorious thing about Stourhead is how it changes with the seasons. Autumn in particular? Pure magic! The trees wear their fiery outfits like they’re celebrating a fashion week to rival Paris. And if you’re there in late April, don’t miss the Stourhead Spring Garden Festival! It’s like nature’s Instagram, only without the filters!
Now, let’s venture northward to Biddulph Grange, near Stoke-on-Trent. This garden is a bit peculiar, and you’d expect nothing less from the quirky Victorian period. It plays host to a miniature Egyptian temple and a Chinese garden complete with its own pagoda. It’s like that distant cousin who travels the globe but insists on incorporating everything into their lifestyle—unexpected yet strangely charming.
When I visited, I had a lovely chat with the gardener, who proudly told me how they’re experimenting with rare plant species. I felt like I was conversing with a plant wizard! Picture this: someone wearing rubber boots and wielding a spade, discussing rarities like an art dealer in Mayfair.
But here’s the kicker—just as I was admiring a rather magnificent peony, my zany luck struck again. I tripped (because obviously, I refuse to wear sensible shoes) and did a full-on cartoonish pratfall into a bush. To clarify, I didn’t quite vanish into thin air, but I did come away with a face full of foliage—absolutely worth it for the story later!
Let’s head to more academic grounds—the Botanic Garden in Oxford. At over 400 years old, this garden is the oldest of its kind in Britain and is filled with plants you didn’t even know existed. It’s also one of those places that plays host to students trying to look studious while secretly engaging in deep philosophical discussions about… well, whatever it is students talk about these days.
Be sure to check out the tropical glasshouse; it’s like being slapped in the face by humid air soaked in perfume. Honestly, it’s a bit like walking into a sauna—only with fewer flip-flops and more rare orchids.
And they offer several workshops—a brilliant way to improve your garden game (because I clearly need a bit of help). The only downside? The coffee shop there served one of the worst lattes I’ve ever had; it was more like hot sad milk than anything remotely espresso-related!
Last but definitely not least on my tour of botanical beauty is Levens Hall. Located in Cumbria, it’s renowned for having one of the oldest topiary gardens in the world—yes, that’s right, think hedges shaped like dinosaurs and mythical creatures. What more could you want on your Instagram feed?
I was warned beforehand that the topiary figures are a sight to behold, but my friends, nothing quite prepared me for the life-sized hedge elephant. I nearly expected it to trumpet at me! Even better, the inviting café offers a delightful afternoon tea option. I took my gamble and was rewarded with a slice of cake that made me feel like a local celebrity—only to ruin it by spilling tea down my shirt.
So there you have it, an enchanting jaunt through some of England’s lesser-known gardens, each with its own quirks, charms, and hilariously awkward moments. If you find yourself bored of the usual tourist trail, I highly recommend throwing caution to the wind and seeking out these hidden gems.
From the whimsical layout of Stourhead to the eccentric topiary of Levens Hall, England’s gardens are a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle, and honestly, they offer more character than any crowded city square.
Now, tell me—what’s the most bizarre garden experience you’ve ever had? Or perhaps you’ve discovered a hidden gem of your own? Share your stories, I’m all ears! 🌷🌼
