Petal power
LET SPECTACULAR NATIONAL TRUST BLOSSOM LIFT YOUR SPIRITS THIS SPRING
CONNECTING with nature is good for our wellbeing and now, in the middle of blossom season, is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the fleeting beauty of ‘nature’s confetti’.
Here are some of the best spots to see blossom at National Trust places in the Midlands and East of England...
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Visitors can find plenty of beautiful blossom in the gardens at Anglesey Abbey, including avenues of cherry trees with pretty peonies underneath. There’s fruit blossom in the heritage orchard, the espalier pear tree growing up the side of the house, as well as blossom in the Rose Garden, crab apple blossom in the Winter Garden and blossom in the Monks Garden.
Attingham Park, Shropshire
The best place to see blossom at Attingham Park is the walled garden and orchard, where there are over 300 fruit trees, which blossom at different times. These include apples, medlars and quince.
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
Discover the delights of spring at Belton Estate on a walk around the Pleasure Grounds. Interlaced with native wildflowers, the grounds give way to bluebells, which are currently at their peak. Keep an eye out for the forks and spades inviting you to take a photo in the best locations for spring bulbs.
Brockhampton, Herefordshire
Brockhampton is home to a variety of blossom trees, including damsons, pear, and apple varieties. In spring, the orchard is adorned with the delicate bloom of fruit trees, transforming the landscape into a spectacle of pink and white.
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Celebrate the new season at Clumber Park. See the crocheted blossom display in the Glasshouse, get creative with the garden team’s pop-up floristry sessions and enjoy storytelling and poetry workshops in the walled kitchen garden.
Younger visitors can also take part in seasonal crafts in the Discovery Centre.
Gunby, Lincolnshire
With an abundance of fruit trees and cherry blossom, the arrival of spring blossom is one of Gunby Garden’s highlights. Visitors can explore the ‘Blossom Trail’ around the gardens and learn all about the beautiful blossom trees. Take a photo under the blossom trees and simply relax, slow down and enjoy the signs of new life.
Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire
The apple blossom in the orchard comes into full flower in May. Sit beneath the canopy of frothy, pink petals and enjoy this beautiful springtime spectacle over a cuppa. Listen out for buzzing bees – the blossom is a great source of nectar for pollinating insects.
Oxburgh Estate, Norfolk
Surrounded by a wildflower meadow, the orchard at Oxburgh Estate is home to a variety of native East Anglian fruit trees and the late spring blossom comes in varying shades of pink and red.
A favourite is the Malus x Robusta, or ‘Harry Baker,’ which provides beauty all year round with its bronze-purple leaves, bright cerise blossom, and its rich red and abundant fruits.
Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
Shugborough Estate comes alive with beautiful blossom throughout the spring; from the terrace gardens to the variety of blossom trees planted along the Lady Walk, visitors will be surrounded by pale pink and white petals.
Head into the walled garden to spot the pear tree blossom, and the beginnings of a fruitful summer.
Upton House, Warwickshire
The naturalised orchard at Upton, brimming with delicate apple blossom, is the perfect place to take a moment to enjoy the murmuring of bees amidst the blooms.
Wightwick Manor and Gardens, West Midlands
In May, enjoy Wightwick’s vibrant blossom, from diverse apple orchard displays to the fragrant ornamental cherry tree on the tennis lawn. Explore the Kitchen Garden’s fruit blossom varieties and vibrant orange ‘Daydream’ tulips and foxgloves in the formal garden.
Visitors can find... avenues of cherry trees with pretty peonies underneath
Anglesey Abbey
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
If you are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the blossom away from the crowds, head to the walled garden at Wimpole Estate and enjoy the spring blooms and impressive display of blossom on the fruit trees in the orchard from the comfort of a deck chair. Sit back, relax and take in your peaceful surroundings.