Looking for something to do this Easter break, something that doesn’t break the bank and which all the family can enjoy?
Then why not visit one of the wonderful wildflower gardens in the UK, where time can be spent together enjoying the scenery in the fresh spring air. And South Western Railway (SWR) has revealed the best-rated ones across the land, where children can either get in for free or at least under £2.50.
After analysing the admission prices for adults and kids, collating online reviews and ratings, SWR has named the top 10 best public wildflower gardens. And they are:
1=) Highnam Court Gardens, Gloucestershire
1=) Ardmaddy Castle Gardens, Argyllshire
3) Cae Hir Gardens, Dyfed
4) Benmore Botanic Gardens, Argyllshire
5) Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nursery, North Yorkshire
6) Hergest Croft Gardens, Herefordshire
7) Helmsley Walled Garden, North Yorkshire
8) Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire
9) Dorothy Clive Garden, Shropshire
10) Sezincote House Gardens, Gloucestershire
Coming joint top of the pile are Highnam Court, near Gloucester, was built in 1658, but it wasn’t until 1994 that the surrounding gardens were lovingly restored. Here you can discover the garden’s stunning wisteria arch, obelisk collection and 17th-century sculptures.
Adult prices are just £5, while it is free for 16-year-olds and under. They are open to the public on Sundays between April and September.
Equal first are Ardmaddy Gardens, near Oban, stand on Scotland’s picturesque west coast, with Ardmaddy Castle overlooking gardens that date back to 1745.
Here you can enjoy rugged woodland and walled gardens that are home to a famous collection of rhododendrons and climbing plants.
Like Highnam, adult prices are just £5, while it is free for children. They are open all year round.
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The stunning Cambrian Mountains are the location for Cae Hir Gardens, situated just north of the village of Cribyn. It is a quaint private family garden open to the public well equipped with a tearoom of homemade treats and a nursery to take home a plant or two.
Priced at £6 for adults, and £2 for ages four to 16, it is place where many wildflowers like bluebells self-seed and there’s even a dedicated Wild Garden where colourful ‘weeds’ grow offering shelter for the natural wildlife.
Calli Ward, head of marketing at SWR 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.”
For more information, visit: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/where-next/things-to-do/best-wildflower-gardens
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