Gardens

South East England showcases some of the finest landscape gardens and country parks in the UK with everything from stunning Capability Brown inspired floral displays to family and dog friendly parks with much to do and see.

The benefits of both exercising and spending time outdoors have been well publicised, helping to improve mental health and physical well-being.  Gardens offer the chance to enjoy space, fresh air and exercise with friends and family and now is a great time to visit with the roses and lupins in full bloom, the lakes and rivers glistening in the sunshine, and the smell of fresh flowers and grass filling the air.

Beautiful gardens to visit in South East England

The climate in southern England means the South East is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in England. Some of the best from each county are featured, but find many more and gardens to visit near you using the map at the bottom of this page.

Kent, the garden of England

• Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge
  Set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens complete with Italian sculptures, 35-acre lake and over 3,000 plants.

Sussex

• Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex
  Grade 1 listed, 240 acres with outstanding displays of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and the beautiful ornamental rock garden.
• Wakehurst, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
  Beautiful botanic gardens with four national collections; Betula, Skimmia, Nothofagus and Hypericum.
• Bates Green Garden, Polegate, East Sussex
  Owned by the McCutchan family for over 100 years, this gardens journey started in 1968 and has been featured in many publications.  
• West Dean Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex
  Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, this is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.
• Arlington Bluebell Walk, Arlington, East Sussex
  Open for around 2 months a year (April - May) this walk has been raising money for charities since 1972.
• St Mary's House & Gardens, Steyning, West Sussex
  Five acres of beautiful gardens, prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba 'living fossil' tree, amusing animal topiary, and Victorian 'Secret' Garden with unusual circular English Poetry Garden and Rural Museum.

Hampshire

• Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
  A collction of more than 42,000 plants with superb seasonal colour any time of year.

Surrey

• Painshill Landscape Garden, Cobham
  A beautiful 18th century landscape garden with iconic crystal grotto and gothic temple.
• The Savill Garden, Egham
  Resting in the heart of Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden is one of Britain's greatest ornamental gardens

Oxfordshire

• Waterperry Gardens, Oxford
  Spectacular 200 foot herbaceous border with rose and formal gardens, lily canal and riverside walk.
• Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
  This World Heritage Site has over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, alongside the Grand Cascades, Formal Gardens and family friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Gardens near me

Whether you're lucky enough to live in this part of the world surrounded by beautiful gardens, find something near you by selecting the 'map view' button below.