Monty Don's new TV show Monty Don's British Gardens has seen the presenter tour the country through astonishing gardens of varying sizes and designs. We've loved watching the episodes, which have featured some of our favourite spaces (and lots we have featured). But did you know you can actually go and visit a lot of these gardens too?
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Below we pick out 16 gardens from the show that you can also visit. Many open days are held as part of the National Garden Scheme, so are only open on specific days of the year - which are listed below. Some are open and free to the public throughout the year.
Durnamuck, Highlands
This plantsman's garden on a Scottish loch from Will Soos and Sue Pomeroy has a wondering South African twist. We featured it in 2018 and John Hoyland loved the flaming red and orange crocosmia, as well as the view. You can visit the garden by arrangement between the months of 1 July and 30 September as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme.
2 Durnamuck, Little Lock Broom, Wester Ross, IV23 2QZ scotlandsgardens.org/2-durnamuck
The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
The Duchess of Northumberland has overseen the redevelopment of 12 acres of garden close to the 12th-century castle, which are now home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Poison Garden, a Bamboo Labyrinth and the Serpent Garden. There are regular bus services, and the garden offers a 20 per cent discount on entry for bus ticket holders.
The Alnwick, Gardeners Cottage, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1HB. Tel 01665 511100 alnwickgarden.com
Mayfield Park, Manchester
This remarkable new park emerged from a derelict brownfield site next to a former railway yard and is brimming with life. Manchester's first new city park in a century, Mayfield stands out as having the possibility of being a blueprint for developments further afield. Studio Egret West led the landscape team that designed the park and it's open throughout the year 6am till 6pm.
Boardman Gate Entrance, Mayfield Park, Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PY mayfieldpark.com
Wildside, Devon
Legendary plantsman Keith Wiley moved to what is now known as Wildside in 2004. The flat, four-acre site, once a cider orchard, has been transformed since then into an undulating landscape teeming with plants. He's shifted thousands of tonnes of soil and shillet to make habitats for a diverse range of plants and is influenced by natural landscapes and communities.
You can visit Wildside on particular open days from March to November, and you can pre-book groups to visit the garden too. See website for more information.
Wildside Garden, Green Lane, Buckland Monachorum, Devon, PL20 7NP wileyatwildside.com
Knepp Walled Garden on the Knepp Estate, West Sussex
The Knepp Walled Garden is a very new experiment in how to rewild a garden, led by designer Tom Stuart-Smith. While you can't just turn up and visit the garden, you can go on a Rewild Your Garden Safari, which happen at various points throughout the year.
Knepp Estate, New Barn Farm, Swallows Lane, Dial Post, RH13 8NN knepp.co.uk
Great Dixter, East Sussex
One of the country's most iconic gardens, Great Dixter is a haven for plants, wildlife and people. Lead by the remarkable Fergus Garrett, the garden was originally established by Christopher Lloyd and is where many young gardeners come to learn and hone their craft. The house and gardens are open from 1 April 2025 but the nursery is open now. See the website for full visiting times and days.
Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6PH greatdixter.co.uk
Rousham, Oxfordshire
Designed by William Kent in the 18th century, the gardens at Rousham House in Oxfordshire continue to inspire today. They are some of the most influential gardens in Britain and full of inspiration for a garden visitor. The gardens are open every day of the year from 10am, with gardens closing at dusk.
Rousham House, Rousham, Bicester OX25 4QU rousham.org
Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire
This unusual 10-acre garden has a history dating back over 450 years and still features 18th-century topiary and one of the earliest rockeries in England, as well as the world's oldest gnome. Don't miss the striking line of 72 yew trees and the large Walled Cutting Garden for its 250 rows of perennials. Open April to September on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with an NGS open day on 26 July 2025.
Lamport Hall, Lamport Northamptonshire NN6 9HD lamporthall.co.uk
Beth Chatto’s Plants & Garden, Essex
Beth Chatto's gardens are an essential stop for anyone interested in horticulture. The iconic range of spaces, which include the Gravel Garden, Water Garden and Woodland Garden, are a masterclass in finding the 'right plant for the right place'. Open February to December, Tuesday to Saturday at varying times. See website for more information.
Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO77DB bethchatto.co.uk
The Newt, Somerset
Named in our list of the best gardens to visit in Somerset, The Newt has everything from walled and kitchen gardens to woodland and orchards. Why not treat yourself to a night or two at the Newt Hotel to relax in the spa and enjoy food produced on the estate? Buy a 12-month membership to explore the gardens throughout the year.
The Newt in Somerset, Bruton, Somerset BA7 7NG thenewtinsomerset.com
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Houghton Hall Walled Garden, Norfolk
Houghton Hall dates back to the 1720s, when it was built for Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, and the gardens are well-worth visiting on a trip to Norfolk. There's a five-acre walled garden with a double-sided herbaceous border, as well as a kitchen garden and elegant rose parterre. You can also enjoy modern art in the Sculpture Park, and, in the wider parkland, spot unusual white fallow deer. Open from May to September 2025 on varying days; see website for details.
Houghton Hall, King's Lynn Norfolk, PE31 6TY houghtonhall.com
Arundel & Elgin Gardens, Notting Hill
A private garden for local residents, this friendly, informal garden is only open to the public for one day a year under the National Garden Scheme. It has mature trees, including a rare mulberry tree, and plants laid out to the original Victorian design of 1862. You can book tickets in advance, or pay on the day: 18 May 2024.
Arundel & Elgin Gardens, Notting Hill, London, W11 2JD ngs.org.uk
Balmoral Cottage, Kent
The remarkable private garden of Charlotte Molesworth, Balmoral Cottage is now 40 years mature and has a impressive array of topiary. Charlotte's skills aren't just about artistic hedges either; she is adept at making style on a low budget. Visit the garden as part of the National Garden Scheme on 6 and 20 April, 4 May and 5 October.
Balmoral Cottage, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4DL ngs.org.uk
West Lavington Manor, Wiltshire
A 15th century manor house with a remarkable 5-acre walled garden that has a laburnum walk, a Japanese garden and a Mulberry rotunda. It's a place with many lovely spaces, established by Sir John Danvers, famous for bringing the Italianate garden to the UK. Open one day this year as part of the National Garden Scheme on 7 June and by arrangement.
West Lavington Manor, West Lavington, Wiltshire, SN10 4LA ngs.org.uk
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Possibly best known for the famous stone sculptures along its Woodland Walk, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a one-of-a-kind place. Across the 200-acre site, you can explore Victorian Pleasure Gardens and Productive Gardens, with over 300 varieties of mostly heritage fruit and veg, as well as the UK's only outdoor jungle with tree ferns, giant rhubarb plants and bananas. Open every day 10am-5pm.
Pentewan, St.Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN heligan.com
Dyffryn Fernant Garden, Pembrokeshire
This is owners Christina Shand and David Allum's private garden, Dyffryn Fernant, a 2.4-acre space, transformed from an abandoned, weed-filled area when they arrived 30 years ago. Today, you'll find a diverse series of spaces, including a colourful walled garden of seasonal planting, an orchard with a herbaceous border and a courtyard home to exotic plants and succulents. Don't miss the Bog Garden with its mirrored obelisk, or the Rickyard, with tulips, peonies, agapanthus and neat topiary.
Open Sunday to Friday, April to October, with an NGS open day on 8 June 2025.
Dyffryn Fernant, Dinas, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. SA65 9SP dyffynfernant.co.uk
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