Where to stay to enjoy some of Britain’s most beautiful gardens

Here’s 7 stays to explore some of Britain’s loveliest gardens this summer

From wildly reimagined landscapes and romantic rose gardens to hidden follies, ancient arboretums, and design-led courtyards, these independently owned hotels and restaurants offer far more than somewhere to stay – they’re destinations for glorious summer weekends immersed in nature.

Boy’s Hall, Kent

Best for: romance and roses

Set within three acres in the heart of the Garden of England, Boys Hall’s beautifully restored gardens are very much the pride and joy of owner Kristie Lomas, who lovingly transformed the once-overgrown grounds into a series of enchanting spaces designed to celebrate colour, scent, and seasonality.

Wander through the sunken rose garden filled with David Austin blooms, discover the Mediterranean-inspired courtyard overflowing with lavender and rosemary, or simply settle beneath the ancient wisteria and mature trees with a glass of wine in hand.

The gardens have quietly become something of a talking point amongst guests too, with one legendary musician so taken by the flowers after dinner that roses later arrived to add to them – proof perhaps that all you need is love… and very good gardening.

Stay in Boys Hall’s beautiful suites from £180/night B&B | www.boys-hall.com

The Tawny, Staffordshire

Best for: rambling gardens and folly trails

The Tawny's gardens stretch across more than 70 acres of lakes, woodland, and winding pathways, creating a dreamlike landscape designed for slow summer wandering. Serene pools sit among ornamental grasses, wild flora, and hidden follies, offering postcard-perfect views at every turn.

Originally shaped by Ice Age glaciers and later transformed by William Podmore, the grounds are now also home to more than 20 follies just waiting to be discovered. Follow the beautiful Folly Trail, or grab a bike and a picnic and spend a few hours exploring. Sustainability is a big focus here too, with woodland conservation, beekeeping, and a tree-planting programme that’s already added more than 300 trees to the estate through each Fledgling house booking.

Stay in The Tawny’s boathouses, retreats and treehouses from £290/night B&B | www.thetawny.co.uk

The Black Horse, Amberley

Best for: exploring Sussex’s prettiest open gardens

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, The Black Horse – the Gladwins' newly opened pub with rooms – is perfectly placed for exploring some of Sussex’s prettiest open gardens, rolling vineyards, and flower-filled villages.

Each summer, Amberley throws open the gates to more than 30 private gardens, inviting visitors to wander hidden pathways, beautifully kept cottage gardens, and colourful floral displays rarely seen by the public. Combined with long countryside walks, vineyard visits, and leisurely pub lunches, it makes for one of the loveliest summer weekends in the South Downs.

Stay at The Black Horse from £110/night B&B | www.blackhorse-pub.com

Number One Bruton, Somerset

Best for: garden pilgrims and design lovers

Number One Bruton – home to Bib Gourmand-winning restaurant Briar – is the perfect base for exploring some of Somerset’s most beautiful gardens. Spend mornings in the hotel’s Penny Hobhouse-designed courtyard before heading out to nearby favourites such as Stourhead and The Newt.

Just a short walk away, Hauser & Wirth is another must-visit, where art and landscape come together beautifully. Its Oudolf Field – designed by celebrated Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf – is especially worth wandering through, with sweeping meadows that change beautifully through the seasons.

Stay at the charming Number One Bruton from £170/night B&B | www.numberonebruton.com

The Rectory, The Cotswolds

 Best for: magical tree-filled explorations

A stay at The Rectory offers easy access to Westonbirt Arboretum – one of the UK’s most spectacular tree gardens. Home to 2,500 species of trees and shrubs from around the world, the arboretum is a breathtaking place to wander beneath towering canopies and discover rare and ancient specimens.

From vibrant spring blossom to fiery autumn colour, Westonbirt is a sensory escape in every season – with winding paths, hidden clearings, and some of Britain’s most extraordinary trees waiting to be explored.

Stay in the Georgian Manor’s 15 bedrooms – with its secret swimming pool now also open for the summer – from £170/night B&B | www.therectoryhotel.com

The Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia

Best for: a secret garden in the heart of London

Hidden behind Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia is a charming walled garden that feels worlds away from the bustle of central London. Framed by heart-shaped topiary, festoon lights, and leafy planting, the garden is an oasis for long brunches, leisurely coffees, and summer cocktails beneath the canopy. An extension of the hotel’s café, The Buttery, the space blends country garden romance with understated Belgravia elegance – complete with deckchairs on the lawn and seasonal dishes designed for sunny afternoons outdoors.

Visit during Belgravia in Bloom (18–24 May) when the hotel’s exterior is transformed with an eye-catching floral installation celebrating the Chelsea Flower Show season.

Stay at Lime Tree Hotel from £195/night B&B | www.limetreehotel.co.uk

Knepp Wilding, Sussex

Best for: seeing the future of British gardening

Knepp’s Rewilded Walled Garden is redefining what a modern British garden can be. Designed by celebrated landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, the garden is a radical alternative to clipped lawns and formal perfection – instead embracing biodiversity, ecological abundance, and natural processes.

Inspired by Knepp’s pioneering rewilding project, more than 1,000 species now flourish here – creating a garden that feels immersive, dynamic, and wonderfully alive. Featured on Gardeners’ World, Monty Don’s British Gardens, and David Attenborough’s The Wonder of Song, it has quickly become one of the UK’s most talked-about horticultural destinations.

And if one garden isn’t enough, visitors can also tour Knepp’s Market Garden before lunch at the Green Michelin-starred Knepp Wilding Kitchen, or join one of the estate’s “Rewild Your Vegetable Garden” safaris and workshops for a deeper dive into regenerative growing.

Visit the Green Michelin-starred Knepp Wilding Kitchen for a delicious lunch or stay at one of Knepp’s cabins or glamping options – from £20/night for tent pitch & glamping from £150/night | www.knepp.co.uk