Inspiring topiary gardens to visit

Glorious examples of finely clipped topiary to spark the imagination and recreate at home

Knightshayes Gardens, Devon Vast clipped hedges showcase statuary, lush herbaceous borders and topiary including castellated hedges, one of which is topped with a fox chased by hounds.

Tel 01884 253264 nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes

Hinton Ampner, Hampshire Revered for its crisp yew and box hedges and topiary, these formal gardens frame beautiful views of the rolling South Downs and feature mushroom-shaped topiary in the Sunken Garden.

Tel 01962 771305 nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner

Abbey House Gardens, Wiltshire Once part of the Benedictine Monastery, founded in 666AD, this private garden covers five acres and features an impressive topiary display.

Tel 01666 822212 abbeyhousegardens.co.uk

Cliveden, Berkshire Characterful birds, majestic hedges and a triangular parterre adorn these stately gardens designed by Sir Charley Barry in 1849. Tel 01628 668561 clivedenhouse.co.uk

Highgrove, Gloucestershire Home to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and over 40 years in the making, the gardens include some remarkable topiary along the Thyme Walk, in the Lily Pool and Sundial gardens. highgrovegardens.com

Scampston, North Yorkshire Set within the walls of the eighteenth-century kitchen garden, this contemporary masterpiece by Piet Oudolf showcases the many different ways topiary can be incorporated into today’s gardens Tel 01944 759111 scampston.co.uk

Levens Hall, Cumbria Largely unchanged since the seventeenth century, these topiary gardens are amongst the oldest in the world. The 10 acres of ancient box and yew are a magnificent sight all year round.

Tel 01539 560321 levenshall.co.uk