These are some of gardens in this area that I have particularly enjoyed visiting. Obviously some of them have particular times of year when they are at their best, however I hope that in this list there will be something to tempt you whatever time of year.
I can provide you with any information you require and print off maps for you to take if that helps.
1. The National Trust Gardens at Stourhead. Just three miles away and I can give you directions, open throughout the year
2. The Newt in Somerset, Hadspen, Bruton BA7 7NG. Ten miles from us, The Newt in Somerset is a working country estate with acres of farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens. The gardens are open daily for visitors to explore and enjoy our restaurants, farm shops, Cyder Cellar and The Story of Gardening experience. Formerly Hadspen House has been renamed The Newt, the house and the gardens have undergone a redesign since the current owners took it on. French architect Patrice Taravella has worked on both the house and the gardens and Iain Davies, who previously worked at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, is Head of Horticulture.
3. Cothay Manor, Greenham, Nr Wellington, Somerset, TA21 0JR. Open from April to September on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays
4. Hauser & Wirth, Bruton – TheOudolf Field is open Tue – Sun, 10 am – 5 pm. Entrance to the garden is free. Piet Oudolf, the internationally-renowned landscape designer from the Netherlands, has designed the landscaping scheme for the entire site, including Oudolf Field – a large perennial meadow situated behind the gallery buildings. Carefully shaped and planted, the garden echoes the tradition of classical gardens, but the variety of species and combination of plants creates a looseness, softening the formality of its appearance. Known for his use of plants with spectacular seed heads, Oudolf has created a garden that has interest year round.
5 .Iford Manor, Nr Bradford on Avon, Wilthshire, BA15 2BA Open April to September on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2-5
6. Mapperton House, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR. Open daily except Saturdays from 1st April to 31st October
7. Heale House, Middle Woodford, Salisbury, SP4 6NT. Open from 10-5 from 1st February to end of September on Wednesday, to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.
8. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA. Open from 10-5 or 4 in the winter, all year except from 22nd December to 1st January.
9. Sculptures by the Lakes, Pallington, Dorset DT2 8QU Nestled in 26 acres of Dorset’s glorious countryside lies Sculpture by the Lakes, an oasis for art lovers and collectors, created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife, Monique. Please note: Sculpture by the Lakes has a no children under 14 (including babies) and no dogs policy – OPEN WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY 10.00 – 5.00 Entry £12.50
10. Tintinhull Gardens, Farm Street, Tintinhull, Yeovil, BA22 8PZ, Open 10-5 Wednesday to Sunday 17th March to 4th November.