Keeping the kids entertained at Easter is always tough but getting them away from the games console or TV and out to reconnect with nature is always a winner.
And, it's even better when it's free. Some incredible gardens near Glasgow have just been named in a list of the 'UK's 10 best-rated wildflower gardens where kids go free or cost £2.50 and under'.
Benmore Botanic Garden is not too far from Glasgow and has been named one of the UK's 10 best-value wildflower gardens, in the study by South Western Railway.
The SWR analysed the admission prices for adults and kids, collating online reviews and ratings, and counting the frequency of specific keywords in reviews, such as ‘wildflower’ and ‘spring’ to create the shortlist.
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With kids under 15 going free (Adult tickets £7.20), the gardens are known worldwide for their unique collection of over 300 rhododendron species and mammoth trees, which are almost as dramatic as its mountainside location.
Open from March to October, visitors are welcomed by the spectacular Giants of Benmore Redwood trail.
Speaking about the finding, the head of marketing at South Western Railway, Calli Ward, said: “It’s no wonder the great British love for gardens goes beyond our own back yard, we’re spoilt for choice with so many beautiful gardens open to the public.
“To help make the decision a little easier, we’ve found the 10 cheapest gardens for kids this Easter for families and parents.
“During your visit, look out for bluebells, rhododendrons, magnolias, and wisteria, to name a few flowers that bloom in spring. Plenty of gardens are also dog friendly and let you bring your own picnic, so you can really make a day of it this Easter break”
The 10 best-rated gardens where kids go free/cost £2.50 & under:
Rank |
Name |
Location |
Adult ticket |
Child ticket |
TripAdvisor score/5 |
No. of 5* reviews |
No. of spring wildflower keywords |
Score/100 |
1 |
Highnam Court Gardens |
Gloucestershire |
£5.00 |
Free for age 16 and under |
5 |
50 |
5 |
77 |
1 |
Ardmaddy Castle Gardens |
Argyllshire |
£5.00 |
Free (unspecified age) |
5 |
11 |
0 |
77 |
3 |
Cae Hir Gardens |
Dyfed |
£6.00 |
£2.00 ages 4-16 |
4.5 |
96 |
12 |
72 |
4 |
Benmore Botanic Garden |
Argyllshire |
£7.20 |
Free for age 15 and under |
4.5 |
447 |
22 |
68 |
5 |
Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nursery |
Yorkshire |
£7.00 |
£2.00 for ages 5-16 |
4.5 |
284 |
47 |
67 |
6 |
Hergest Croft Gardens |
Herefordshire |
£8.00 |
Free for age 16 and under |
4.5 |
117 |
41 |
66 |
7 |
Helmsley Walled Garden |
North Yorkshire |
£9.00 |
Free for age 16 and under |
4.5 |
349 |
82 |
65 |
8 |
Aberglasney Gardens |
Carmarthenshire |
£11.00 |
Free for age 16 and under |
4.5 |
347 |
68 |
61 |
8 |
Dorothy Clive Garden |
Shropshire |
£11 |
£2 for ages 5-17 |
4.5 |
222 |
54 |
61 |
10 |
Sezincote House Gardens |
Gloucestershire |
£7.50 |
£2.50 for ages 16 and under |
4.5 |
181 |
15 |
59 |
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