A guide to the best Royal Horticultural Society gardens

With 2020 being a little different to previous years, it has meant many people haven’t been able to enjoy the glory that different seasons brings to the gardens in the UK. Many of the famous gardens across the UK flourish as spring and summer take hold, but as the colder weather kicks in, it’s only right to look forward to the wonderful gardens we can enjoy in 2021 as things hopefully feel a little more like normality.

For those who often rely on a stairlift in their home, gardens and open, green spaces are the perfect day out due to their accessibility and tranquillity, none more so than the selection of Royal Horticultural Society gardens, or the RHS as it is also known, that are scattered across the country.

RHS Garden Wisley

Home to the RHS headquarters, RHS Garden Wisley is set in the Surrey countryside not far from Guildford. One of the most popular public gardens in the country, Wisley is home to some of the most established gardens and green spaces and is not one to be ignored.

Chris Howard, Chairman at Visit Surrey explains a little more about the site and what you can expect on a visit: "The Surrey Tourist Board is very proud to have the Royal Horticultural Society Headquarters based here in Surrey at RHS Wisley, near Guildford. It is the second most visited garden in the UK. The new reception centre and investment in the gardens have made it an outstanding garden to visit, with all the latest facilities making it truly accessible to all." 

Spreading across 240 acres, the site is vast and that makes it the perfect place for a plethora of areas including a walled garden, wild gardens, glasshouses, canals and much more. A visit to the site offers a whole days’ worth of exploring, discover the exotic garden, Wisteria walk, glasshouse and not forgetting to stop by the garden centre before leaving.

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Situated near the town of Torrington in the North Devon countryside, RHS Garden Rosemoor is a blend of informal planting and magical moments with some stunning trees, planted beds and water features to explore.

The RHS website goes into a little more detail about the spectacle that is the Devon gardens on their website: “As a visitor, you will experience the newest areas first, beginning with the multi-faceted Formal Garden and then the Stream Field and Lake to the north. These, in turn, lead toward the South West and Devon Orchards and the very popular Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Walking through the Underpass you discover the contrasting original garden of Lady Anne Berry, which consists of many garden ‘rooms’ that blend seamlessly into one.”

August 2021 also sees the RHS Rosemoor Flower Show return to the site with “Specialist growers, horticultural experts and a dazzling array of displays.” If that doesn’t get you excited, then what will?

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall offers up and coming displays in the heart of Essex. With unique features like the iconic Dry Garden to the beautiful panoramic views that are on offer, RHS Garden Hyde Hall has a special spot in many people’s hearts. Opened in the 1950s, the garden has greatly expanded and now offers visitors the chance to embrace the landscape and features on offer.

“Since its inception in the mid-1950s, this vast garden has established from a handful of trees atop a windy hill to a jewel in the landscape that embraces superb ornamental horticulture, wild woodlands, majestic meadows and stylish gardens that embrace new ways of thinking about our world and our future,” as the website describes.

The gardens are an exotic mix of traditional and modern designs with many areas to explore. Visitors in 2021 can expect wonderful events including the Spring and Orchid show in April and the Hyde Hall Flower Show in August.

The Flower show is being held at the garden for the first time in history and promises to offer a great day: “Join us as we kick-off our 2021 show season celebrating early-flowering plants alongside orchids from around the world, held for the first time at RHS Garden Hyde Hall.”

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

North Yorkshire is home to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, home to some of the most beautiful gardens in Yorkshire. The location of a variation of experiences, from lavish borders, still and running water features, generous planting and relaxing walks, just to name a few.

Visit Harrogate describes the gardens in a little more detail: “One of Yorkshire’s most relaxing and innovative gardens at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, RHS Harlow Carr is a showcase of horticultural excellence all year round! Wonder through the tranquil surroundings of this stunning 58-acre garden and gain ideas for your own borders, or simply relax with family and friends on a leisurely stroll.”

The plethora of experiences on offer makes it the perfect day out for visitors of all ages, with woodlands, traditional borders, sub-Tropicana gardens and fragrant kitchen gardens. For those who want to experience the diversity of gardening, this is the perfect place for you.

RHS Garden Bridgewater

An exciting addition to the RHS team, RHS Garden Bridgewater is not too far from Greater Manchester and will be opening on 11th May 2021. The new spectacular 154-acre garden is set in the historic town of Worsley New Hall making it a stunning location for those who love history as well as stunning gardens.

The gardens are set to be some of the most beautiful in the area with traditional walled gardens, kitchen and orchard gardens all transformed back to their former glory. You can also get involved in the development of the gardens by donating some money and being a part of its progress.

If you need something to look forward to in 2021, why not add some of these locations to your must-visit list and get some inspiration for your own green spaces.