There’s something rather special about spending a day surrounded by beautiful gardens. Whether you’re a keen gardener looking for inspiration, a nature lover, or simply fancy a peaceful day out somewhere picturesque, the UK is home to some truly spectacular gardens.
From grand estates and colourful flower displays to peaceful woodland walks and beautifully designed borders, there’s plenty to discover. And you don’t have to know your roses from your rhododendrons to enjoy them!
So, if you’re planning your next group day out, here are some of our favourite gardens to visit across the UK.
1. RHS Garden Bridgewater
📍 Salford, Greater Manchester
Let’s start a little closer to home!
RHS Garden Bridgewater is one of the UK's newest RHS gardens and has quickly become a favourite destination for garden lovers. Set across the historic Worsley New Hall estate, the garden combines beautifully designed spaces with an impressive variety of plants and flowers.
There’s plenty to explore, including the Weston Walled Garden, Chinese Streamside Garden and Paradise Garden. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours wandering, taking in the planting and, of course, stopping for a well-earned cuppa along the way.
Being right here in Greater Manchester also makes it a particularly convenient choice for a group day out.
2. Chatsworth House & Gardens
📍 Bakewell, Derbyshire
Gardens don't get much grander than those at Chatsworth!
Set within the beautiful Peak District, Chatsworth's gardens cover around 105 acres, giving visitors plenty of space to explore. You'll find everything from formal gardens and colourful borders to fountains, sculptures, woodland walks and impressive views.
And, of course, there's the magnificent Chatsworth House itself to admire.
Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful day out, Chatsworth has plenty to keep you occupied. Let us take you this Christmas to enjoy delicious food, mulled ciders and so much more.
3. Trentham Gardens
📍 Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
If you like your gardens with a little bit of everything, Trentham is well worth a visit.
The famous Italian Gardens provide a spectacular centrepiece, while the wider estate offers woodland walks, landscaped gardens and plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery.
There’s also shopping, food and other attractions nearby, making Trentham a great option for groups where not everyone is necessarily a gardening fanatic.
And for those who'd rather admire the scenery than worry about the driving, Bullocks run leisure trips to Trentham Gardens too!
4. Bodnant Garden
📍 Conwy, North Wales
Fancy venturing a little further afield?
Bodnant Garden in North Wales is a spectacular garden with something to see throughout the seasons. From colourful flower displays to woodland walks, terraces and views across the surrounding countryside, it’s easy to see why it attracts visitors from all over the UK.
One of its most famous features is the Laburnum Arch, which bursts into colour when the flowers are in bloom.
Bodnant Garden has also featured on Bullocks leisure trips, combined with a visit to the seaside town of Llandudno. So you can enjoy your flowers, grab some fish and chips and make a full day of it! Book onto a day trip to Llandudno so you can enjoy a hassle-free day.
5. RHS Garden Harlow Carr
📍 Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Just outside Harrogate, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a beautiful place to enjoy a day surrounded by nature.
The garden stretches across more than 58 acres and includes woodland, meadows, streams and a wide variety of planting. There’s something different to discover throughout the year, from spring flowers and summer borders to autumn colour.
It’s also a great place to take your time. No rushing from one attraction to the next – just plenty of paths to wander, gardens to explore and scenery to enjoy.
6. Renishaw Hall Gardens
📍 Renishaw, Derbyshire
For something a little closer to home, Renishaw Hall Gardens are another beautiful choice.
The Italian-style gardens are filled with exotic plants, colourful borders and an impressive rose garden, while the wider grounds include a lake, woodland and plenty of wildlife.
The gardens are particularly spectacular during bluebell season, when the woodland floor comes alive with colour.
Bullocks have previously run dedicated trips to Renishaw Hall Gardens, combined with a visit to Chesterfield. So, if you fancy making a day of it, you can enjoy the gardens before exploring the town and its famous market.
7. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
📍 Ripon, North Yorkshire
For a garden visit with a little history thrown in, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal is hard to beat.
The World Heritage Site combines the atmospheric ruins of Fountains Abbey with beautiful landscaped gardens, water features and extensive parkland.
There’s plenty of space to explore, so it’s a great option for groups who want to get out and enjoy the countryside as well as admire the gardens.
And with the abbey ruins providing such a spectacular backdrop, don’t forget your camera!
8. Tatton Park Gardens
📍 Knutsford, Cheshire
We couldn't talk about great gardens without mentioning Tatton Park.
Just a short journey from Manchester, Tatton is home to extensive gardens, woodland and parkland, making it a fantastic destination for a group day out.
The gardens are particularly well known for hosting the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, which brings together some of the very best in gardening, floral displays and garden design.
Bullocks have run trips to Tatton Park for the RHS Show, making it another garden destination that's particularly close to our hearts.
Enjoy a Day Out at the UK's Beautiful Gardens
With so many spectacular gardens to explore, a garden-themed day trip is a wonderful way to get a group together and enjoy somewhere new.
And when you're travelling with a group, getting there is all part of the experience. Rather than worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads, finding parking or coordinating several cars, everyone can travel together and enjoy the journey.
Whether you're organising a trip for a gardening club, community group, school, society or simply a group of friends, Bullocks Coaches can help make the day one to remember.
From RHS gardens and historic estates to flower shows and seasonal garden events, there are plenty of beautiful places waiting to be explored.
Ready to plan your next garden adventure? Get in touch with Bullocks Coaches today, book onto a leisure trip or a private coach, and let us do the driving.
Take a look at our latest brochure.
