There's no question that Britain is nation not of shop-keepers but of gardeners, with regular events throughout the year (well, spring and summer anyway) celebrating all things green-fingered, from spring events like National Gardening Week and the Chelsea Flower Show to popular summer regulars like the Hampton Court Flower Show and all sorts of 'Open Garden' events around the country throughout the year. There are of course any number of established and historic gardens to visit everywhere, and we've put together a selection of some of our favourite gardens around the country. Just read on to find some amazing - and inspirational – places to visit.
Compton Acres, Dorset
Set over 10-acres, this site has something for everyone, including formal areas, woodland sections, viewpoints overlooking the sea, an Italian Garden with an ornamental lake and water lillies, a large rock garden, and a Japanese Garden complete with thatched temple, pond and koi carp.
Greenway House & Gardens, Devon
The wild and romantic garden of this late 15th-century building that was author Agatha Christie and her husband’s holiday home for over 20 years is stunning, with woodland rolling down the hillside towards the beautiful Dart Estuary.
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, Northumberland
The gardens here are a fabulous treat and one of the North East's most magical – particularly the unique, fern-filled Quarry Garden, at its finest in spring and summer when the rhododendrons are at their best.
Standen House & Garden, West Sussex
This family home with Morris & Co. interiors dates from the heyday of the Arts and Crafts movement and is set in a beautiful hillside garden.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Its collection of sub-tropical and Mediterranean plants is one of the best in Europe, and the building where they're grown – the gigantic Great Glasshouse – is the world's largest single span glasshouse.
Fairhaven Water Garden, Norfolk
One of our favourite places in the northern Broads, providing as it does an easy (land-and wheelchair-accessible) glimpse of the swampy wilderness that makes up so much of the region.
Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire
A substantial garden at its best in spring and early summer, choose from the formal East Front and West Gardens or the lovingly restored Wild Gardens.
Created by horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, Hidecote is made up of series of small gardens within a garden, alongside long avenues bordered by an array of plants.
Mannington Hall Gardens, Norwich
The gardens around this medieval moated manor are filled with a host of plants and trees. Wander through the Heritage and Modern Rose Gardens, the South Lawn and the Sensory Garden – which will be your favourite?
Yorkshire Museum & Gardens, Yorkshire
After immersing yourself in history inside, take a break outdoors in the lovely gardens, where you'll also find Yorkshire's oldest working observatory, which is open a couple of days a week.