Picton Gardens
This is a small family-run plant nursery nestled on the west side of the Malvern Hills. Old Court Nurseries specializes in Michaelmas Daisies and holds the Plant Heritage National Collection of over 430 varieties which are displayed in the charming 1.5-acre Picton Garden.
The Picton Garden was established in 1906 and is full of unusual plants offering something different around each corner. The star of the show in late winter is their collection of snowdrops followed by the heritage Narcissus. Summer offers herbaceous plants that really shine and in autumn the gorgeous Michaelmas daisies come into full bloom. The whole garden is complemented by a select collection of trees and shrubs.
Many of the plants seen in the garden can be purchased from the nursery.
Spetchley Park Gardens
This family-owned, rural estate has been the home of the Berkeley Family for over 400 years. The estate includes agricultural land, ancient woodland, and parkland, and an award-winning garden which, is open to visitors. At its heart is a family vision that has shaped the estate and passion to restore, sustain and enhance the heritage around it.
The garden is full of contrasts, where formal clipped hedges, rose beds and sweeping lawns meet tumbling herbaceous borders and walls festooned with rampant climbers, and where winding paths lead you from the quintessentially English to the unmistakably Mediterranean.
Laskett Gardens
Set in the idyllic countryside of Herefordshire The Laskett Gardens was the creation of Sir Roy Strong and his late wife Julia Trevelyan Oman CBE. Created from a bare field back in 1974 it has continued to evolve ever since over 4 decades. Their story is uniquely etched into the gardens and lovingly celebrated and remembered in this four-acre patch of Herefordshire soil.
Ralph Court Garden
Take a journey through 12 unique gardens to explore the world and beyond into a mythical world of childhood books.
This is a family-orientated garden with a twist, incorporating an Italian Piazza, an African Jungle, Dragon Pool, Alice in Wonderland, and the elves in their conifer forest. You will find a surprise around every corner, so you don’t need a map as your curiosity will guide you.
Croome Walled Gardens
The Walled Kitchen Gardens at Croome is an independent restoration project, funded by Karen & Chris Cronin. The walled garden is at least 250 years old and unique not only in its size and its history, but also in the fact that the 18th-century records survive almost in their entirety and this makes these gardens of national importance to garden history and to the history of Britain, and Worcestershire in particular
The gardens are now open to the public on special dates throughout the seasons so check the website for opening times.
Hanbury Hall and Gardens
This country retreat in the heart of Worcestershire offers the opportunity to visit the house and gardens, that offer a glimpse into life at the turn of the 18th century. The wall paintings by Sir James Thornhill in the house show the full drama and politics of the birth of Georgian society.
The original formal gardens were designed by George London and have been faithfully re-created to complement the relaxed later gardens, orangery, orchards, and the walled garden and is a National Trust propery
Arley Arboretum
Arley Arboretum sits on the banks of the River Severn at Upper Arley and is one of the oldest and most spectacular Arboreta in Britain. Originally planned by Earl Mountnorris in the 1800s, it is thanks to his botanical knowledge, discoveries, and foresight, that the arboretum is as it is today. Initially renowned for its exotic and rare tropical plants it is the specimen trees that have stood the test of time and now Arley is considered to be one of the country’s finest tree collections.
Arley Arboretum is a magical place to visit throughout the year, with every season bringing a different breathtaking vista. Home to over 300 species of trees and features and the beautiful Laburnum arch, measuring 65 meters it remains popular with nature lovers, families, and walkers.
Whitley Court and Gardens
You can truly imagine a bygone era of decadent house parties, balls, and concerts at the romantic ruin of Whitley Court. See the charred timbers from the disastrous fire which ripped through the court in 1937, sadly destroying one of England’s greatest country houses.
Explore the glorious garden and Great Whitley Church
You will find intricately designed parterres, vibrant flower beds, ornate terraces, and pavilions that make up the glorious landscaped gardens of Witley Court. As a garden lover, you will enjoy the beautifully restored East Parterre garden complete with topiary and colorful planting.
One of the main features is the spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain which has now been fully restored and fires every day from April to the end of October.
Wander through the woodland paths of Witley’s vast parkland and explore the many different species of trees and shrubs from all over the world. The rhododendron collection is particularly impressive, and look out for the rustic Victorian boathouse down by the lake. This is owned by English Heritage.
Hampton Court Castle and Gardens
Hampton Court Castle is set in the delightful Herefordshire countryside. You can explore a magnificent medieval Castle, surrounded by vast lawns, and a stunning woodland backdrop with enchanting gardens.
Hampton Court Castle started its journey in the early 15th Century and the estate has an interesting and varied history. The gardens and Castle are open to the public from Spring to Autumn, and the Castle hosts celebrations and spectacular weddings throughout the year. If you’re interested in holding your wedding at Hampton Court
Kyre Park
This privately owned parkland & gardens were laid out in 1754 by Capability Brown and is considered one of the finest gardens in Worcestershire since the mid-1700s.
The park includes five lakes, waterfalls, follies, a Grade II listed Jacobean barn, which is now Kyre Park Antiques Barn & Bistro, a ruin, and a Norman dovecote.
NGS – National Garden Scheme
The National Garden Scheme offers a portfolio of diverse gardens across the UK. From country estates to tropical urban extravaganzas to gardens planted for wildlife and allotments. The National Garden Scheme (NGS) has developed a powerful fundraising model ensuring 80% of monies raised by participating gardens go directly to nursing and health beneficiaries.
Visit the NGS website to see what gardens are open at various times of the year in and around Great Malvern www.ngs.org.uk
Here is a list of local gardens you might be able to visit
- Hanley Swan NGS Gardens – find out more on the NGS site or visit this local site www.brimfields.com
- Ravelin in Hanley Swa – check out opening dates
- Dell House B&B – check opening dates here
- Cowleigh Park Farm – check opening dates here
- Little Malvern Court – check opening dates here
Hanley Swan Open Gardens
Over the first weekend of May, Hanley Swan opens around 16 gardens spread around the extended village to help raise funds for Hanley Churches. All tickets purchased are valid for all 3 days, so you can make a real weekend of visiting an array of very different gardens.
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