Top 10 winter gardens to visit this season

While it’s tempting to hibernate over the winter, it’s really important to get out and about and benefit from some fresh air and exercise. While many formal gardens are at their best in the summer with a blaze of colour, some are just as as attractive in the colder months. A few even have special winter gardens, populated with plants which are at their best at this time of year. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites to tempt you outside this winter.

1. National Botanic Gardens, Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is in Llanarthney in the River Tywi valley, Carmarthenshire, Wales. In addition to welcoming visitors, the centre also carries out botanical research and conservation. The most eye-catching feature is the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, which covers over 3,500 square metres and means you can walk round in the dry whatever the weather. Open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, see website for details.

2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond

From the vast Arboretum to an Alpine rock garden, there’s something to see in every corner. Discover the world of science behind these botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found across this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for wintery weather is the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian greenhouse housing rare and threatened plants. Open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, visit the website for details.

3. Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff

A restoration Edwardian Garden on the outskirts of Cardiff, this National Trust side features sweeping vistas, garden rooms, an arboretum and a glass house which is home to a large collection of cacti, succulents, grape vines and tropical plants. No matter the time of year there is always something exotic in bloom. Open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day, see website for details.

4. Ardgillan Castle and Gardens, Ireland

Castle and dog friendly parklands located in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin with beautiful views of the ocean. As well as the park land, the site features seasonal gardens, a walled garden and five miles of footpath. The winter garden features evergreen, gold and variegated foliage for interest.

 5. The Eden Project, Cornwall

Possibly the ultimate indoor garden attraction, the Eden project is built on a former clay mine which was originally barren. This huge crater was transformed into a beautiful global garden, which sets the stage for an extraordinary day out where you’ll rediscover the natural world as you’ve never experienced it before. Explore massive covered Biomes to trek through the world’s largest indoor rainforest and immerse yourself in the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean Biome. Enjoy extensive Outdoor Gardens, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling. Closed for occasional dates in the winter, see website for details.

6. Antrim Castle grounds, Ireland

The beautifully restored 400-year old Antrim Castle Gardens feature Anglo Dutch canals, ponds and avenues providing a unique walkway into the past. Open daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 1st January. See website for more details.

7. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and five national tree collections, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure. They’re also hosting special Enchanted Christmas events, including a new illuminated trail. Open every day except Christmas Day, pre-booking required for Christmas events. See website for details. 

8. Dunham Massey Garden, Cheshire

The National Trust’s Dunham Massey boasts one of the UK’s largest winter gardens, home to 1600 trees, winter shrubs and evergreens. There’s also a 17th century house and a deer park with its own herd of fallow deer. Open every day except Christmas Day, pre-booking required for Christmas events. See website for details.

9. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

The garden at Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas. A National Trust and UNESCO World Heritage site, the gardens are open most days in the winter but closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Fridays in November, December and January. See website for more details.

10. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

All images: Pixabay. Main image shows Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire.

By Sara Walker.