Best Gardens to Visit in The Midlands and Northern England
The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden is a splendid complex of formal gardens next to the Alnwick Castle in Alwick, Northumberland in Northern England. It is considered one of the best gardens in Northern England but it was still in a neglected state a decade ago.
The site of the current Alnwick Garden has a rich history dating back to mid-18th century when the 1st Duke of Northumberland commissioned Capability Brown to create a landscaped garden at the Alnwick Castle. Over the next two and a half centuries, the Dukes of Northumberland continued to beautify the gardens and adding new features making the Alnwick Garden one of the most celebrated Britain’s gardens. During World War II, it was used to grow food and fell into decline by the 1950.
The site attracted attention of Jane Percy, the 12th Duchess of Northumberland in the late 1990’s. She decided to donate it to The Alnwick Garden Trust and lead the garden design team herself. In the last decade, The Alnwick Garden restored its former reputation and became one of the UK’s favourite botanic gardens.
The Alnwick Garden can be visited every day from 10am to 6pm all year round. If being interested in the Alnwick Castle, it is possible to buy a combined ticket at a reduced price.
Castle Howard Garden
Castle Howard is a private residence of the Howard family which is surrounded by a breathtaking English landscape park. One of the most picturesque Britain’s private residences and gardens are situated about 24 kilometres north of York, North Yorkshire, England.
In addition to diverse gardens, the Castle Howard garden features several notable buildings including the Temple of the Four Winds, Mausoleum, an arboretum known as Ray Wood, an Obelisk, etc. The garden also includes an arboretum known as Kew at Castle Howard which was created with the purpose to house one of Britain’s most extensive collections of specimen trees.
Castle Howard garden that was seen in many TV series and movies can be visited daily all year round. It opens at 10am but the closing hours vary from season to season.
Chatsworth House Garden
Chatsworth House is private residence and the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. It has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549 when Bess of Hardwick made it her residence. One of Britain’s most famous and splendid stately homes is situated on the east bank of the River Derwent about 14 kilometres west of Chastworth, North Derbyshire, England.
The house and garden were constructed by Bess of Hardwick and her husband Sir William Cavendish in 1555 but the garden was much smaller than it is today. It was constantly expanded which according to the British gardener Alan Titchmarsh made the Chatsworth House Garden one of the best gardens in Britain. It features several important garden buildings, while the most notable remnant of the original garden is the so-called Queen Mary’s Bower which said to be used by Mary, Queen of Scots while she was held prisoner at Chatsworth.
The 1,000 acre Chatsworth House Garden can be visited every day all year round until December 23 from 10:30am to 6pm. The entry to the park is free of charge.