STOWE LANDSCAPE GARDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Stowe is one of the finest examples of an English landscape garden and its 250-acre grounds are a fascinating place for a winter ramble. With numerous trails leading to the many charming vistas, temples, monuments and grottoes, it’s possible to take a different route on every visit.

The gardens have been developed since the 1700s with significant progress in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Notable designers include Charles Bridgeman, Sir John Vanbrugh, James Gibbs, William Kent and Capability Brown. nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe

Currently open, but need to book in advance.

PAINSHILL, SURREY

A fine example of an 18th-century English landscape garden, Painshill was designed by its owner Charles Hamilton between 1738 and 1777. The garden fell into a state of decay but has been brilliantly restored. With a prescribed circuit around the 158 acres, the garden features a 14-acre serpentine lake, a Chinese bridge and various follies, including a Gothic Temple, a Turkish tent and an enchanting crystal grotto, pictured left. painshill.co.uk

RHS HARLOW CARR, YORKSHIRE

The Winter Walk at Harlow Carr is one of the best examples of how dynamic and colourful a garden can be during even the coldest months of the year. There’s loads of ideas to take away – from bulbs, perennials and grasses to shrubs and trees – so remember your notebook. Do make time to visit to Bettys Café Tea Rooms, too. One of five public gardens run by the RHS. rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

HILLIER GARDENS, HAMPSHIRE

The award-winning 180-acre Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire, specialising in horticulture, conservation and education, are a beautiful and inspiring place to visit in any season, but the Winter

Garden’s colourful displays of more than 650 plants including witch hazels, dogwoods, daphnes and grasses ensure it is exceptionally interesting at this time of year. hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens