From the subtropical south coast of Cornwall to the historic city of Edinburgh, the UK's botanical history is still flourishing and well worth exploring. From gardens in the grounds of old estates to research institutions in cities, you bound to find a secret garden to learn and get lost in. Visit these horticultural wonders located all around Britain.
RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
This spectacular research garden run by national UK charity the Royal Horticultural Society, is best visited in springtime, where spectacular floral displays of native Spring flowers like daffodils fill the gardens. Don't miss their incredibly curated glasshouse, which contains world-class plants from all over the world and an awe-inspiring orchid collection. Founded in 1878 with the aim of being an experimental garden that studies how to grow plants from all over the world in British soil, it also has an onsite laboratory.
Trebah Gardens, Cornwall
Cornwall's unique sub-tropical climate is host to the beautiful Trebah Gardens, which are regularly voted among the best gardens in the world. A historic garden that was founded in 1831, the windswept, secluded beach here is also worth a stroll around, as is the picturesque Helford River, which the gardens trail around. Visit in springtime, when the 100-year old rhododendrons here blossom, or in winter, when its unique collection of southern hemisphere plants flower and come to life among the white trees.
Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire
In this quaint village seven miles from Oxford, you can find the spectacular Waterperry Gardens, eight acres of landscaped ornamental gardens with an alpine garden, water lily canal and riverside walk. The garden was made famous for being the site of a renowned school of horticulture for ladies run by Beatrix Havergal, from 1932 until she retired in 1971. While you're here, you can also visit the onsite Museum of Rural Life, which is located in a charming old granary building and houses a collection of traditional implements and tools.
Chelsea Physic Garden, London
For a peaceful retreat in London, there's no better place to escape to then the secret foliage of Chelsea Physic Garden. The walled space is nestled close to the River Thames in the upmarket borough of Chelsea and claims the title of the oldest botanical garden in London, having been founded in 1673 for apprentices to study medicinal plants. Back then, it was known as the Apothecaries' Garden due its focus on the science of healing, and the emphasis on herbs and plants with medicinal properties still continues today. Well worth a visit is the spectacular Garden of World Medicine, which arranges different healing plants from all over the globe by the culture that uses them.
Tresco Abbey Gardens, Isles of Scilly
It might be a boat ride away, but these incredible gardens are well worth a visit. Located on the island of Tresco, part of the isles of Scilly, the white sandy beaches and subtropical climate here make you feel like you're a world away from the UK. The unique climate here has been created by the mild winters, long sunshine hours and the pretty stone walls shading the garden from wind. Since they were created in 1834, the gardens have been filled with 20, 000 different plants from 80 countries including warmer climates like Australasia, Asia and Africa. Most beautiful in summer, the 17-acre gardens are still worth visiting at any time of year, as something different is in bloom every month. Located around a stunning set of old Abbey ruins, the garden also overlooks a beautiful beach and the sea.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
A mile away from the centre of historic city Edinburgh, you can find the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Best visited in summer when the herbaceous border is simply magical, and you can also warm up in the winter months by wandering around their glasshouses, which are filled with tropical plants and ponds with bright lotuses and waterlilies. In springtime, their alpine house is filled with a remarkable selection of colourful crocuses. This is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Britain and was founded in 1670. Their collection totals more than 13,302 different plants, while over three million preserved plant specimens are kept in their herbarium.