Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Created at the end of the 19th century, the gardens at Waddesdon were the vision of owner Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, who wanted his guests to delight in the surroundings of the French Renaissance-style château. As the gardens go to sleep in winter, the stark beauty of the landscape can be appreciated, with hollies and evergreen shrubs coming to the fore, and late-flowering plants continuing the colour. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm. Tel: 01296 820414; waddesdon.org.uk