The South East of England is renowned for its lush landscapes and historically significant gardens. From grand estates with centuries-old history to contemporary gardens showcasing cutting-edge design, the region offers a rich diversity of horticultural delights. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a design aficionado, or simply seeking an inspiring day out, the South East’s gardens offer something for everyone.
Here’s a guide to some of the best gardens to visit in the South East, along with insights into their history, layout, and design. If you’re interested in garden design, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in these meticulously crafted landscapes.
1. RHS Garden Wisley
Location: Woking, Surrey
Website: RHS Garden Wisley
RHS Garden Wisley is one of the most visited and beloved gardens in the UK. Managed by the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley spans over 240 acres and is home to an array of formal and informal gardens. From the majestic Glasshouse, featuring tropical and temperate climates, to the sprawling herbaceous borders, every corner of Wisley offers inspiration.
Garden designers will find the variety of plant species and innovative planting schemes particularly impressive. The woodland garden, rock garden, and alpine meadow are just a few examples of the diversity on display. The Wisley Lab and trial gardens provide insight into the latest developments in horticultural research.
2. Great Dixter House & Gardens
Location: Northiam, East Sussex
Website: Great Dixter
Great Dixter is a horticultural gem and the former home of renowned garden designer Christopher Lloyd. Its garden is a perfect blend of historic and contemporary garden design, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about garden aesthetics. The layout reflects a juxtaposition of strict formality with loose, wild planting that encourages biodiversity.
Lloyd’s legacy lives on through Great Dixter’s bold color combinations, structural planting, and innovative use of texture and form. Wander through the sunken garden, wild meadow, or exotic garden, and you’ll witness how Lloyd’s philosophy of pushing boundaries continues to inspire modern garden designers today.
3. Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Location: Cranbrook, Kent
Website: Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst is one of the most famous gardens in the world, known for its romantic history and elegant garden design. Created by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson in the 1930s, Sissinghurst Castle Garden exemplifies a harmonious balance between structure and informality.
The garden is laid out as a series of “rooms,” each with its own theme, including the iconic White Garden and Rose Garden. Sissinghurst’s design focuses on framing views, symmetry, and the interplay of light and shadow. For those interested in garden design London or beyond, Sissinghurst offers a masterclass in formal planting with a soft, romantic twist.
4. The Savill Garden
Location: Windsor, Berkshire
Website: The Savill Garden
Nestled within Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden is a stunning 35-acre ornamental garden that has been captivating visitors since its creation in the 1930s. Designed by Sir Eric Savill, this garden offers a journey through a variety of landscapes, from woodland glades to formal, highly stylized areas.
One of the garden’s highlights is the Queen Elizabeth Temperate House, showcasing a wide array of exotic plants. The Rose Garden, which was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II, is another must-see, with its circular design and beautifully fragrant roses.
The Savill Garden is a great example of blending natural beauty with structured garden design, making it a perfect source of inspiration for designers and home gardeners alike.
5. Nymans Garden
Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Website: Nymans
If you’re looking for a garden that showcases both history and modern planting techniques, Nymans is the place to visit. Originally developed in the late 19th century, Nymans Garden features an eclectic mix of plants from around the world, with an emphasis on seasonal interest and innovation in planting design.
The extensive rose collection, colorful herbaceous borders, and the dramatic ruins of the house provide a romantic backdrop. Nymans also has a contemporary garden design sensibility, with a mix of formal and informal areas that emphasize color, texture, and plant variety.
6. Hever Castle Gardens
Location: Edenbridge, Kent
Website: Hever Castle
Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is not only steeped in history but also boasts 125 acres of stunning gardens. The gardens at Hever have evolved over the centuries, with the Italian Garden being one of its standout features. This formal garden, which stretches along the lake, is designed with symmetrical lines, clipped hedges, and elegant water features.
The Tudor Garden, Rose Garden, and Loggia are other highlights. Hever Castle is a great example of how garden design can be both formal and naturalistic, offering varied elements for those keen on both historical and contemporary gardening techniques.
7. Painshill Park
Location: Cobham, Surrey
Website: Painshill Park
Painshill Park is a landscape garden created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton, inspired by European art and landscapes. Painshill is often considered one of the finest examples of a picturesque garden in the UK, with its sweeping views, serpentine lakes, and carefully placed follies.
The design incorporates a series of “incidents,” including a Gothic Temple, grotto, and vineyard. Painshill’s garden design focuses on creating dramatic vistas and harmonizing architecture with nature, offering a wonderful study for garden enthusiasts and those looking to explore historic landscape gardening principles.
8. The Garden Museum
Location: London
Website: The Garden Museum
For anyone interested in garden design London or the history of gardening, a visit to the Garden Museum is essential. Located on the banks of the Thames, the museum celebrates Britain’s gardening heritage and showcases exhibits related to garden design, famous gardeners, and garden history.
The museum’s garden itself is a calm oasis in the heart of the city, featuring traditional English planting schemes alongside more contemporary design elements. Regular exhibitions, talks, and workshops make it a hub for garden enthusiasts and professional designers alike.
Conclusion
The South East of England offers an abundance of stunning gardens to visit, each with its unique character and design philosophy. From the structured elegance of Sissinghurst and Hever Castle to the wild charm of Great Dixter, these gardens provide ample inspiration for anyone interested in garden design.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own garden or simply looking to enjoy a day surrounded by natural beauty, these gardens are well worth exploring. So grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and prepare to be enchanted by the horticultural wonders of the South East!
If you are interested in how you can achieve some of the wonderful examples of garden design show at any of these beautiful spaces why not get in touch with our team today to arrange a free consultation.