Blog > Top 10 Classic English Gardens and Access to Private Gardens with Pathfinders

Why Pathfinders is the trusted choice for gardens and horticulture special interest groups

At Pathfinders, we do more than plan itineraries—we create experiences. Our expert team ensures your group enjoys exclusive access to private gardens through the National Garden Scheme, entry to world-class events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and visits to sustainable, eco-friendly gardens that inspire and educate. We handle every detail—from comfortable coach travel to charming accommodations—so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the beauty and stories behind England's finest gardens.

Explore England's top classic gardens 

1. Sissinghurst Castle Garden (Kent)

Created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, Sissinghurst is celebrated for its romantic garden "rooms" and the iconic White Garden. Each space offers a unique planting scheme, blending structure with exuberant color.

2. Hidcote Manor Garden (Gloucestershire)

A masterpiece of the Arts & Crafts movement, Hidcote features a series of outdoor rooms, vibrant herbaceous borders, and rare plant collections. Its design revolutionized English garden style.

3. Great Dixter (East Sussex)

Home of gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd, Great Dixter is famous for bold, experimental planting schemes and a mix of formal topiary with cottage garden charm.

4. RHS Garden Wisley (Surrey)

The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley showcases cutting-edge horticulture, glasshouses, and educational displays on sustainable gardening.

5. Stourhead (Wiltshire)

An 18th-century landscape garden inspired by classical art, Stourhead features temples, grottoes, and a serene lake surrounded by picturesque woodland.

6. Kew Gardens (London)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew boasts Victorian glasshouses, global plant collections, and seasonal displays. It's a hub for plant science and conservation.

7. Hever Castle Gardens (Kent)

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle offers Italianate gardens, Tudor history, and enchanting water features, including a unique water maze.

8. Kiftsgate Court Gardens (Gloucestershire)

Famous for its dramatic hillside setting and the largest rose in England, Kiftsgate combines romantic planting with panoramic views over the Cotswolds.

9. Trebah Garden (Cornwall)

A subtropical paradise leading down to a private beach, Trebah is known for exotic planting, hydrangea valleys, and stunning coastal vistas.

10. Stowe Landscape Gardens (Buckinghamshire)

One of England's greatest landscape gardens, Stowe features Palladian bridges, temples, and sweeping vistas designed by Capability Brown and William Kent.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - The Ultimate Garden Event

Discover the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world's most prestigious horticultural showcase. Pathfinders offers:

• Members Day and General Access
• Time to explore cutting-edge garden design and floral artistry
• Pair with London's cultural and historic landmarks

Looking for something a little different and unique? 

1. The Newt in Somerset

Why visit: A working estate blending heritage with sustainability. Features include:

• Apple Tree Maze with 460 varieties arranged by county.
• Organic Kitchen Garden supplying the on-site café.
• Wildlife habitats and innovative bug hotels.
• Historic design meets modern eco-practices.
• Unique experiences: Garden tours, cider-making, and seasonal workshops.

2. Broughton Grange Gardens (Oxfordshire)

Why visit: Known for its organic principles, wildflower meadows, and sustainable planting.

Unique feature: A contemporary walled garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith.

3. Highgrove Gardens (Gloucestershire)

Why visit: King Charles' private garden, pioneering organic and sustainable gardening.

Unique feature: Wildlife-friendly planting and innovative composting systems.

4. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall)

Why visit: A Victorian garden restored with a strong focus on rewilding and biodiversity.

5. Eden Project (Cornwall)

Why visit: Iconic biodomes showcasing global ecosystems and green innovation.

Unique feature: Rainforest and Mediterranean biomes, renewable energy initiatives.

6. Yeo Valley Organic Garden (Somerset)

Why visit: A showcase of organic gardening principles and pollinator-friendly planting.

Unique feature: Wildlife ponds and soil regeneration practices.

7. Town Place Garden (West Sussex)

Why visit: A private garden with conceptual designs and sustainable planting.

Unique feature: Rose gardens, hornbeam follies, and artistic garden rooms.

8. Fairlight End (East Sussex)

Why visit: Meadows, orchards, and natural spring-fed ponds designed for biodiversity.

Unique feature: Landscape blending with the surrounding countryside.

9. Malthouse Farm Garden (West Sussex)

Why visit: Intensively planted garden rooms with vibrant seasonal interest.

Unique feature: Hot borders and South Downs views.

10. Audley End Organic Kitchen Garden (Essex)

Why visit: Historic garden maintained using organic principles.

Unique feature: Heritage fruit and vegetable varieties grown sustainably.

Why Pathfinders Garden Tours appeal to clubs and societies

• Educational Value: Learn about organic gardening, biodiversity, and sustainable practices.
• Exclusive Access: Benefit from Pathfinders relationships and links with the National Garden Scheme (NGS), private estates and residences. 
• Cultural Depth: Combine horticultural experiences with local history and cuisine.

Travel Tips for Garden Enthusiasts

• Book Early: Popular gardens and events like RHS Chelsea Flower Show sell out quickly.
• Dress for the Outdoors: Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are essential.
• Bring a Notebook & Camera: Capture design ideas and plant combinations for your own garden.
• Stay Flexible: English weather can change—our itineraries include indoor options and cosy tea rooms for rainy days.

Contact Pathfinders today and let us craft your customised tour that celebrates your passion for gardens and the beauty of England.

Email: office@pathfinders.co.uk