Spring Garden Highlights
With longer, brighter days and the warmth gradually returning, it's time to get out and start exploring. Experience spring in all its glory with a visit to one of our expertly cared for historic gardens in England.
Enjoy delicate snowdrops, spring daffodils and vibrant blossoms as our gardens burst into colour. Here's our pick of some of the best spring gardens to visit this season.
Find a gardenPodcast: Belsay Awakes
Join head of English Heritage’s gardens and landscape team, John Watkins, and acclaimed landscape designer Dan Pearson, for a combination of history and horticulture as we find out about the planned transformation of the gardens at Belsay Hall in Northumberland.
Discover the history of the gardens, the plans to bring them back to their blooming best, and the wider project to transform the visitor experience at this spectacular site.
Listen on SoundcloudPerfect Parterres
Every year our gardeners and volunteers take on the epic work of planting our parterre gardens with unique spring and summer displays. They are a showcase for horticultural skill and taste, and are very labour intensive.
Read our article to find out more about the definition of a parterre, the history of parterre gardens and the historic sites where you can find them.
Find out moreGardens to Visit
From rolling parkland and stunning vistas to elegant parterres and working kitchen gardens, we look after some of the most magnificent gardens in the country.
If you're looking for inspiration, we've picked out some of our favourites here.
Top 10 GardensHISTORIC GARDEN BLOGS
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HOW CHARLES DARWIN’S GARDEN INSPIRED THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION
From playing music to earthworms to wandering up and down his own ‘thinking path’, Charles Darwin found plenty of inspiration for his theories at Down House in Kent.
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NOT JUST CRICKET: 7 SPORTS PLAYED AT OUR HISTORIC PLACES
While the rules and attitudes might have changed over the years, many historic sports are still recognisable today. Here are some sporting highlights you can explore in our historic gardens.
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MOUNT GRACE: HOW TO SPOT AN ARTS AND CRAFTS GARDEN
Simplicity of design, use of local materials and traditional craftsmanship were all central principles of the movement we now know as ‘Arts and Crafts’. Discover how this applies to gardens.
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How to garden like a Medieval Monk
Discover how much attention monks paid to their gardens. We take a closer look at the history of Mount Grace Priory and the role gardens played in the daily life of its monks.
Stories
from England's gardens
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Gardens Through Time
Use this timeline to trace the evolution of gardens in England, from medieval monks to Capability Brown and William Morris.
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Weeding Women: Shaping England's Gardens
Until the late 19th century professional gardeners were always men. However, this does not mean that England’s gardens were only shaped by male hands.
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Gardens Conservation
English Heritage looks after many nationally important historic gardens and landscapes. Discover how our experts care for these special outdoor spaces.
Blooming Gardens events
Enjoy our beautiful historic gardens at their blooming best.
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Blooming Gardens at Audley End
Sat 12 - Sun 13 Jun 2021 Audley End House and Gardens -
Blooming Gardens at Eltham Palace
Sat 12 - Sun 13 June 2021 Eltham Palace and Gardens -
Blooming Gardens at Wrest Park
Sat 12 - 13 Sun Jun 2021 Wrest Park -
Blooming Gardens
Sat 12 - Sun 13 Jun 2021 Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens -
Blooming Gardens at Osborne
Sat 12 & Sun 13 Jun 2021 Osborne -
Blooming Gardens at Walmer Castle
Sat 19 & Sun 20 Jun 2021 Walmer Castle and Gardens -
Blooming Gardens
Sat 26 - Sun 27 Jun 2021 Brodsworth Hall and Gardens -
Blooming Gardens at Witley Court
Sat 26 - Sun 27 June Witley Court and Gardens
MORE TO EXPLORE
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Spacious Places
Here are some of the places where it's easiest to explore history in the open air away from the crowds.
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Days Out with Dogs
There are plenty of dog-friendly sites across the whole of England for you to enjoy alongside your furry friends.
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History at Home
We're here to help you discover the best stories of England’s past from the comfort of your home.
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Shop Toys and Games
Have fun with our collection of traditional toys and games, from family-favourite board games and dressing up costumes, to lawn games and more.
