These are the most beautiful gardens in England
When you’re out and about in your campervan for days on end, there are times when you just need to get out and stretch your legs. At moments when you feel the need for some time out of the driver’s seat, why not stop by one of these beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in a tranquil walk through luscious, colourful grounds?
We’ve compiled a list of six of England’s greatest gardens that make the perfect stop-off for the tired motorhome traveller.
1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London
Image: Diliff (own work), (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Just 30 minutes from downtown London, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are bursting with colour and gorgeous displays that could occupy you for a whole day. It’s hard to know where to begin, but here are our top tips to get the most out of your experience:
● Walk among the treetops: The treetop walkway offers a magnificent birds-eye view of the gardens from 18 metres above the ground, taking you through a canopy of beech, oak, horse chestnut and sweet chestnut.
● Explore the Princess of Wales Conservatory: Encounter plants from an array of different ecosystems in this huge conservatory that contains everything from cacti to tropical rainforest species.
● Take a woodland stroll: Go for a ramble through the Woodland Garden, passing rhododendrons, maple and oak trees.
Closest motorhome pick up point: London
2. Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
As the oldest botanical garden in the United Kingdom, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum is definitely worth a stop on a motorhome trip from London, and you’ll be able to explore the grounds of prestigious Oxford University at the same time.
This garden houses over 6,000 plant species from all over the world. The arboretum is home to some of the oldest redwood trees in the UK, as well as typical English woodland flora. Visit between May and August to experience the delightful colours of azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom.
Closest motorhome pick up points: London, Bristol
3. Eden Project, Cornwall
Should you manage to find time to travel to the very southwest of England, you’ll find this unique attraction about an hour’s drive from Plymouth. Formerly the site of a giant clay mine, the area has been transformed into a dazzling display that will be a delight for the whole family. Among the 20 acres of garden at the Eden Project site you’ll find:
● Wild Cornwall: Get swept away to the Cornish countryside in this authentic garden filled with hedges, brambles and stone walls.
● The Nest: This huge climbing frame will keep your young ones occupied while you relax on the grass and enjoy the surrounds.
● Mediterranean Biome: This massive indoor garden features over 1,000 plant varieties from the Mediterranean, Australia, South Africa and California. Keep an eye out for cork trees, aloe vera plants and colourful tulips.
Closest motorhome pick up point: Bristol
4. Hever Castle Gardens, Kent
Hever Castle, situated in the gorgeous Kentish countryside, was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s wives who was tragically beheaded. While the history may be sombre, the gardens are a delight. The grounds boast a magical rose garden, filled with 4,000 roses of varying hues. The magnificent chess garden contains giant chess pieces sculpted out of yew trees. An Italian garden contains a Pompeiian Wall, pillared colonnades and a piazza featuring a sculpture inspired by Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain. You’ll likely encounter a number of local birdlife as you roam the grounds, including moorhens, swans, blue tits and woodpeckers.
Closest motorhome pick up points: London, Brighton Railway
5. Chatsworth House, Peak District
Image: Trevor Rickard (own work), (CC BY 2.0) via Geograph
The Chatsworth House Garden dates back to the 16th century. Today, it consists of 105 acres of walking trails, waterfalls, ponds and even a maze. Take some time for yourself by Morton’s Pond, a tranquil place to sit and contemplate. If you’re feeling in need of a bit of exercise, try walking up the Hundred Steps and give the monkey puzzle a go at the halfway point. Get lost in the yew maze and don’t miss the magical grotto tucked away in the hillside.
Closest motorhome pick up points: Birmingham, Manchester
6. Levens Hall, Cumbria
The Lake District is one of the most magical places to visit with a campervan hire in the UK. During your motorhome travels through this region, make sure you stop at Levens Hall to explore its historic gardens. The topiary here is the oldest in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. In addition to the creative topiary sculptures, visitors to Levens Hall can enjoy romantic wildflower meadows, a wild willow maze and herb garden. Once you’re done exploring, sit down for a cuppa on the tea terrace overlooking the 17th-century garden and its begonias, daisies, pansies and tulips.
Closest motorhome pick up points: Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds
Once you’ve been for a wander through one of these green spaces, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to recommence your road trip through England.
Written By: Kristof Haines
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
