UK's Top Gardens Accessible for Boxing Day Strolls
Boxing Day offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and explore some of the UK's most beautiful gardens. Here are some popular destinations that are open on Boxing Day, providing a perfect setting for a winter walk.
In rural Essex, RHS Hyde Hall is open from 10am to 3pm, offering visitors a chance to experience its mix of traditional and contemporary garden styles. The Dry Garden and Hilltop Garden are two must-see areas.
RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey, is another popular destination, open from 10am to 3pm on Boxing Day. Known for its abundance of garden ideas, Wisley is a great place to find inspiration.
Tyntesfield near Bristol, a traditional Victorian Gothic garden managed by the National Trust, is open from 10am-5pm on Boxing Day. Visitors can enjoy a range of walking routes, including an accessible, steps-free walk and a woodland walk.
Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent is a spectacular backdrop for a Boxing Day adventure, open from 10am to 4pm. The Italian Gardens, the Rivers of Grass, and the Floral Labyrinth are among the highlights.
Castle Howard Gardens near York is open from 10am-4pm on Boxing Day. The grounds include woodland walks, temples, fountains, and lakes. An Adventure Playground is available for children. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
In Carmarthenshire, Aberglasney Gardens is open from 10.30am-4pm, with last entry at 3pm, on Boxing Day. The fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden and a wealth of hidden garden gems are waiting to be discovered.
For those in London, Chiswick House Gardens is open for a Boxing Day walk. Tickets can be pre-booked but walk-ins are also welcome. The classical garden landscape was the birthplace of The English Landscape Movement.
The Newt hotel near Bruton in Somerset is open from 9.30-4.30pm on Boxing Day. The hotel's gardens include the Walled Garden, Kitchen Garden, Fragrance Garden, woodland, and orchards. However, annual membership is required to visit the gardens.
Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens in Greater Manchester offers beautiful winter walks, especially in the deer park and around the grounds. Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury, Cotswolds, is known for its stunning winter landscapes, while Highgrove Gardens, also in Tetbury, is a beautiful garden with guided tours, though these might be less frequent in winter.
Kew Gardens in London offers extensive winter walks through its vast gardens, including woodland trails and exotic plant species. RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Yorkshire, features the Main Borders, the Sandstone Rock Garden, and Woodland walks.
Lastly, Lowther Castle & Gardens in Cumbria is open from 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) on Boxing Day. The castle features dramatic ruins, extensive gardens, and views out across the Lake District.
Before heading out for a Boxing Day visit, it's advisable to check the specific opening hours and any special events at these locations to ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
- Initiate your Boxing Day outdoor adventures at RHS Hyde Hall in rural Essex, known for its diverse garden styles, specifically the Dry Garden and Hilltop Garden.
- For a wealth of garden ideas, visit RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, open from 10am to 3pm on Boxing Day.
- Tyntesfield near Bristol, a Victorian Gothic garden managed by the National Trust, offers accessible and woodland walking routes, making it an appealing destination for all.
- Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent showcases Italian Gardens, Rivers of Grass, and a Floral Labyrinth, creating a spectacular backdrop for a Boxing Day adventure.
- In Wales, Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire is open on Boxing Day, featuring a fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden and hidden garden gems.
