2-for-1 Gardens in Somerset

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 16 December 2020 at 10:57 am

Find out which Somerset gardens are taking part in our 2-for-1 gardens-to-visit promotion.

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Somerset, with its mild climate and magnificent countryside, is home to an array of beautiful gardens, each with its own unique character and charms. From grand estates to hidden gems, formal masterpieces to natural havens, elegant parterres to quirky sculptures, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Discover tranquil spring-fed pools at the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens and theatrical Georgian follies at Hestercombe Gardens. Take in the spectacular views from the terraces at Milton Lodge Gardens. All offer beautiful walks to relax and inspire you, among wonderful plants and plentiful wildlife.

Order our May issue, including 2-for-1 Gardens card and guide, here.

Below we explore the delights of glorious Somerset gardens in the Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 scheme.

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens

2-for-1 gardens - The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens

In the heart of Wells, right beside the cathedral and protected by moated ramparts, these gardens have been altered and enhanced by successive bishops over the past 800 years, a process of evolution that continues today. Grade II listed due to their historical importance, they are a place to relax, explore and enjoy nature, among beautiful borders, fragrant roses, majestic trees and the spring-fed pools and wells from which this small city gets its name. Comprising a series of interlinked gardens of various styles, they offer year-round colour and interest. The arboretum is home to a selection of beautiful trees, beneath which snowdrops, primroses, bluebells and orchids bloom in succession. The knot garden, whose design is inspired by the nearby oriel window, is given a modern twist by incorporating herbs and grasses. And the dahlia beds, of course, feature the famous ‘Bishop’ dahlia varieties.

Disabled access: partial
Dogs: allowed on leads
Single visitor discount: no
Refreshments: light and hot food

Visit Bishop’s Palace & Gardens

East Lambrook Manor Gardens

2-for-1 gardens - East Lambrook Manor Gardens

These renowned and quintessential cottage gardens were created by the celebrated and ground-breaking plantswoman, writer and designer Margery Fish during the mid-20th century. In an ongoing process over the past 20 years, the gardens are gradually being brought back to life, reviving the spirit of the original by combining old-fashioned and contemporary plants in an informal and charming profusion. Spring colour abounds, with snowdrops, hellebores and daffodils, leading into summer’s tapestry of enchanting hues and fragrances, with hardy geraniums, artemisia, bearded irises, fragrant pinks, euphorbias, roses and many other delights, set among mellow stone paths, lawns, trees and low hedges.

Disabled access: partial
Dogs: allowed on leads
Single visitor discount: no
Refreshments: light

Visit East Lambrook Manor Gardens

Greencombe Gardens

2-for-1 gardens - Greencombe Gardens

On a sheltered hillside on the edge of Exmoor, with far-reaching views to Porlock Bay, this peaceful woodland garden offers meandering walks among an array of beautiful plants, nestled beneath mature oaks, sweet chestnuts and conifers. Colourful camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and trilliums light up spring, while lush ferns unfurl in the dappled shade beside moss-edged paths. There’s a National Collection of spring-flowering dog’s-tooth violets (Erythronium), as well as the UK’s largest and oldest holly tree. Summer brings roses, clematis and hydrangeas, to name but a few. The garden is managed organically and filled with birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife.

Disabled access: no
Dogs: not allowed
Single visitor discount: yes
Refreshments: no

Visit Greencombe Gardens

Hestercombe Gardens

2-for-1 gardens - Hestercombe Gardens

A unique combination of contrasting styles, these outstanding, historic gardens comprise a celebrated Edwardian garden, a Victorian terrace and shrubbery, and an idyllic Georgian landscape. The formal Arts and Crafts garden, created by renowned designer Gertrude Jekyll and architect Edwin Lutyens in the early 1900s, is a masterpiece of symmetry and proportion, with elegant use of colour. It features a rose garden, daisy steps and a sunken parterre with geometric borders, rills and pergola. The rolling landscape beyond, laid out 250 years ago, offers scenic lakeside walks, a grand cascade, woods and theatrical follies, including a witch house, gothic alcove and Tuscan temple arbour.

Disabled access: partial
Dogs: allowed on leads
Single visitor discount: no
Refreshments: light and hot food

Visit Hestercombe Gardens

Milton Lodge Gardens

2-for-1 gardens - Milton Lodge Gardens

Set high in the Mendips, Milton Lodge Gardens comprise a series of formal terraces that make the most of the hillside location and its glorious views over Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. The terrace borders are richly planted with old-fashioned roses, perennials and shrubs, complemented by lawns and sheltering walls and hedges. Unusual plants include a loquat and an 80-year-old pineapple guava, while an idyllic stone-edged lily pond basks in a sunny corner surrounded by pots of fuchsias, fragrant lilies and blue agapanthus. Below the terraces is a peaceful eight-acre woodland garden to explore, with many impressive mature trees.

Disabled access: no
Dogs: not allowed
Single visitor discount: no
Refreshments: light

Visit Milton Lodge Gardens

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