2-for-1 Gardens with wildlife

Your 2023 2 for 1 Gardens guide is included in our September 2023 issue.

• Order your September issue online now, including the 2023 2-for-1 Gardens guide, here.

Pensthorpe

Rich in flora and fauna, the internationally recognised wildlife reserve at Pensthorpe in North Norfolk is teeming with wildlife in every season. The shingle and sand islands are a perfect place for spotting waders, wildfowl and birds of prey. Spot bitterns and waterfowls amidst tangles of reeds in the wader scrape. If your tastes are a little more exotic, then keep your eyes peeled for Pensthorpes very own ‘flamboyance’ of flamingos. Pick up a pair of binoculars and head to any of the seven bird hides – and don't forget to download the bird sighting sheet before you visit to keep track of all the wildlife you spot.

• Disabled access: Full access
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

More information about Pensthorpe in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Pensthorpe website for further details

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

When thinking of West Sussex, the wallaby may not spring to mind but at Leonardslee Gardens you can spot some surprising residents! It’s home to a family of Tasmanian wallabies, acquired by the garden in 1889, their thick coats have allowed them to adapt to even the most bracing British winter. Sika deer, who keep their white spots until adulthood, also weren’t introduced into England until the 19^th century, find a home at Leonardslee. If you’re lucky you may spot a flash of kingfisher or wild mandarin as they dart across the lake. In winter, migrating birds feed on berries and can be seen travelling around the garden in a flock.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Permitted on the lead
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

More information about Leonardslee Lake & Gardens in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Leonardslee website for further details

House of Dun

The grounds of this elegant Georgian country house are bursting with life. Follow Lady Augusta’s Walk through the Den of Dun, pass gorges, cascades and waterfalls. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot red squirrels, roe deer or otters as you travel through. The House of Dun Estate is also home to the Montrose basin. This internationally important wildlife reserve comes to life in winter, when tens of thousands of pink-footed geese arrive from Greenland and Iceland. Across the mud flats, catch a glimpse of ospreys, kingfishers or redshanks.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Light refreshments

More information about House of Dun in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the House of Dun website for further details

Thorp Perrow

Home to one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the country, Thorp Perrow in North Yorkshire, provides plenty of year-round interest. The many champion trees give the gardens structure, while stately avenues and secluded glades create both grand vistas and intimate spaces. But trees aren’t Thorp Perrow’s only residents. Take a trip to Meerkat Island or enjoy a walk-in Wallaby Wood, where you can learn about these friendly, inquisitive creatures. In the bird of prey centre, you’ll find spectacular hawks, eagles, owls and vultures along with regular flying displays.

• Disabled access: Partial access
• Dogs: Permitted on the lead
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

More information about Thorp Perrow in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Thorp Perrow website for further details

Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Visit WWT Castle Espie for impressive views over Strangford Lugh, the UK’s largest sea lough and a key Irish wildlife habitat. This site is the perfect place to spot wigeons, waders, teals and shelducks. In winter, find wildfowl in flight creating impressive natural spectacles in the skies above. The site offers a diverse range of wildlife habitats, including otter dens and kingfisher banks. Children can attempt the climbing wall or enjoy the secret swamp trail, through mossy glades and marshes.

• Disabled access: Full access
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

More information about Castle Espie Wetland Centre in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Castle Espie Wetland Centre website for further details