Unique gardens to visit
Discover some of England and Ireland’s most exciting gardens
1 BLARNEY CASTLE
Visit the prehistoric Fern Garden, our deadly Poison Garden, and our magical Rock Close. Stroll by the lake, riverside and woodlands or through the dazzling arboretums and herbaceous borders in all their summer splendour. But don’t forget to kiss the famous Blarney Stone! Café and shops on site. Blarney, Cork, Ireland | +353 21 438 5252 | blarneycastle.ie 2 SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a place for all seasons. Visit any time of the year to see Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson’s creation with a different view. The garden is the result of the of the creative tension of Harold and lavish planting of Vita set within a romantic ruin of an Elizabethan house. Nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB | 01580 710700 | Sissinghurst@nationaltrust.org.uk 4 THE BISHOP’S PALACE & GARDENS
Over 14 acres of spectacular RHS partner gardens, including picturesque, romantic, formal and Victorian styles, a wildflower arboretum, specimen trees, alongside waterfalls, well pools, a moat with resident swans and a stunning medieval palace. Don’t miss the moving new sculpture trail from 15 September. Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD | bishopspalace.org.uk | 01749 988111 3 LEEDS CASTLE
Widely known as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, this 12th Century moated castle is steeped in history and boasts more than 500 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. Delight your senses within the spectacular setting of this iconic landmark, with its abundance of wildlife and attractions and adventure for all. Nr Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RG | leeds-castle.com 5 LAMPORT HALL & GARDENS
The gardens include extensive herbaceous borders, an extraordinary line of 72 yew trees, Tudor lawns and a sensational 2 acre Walled Garden, full of tall perennial plants. A highlight is the famous Lamport Rockery, one of the earliest alpine gardens in England and home to the earliest garden gnomes in the country. Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD | 01604 686272| lamporthall.co.uk