One UK garden has been crowned the ultimate spring destination, boasting over 50,000 plants and stunning Victorian glasshouses bursting with tropical flora. Royal Botanic Kew Gardens has taken the top spot, with Chatsworth House and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh rounding out the top three best UK gardens to visit this spring.
Research Methodology
The research, carried out by CEWE, Europe's leading photo printing company, ranked gardens throughout the UK using desk research and Google review data. Royal Botanic Kew Gardens in London claimed first place with an impressive 1,835 spring-related reviews.
Royal Botanic Kew Gardens
The UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 18th century, holds a 4.7-star rating from 52,891 reviews. Spanning 320 acres — including 37 acres of woodland and more than 50,000 plants — the gardens are home to iconic Victorian glasshouses, with key attractions including the Garden of Peace and the Bamboo Garden.
There's no shortage of things to keep the little ones entertained either, with a life-size interactive badger set allowing children to crawl through underground tunnels. A dedicated children's garden also promises to keep youngsters busy for hours, complete with slides, soft play areas and educational stands.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House in Bakewell claims second place with 694 spring-themed reviews. Boasting a 4.7-star rating from 24,270 reviews, the estate was originally constructed in the 16th century and encompasses 105 acres of gardens, including the Rose Garden and Cottage Garden, alongside impressive water features such as The Emperor Fountain and The Willow Tree Fountain. The property has also appeared in numerous television programmes and films, including Peaky Blinders and Pride & Prejudice.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh secures third position with 656 spring-related reviews. Situated in the city centre, it holds a 4.7-star rating and 24,252 reviews. Established in the 17th century, it stands as one of Britain's oldest botanical gardens and houses 13,500 plant species from 157 nations. Covering 70 acres, key attractions include the Rock Garden, the Woodland Garden and sweeping views across the city skyline.
Joint Fourth Place
Bodnant Garden in Wales and RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey jointly occupy fourth place with 622 spring-themed reviews. Bodnant Garden in Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy stretches across 80 acres of gardens and woodland with dramatic mountain vistas. It enjoys a 4.8-star rating from 9,590 reviews and features two wildflower meadows, plus distinctive areas including the Round Garden, which showcases an 18th-century water fountain, and the Winter Garden. RHS Garden Wisley in Woking, Surrey, boasts a 4.7-star rating with an impressive 18,912 reviews. Founded in the 19th century, it stretches across 240 acres and showcases more than 25,000 plant species across a range of themed areas, including the Exotic Garden, Wildlife Garden and Rock Garden.
Fifth Place
Rounding off the top five is Stourhead in Wiltshire, which has garnered 459 spring-related reviews. The 18th-century estate covers a vast 2,650 acres of countryside and woodland, holds a 4.8-star rating with 11,929 reviews, and boasts stunning attractions such as Classical Temples, The Grotto and the Palladian Bridge.
Honourable Mentions
Further honourable mentions making up the top 20 include The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, Princes Street Gardens in Scotland and Powis Castle and Garden in Wales.
From vibrant meadows in full bloom to flourishing woodlands, these gardens offer a wonderful opportunity to explore and photograph the stunning spring landscape. Chris Wood, Managing Director of CEWE UK, said: "As mornings continue to get brighter and days lengthen, these beautiful spaces provide the perfect opportunity to head outside and explore the UK's breathtaking greenery."
"Whether it's a stroll along flower-filled paths or a wander through colourful spring gardens, there's plenty to explore up and down the country. These breathtaking settings also provide the ideal backdrop for photographing your adventures and keeping lasting mementos. We hope our research highlights both well-known gardens and hidden gem spots for all the family to enjoy."
