9 OTHER COUNTRY ESTATES TO VISIT OVER WINTER

Anglesey Abbey and Gardens, Cambridgeshire

The Winter Garden’s network of meandering pathways leads through a spectacular array of plants chosen for exceptional seasonal colour, scent and texture. February is a particularly good time to see the fine snowdrop collection. Tickets currently need to be booked in advance. nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-andlode-mill

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

The 7-acre Winter Garden at Dunham Massey designed by plant guru Roy Lancaster OBE is the biggest of its kind in the UK, with over 1,600 winter shrubs, trees and evergreens bringing masses of seasonal interest to the garden. The house and ancient deer park are also well worth a visit. Pre-booking a must. nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Forde Abbey, Somerset

The 30-acre gardens at Forde Abbey have evolved over the course of 900 years. With a fine selection of trees, topiarylined vistas and 18th-century landscape, this is a lovely place for a winter walk. Plant highlights include numerous snowdrops, winter sweet, crocus, hellebores and mahonia. fordeabbey.co.uk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Renowned for its superb, playful water gardens that have changed little since they were built in the mid 1700s. With canals, cascades, ponds, statues and follies, wonderful vistas as well as a deer park with ancient trees, it is deemed one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studleyroyal-water-garden

Marks Hall Estate, Essex

With 200 acres of gardens, including an arboretum with a collection of rare trees from all over the world, woodland walks, serene lakes and a remarkable contemporary Walled Garden, there’s plenty to delight and inspire visitors at any time of year. Currently no booking required. markshall.org.uk

Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire

At this charming 19th-century garden, as well as rolling lawns, ancient trees and babbling brooks, you’ll find a specially planted Winter Garden full of interesting shrubs and perennials. Look out for the sweetly scented daphnes, winter-flowering honeysuckle, viburnums and witch hazels.

Advance booking required. nationaltrust.org.uk/ mottisfont

Rousham, Oxfordshire

A favourite destination for the gardening cognoscenti, Rousham’s magical 18th-century landscape garden, with its carefully composed spaces that move from dark to light, magnificent vistas, formal ponds, rills, classical temples and statuary, is a delight whatever time of year. Winter has the added benefit that you can often have this magical garden to yourself. rousham.org

Polesden Lacey House and Garden, Surrey

The Edwardian-style gardens and landscape span 30 acres and include a kitchen garden, a walled Rose Garden, a fine collection of statuary and a winter garden (a masterpiece designed in the 1950s by legendary plantsman Graham Stuart Thomas). There are wonderful views over the North Downs and dog-friendly walks in the woods. Formerly the weekend retreat of socialite Dame Margaret Greville who used it to entertain countless royals, politicians and celebrities. nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey

Waddesdon Manor, Bucks

Designed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the late 1800s as a place to entertain his guests, the gardens at