HOME & gARDEN
NATIONAl TRusT
gARDENs IN spRINg
As the days get longer and winter starts to fade,
spring arrives in fresh bursts of colour and new life.
From the carpets of delicate bluebells in the gardens of Blickling Estate in Norfolk to the breathtaking displays of
magnolias at Trengwainton in Cornwall, a stroll in a National Trust garden is sure to dazzle and amaze.
It’s a great time to experience nature waking up from its winter slumber. Don’t miss the laburnum arch,
a shimmering tunnel of golden blooms in late spring at Bodnant in Wales, or the aroma of azaleas and
rhododendrons at Stourhead in Wiltshire.
here are some of the top spring gardens and seasonal events to enjoy:
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Four centuries of good husbandry have made Blickling’s 55 acre garden one of the greatest in England. It changes
through the seasons and has evolved over the centuries to reflect different fashions. Visit in May and follow the
winding paths through the great wood, and pass through the carpet of dainty English bluebells in spring; it’s one of
the best places to see them in the country. At the heart of the garden, discover one of England’s great Jacobean
houses. Don’t miss the fragrant beds of the parterre and inspiring double borders. you’ll find hellebores, daffodils
and bluebells, azaleas and rhododendron, wisteria and peonies as well as quiet places to sit and enjoy the view.
If you want to get away from it all try and find the secret garden - a great place for quiet contemplation and to
listen to the spring bird chorus.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate/
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clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
With 3,800 acres of parkland and
gardens, peaceful woodlands
and a magnificent lake to enjoy
there is plenty of space to explore
and relax with your family and
friends at Clumber, especially in
spring when the woodland is alive
with birdsong and a shimmering
carpet of bluebells. The beautiful
walled kitchen garden is famous
for growing hundreds of varieties
of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and has
the biggest collection of culinary
rhubarbs in the country. Clumber
Park also boasts the longest
avenue of double lime trees in
Europe. Planted around 1840 to
line one of the main entrances
into the Park, the majestic Lime
tree Avenue is over two miles long.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
clumber-park/
Anglesey Abbey, gardens and lode mill, cambridgeshire
Visit a carefully designed garden full of captivating views, vibrant
colour and delicious scents in every season. In spring, drifts of
daffodils spread cheerful colour throughout the garden and
over 4000 hyacinths emerge in the meticulously maintained
flower beds of the Formal Garden. under the grove of Himalayan
silver birch trees a sea of delicate crimson tulips fill the air with
their sweet scent. The picturesque working watermill and wildlife
discovery area offer great opportunities for families to explore.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey/
morden hall Park, london
With diverse landscapes and hidden histories, Morden Hall Park
is a green oasis in South London’s suburbia. The river meanders
through the former deer-park, creating a haven for wildlife. The
2.5 acre garden is the perfect place to relax with friends and
family. Surrounded by meadows, trees and the gentle sounds
of birdsong and running water, the park offers a rare sense of
discovery and a chance to get away from it all. From late May
take a wander around the 38 flowerbeds on both sides of the
stream and take in the wonderful scent of roses and dahlias.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park/
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