GARDENS TO VISIT

BLICKLING ESTATE, NORFOLK

Blickling is thought to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, though a Jacobean hall now stands in the place of the Tudor house where she and her family lived.

Set within 5,000 acres of parkland, the gardens cover 55 acres with formal and informal areas, including a kitchen garden, parterres, topiary, 18th-century yew hedging and specimen trees. Designed for year-round interest, the gardens are particularly good in spring with extensive plantings of daffodils and bluebells. nationaltrust.org.uk

KILLERTON, DEVON

This 10-hectare hillside garden belongs to an imposing 18th-century house with magnificent views over Dartmoor. Set within a parkland of around 100 hectares, the garden boasts a famous arboretum where many rare trees and shrubs were introduced by legendary Exeter plantsman John Veitch. The pleasure grounds nearer the house feature a terrace designed in 1900 by William Robinson, who was a leading proponent of wild gardening. nationaltrust.org.uk

SISSINGHURST, KENT

The gardens at Sissinghurst Castle are believed to be among the most beautiful in the world. Most people go the in summer, but it’s worth visiting in spring, as there’s so much to learn from the richly layered planting and, importantly, the gardens are less busy. Head for the Lime Walk, the Nuttery and the newly developed Delos garden developed by designer Dan Pearson along with head gardener Troy Scott Smith. nationaltrust.org.uk

SIZERGH CASTLE, CUMBRIA

Sizergh Castle, built in the Middle Ages, has been home to the Strickland family for over 750 years. The marvellous Grade II listed gardens feature a kitchen garden, formal terraces, lakes, wildflower meadows, a stumpery, a woodland garden, an orchard and a limestone rock garden, home to a collection of hardy ferns. nationaltrust.org.uk