Romantic gardens to explore in 2025
2 December 2024
5 min read
If you’re planning a romantic day out with your significant other, look no further than some of the finest gardens the UK has to offer.
Whether it be a special anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or “just because”, visiting a romantic garden offers the perfect opportunity to share some quality time with the one you love, whilst enjoying the benefits that come with spending time outdoors. Oh, and if you’re thinking of proposing, pay close attention - this article will cover some of the best scenic spaces to do so!
The UK is blessed with some truly enchanting gardens to explore with your partner, making it hard to know where to start. Fortunately, we’ve found 12 particularly special places to explore in 2025 and beyond.
Romantic gardens across the UK
Stourhead, Wiltshire
What better way to start than the world-famous Stourhead estate? This 1,072-hectare estate, based at the source of the River Stour on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, features a Palladian mansion, a fantastic red-brick folly, and a stunning 18th-century landscape garden featuring lakeside views and classic-style temples. In other words, the definition of a perfect romantic day out! If you’re looking to make it extra special with a proposal, find a quiet moment on the Palladian Bridge with the lake behind you.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead
Stourton, Warminster, BA12 6QF
Bowood House, Wiltshire
Wiltshire is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to romantic gardens; Bowood House is a Grade I-listed Georgian country estate featuring a golf course, spa, restaurant, and above all, 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Soak in the vast array of statues, roses, magnolias, and bluebells, and take a stroll around Bowood Lake and see the picturesque cascade along the way.
www.bowood.org
Old Rd, Derry Hill, Calne SN11 0LZ
Kensington Gardens, London
Perhaps the most well-known location on our list, Kensington Gardens is perfect for couples looking for somewhere tranquil to visit in the heart of the capital. Kensington Gardens, originally part of Kensington Palace, is one of London’s greatest Royal Parks and includes iconic Italian Gardens, meandering flower walks, and cascading fountains, perfect for an escape from the hustle and bustle of London.
www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/kensington-gardens
Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH
Bodnant Gardens, Wales
Based in North Wales, Bodnant features a botanical garden, woodlands, and panoramic mountain views that are popular at all times of the year. Visit the wildflower meadows, which are populated with daffodils during the early spring, or head down to the Dell to experience the Waterfall Bridge, a particularly romantic spot that features an array of colourful flowers and wildlife. With the backdrop of the river amongst the flowers and trees, this area makes for the perfect spot to pop the question!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/bodnant-garden
Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy, LL28 5RE
Scotney Castle, Kent
Scotney Castle offers romance, drama, and nature around every corner, making it a great destination for your next couple’s day out. Featuring a ruined medieval castle, a Victorian mansion house, rolling parkland, attractive woodlands, and a picturesque walled garden, Scotney Castle has something for everyone across all seasons.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN
The Laskett Garden, Herefordshire
A uniquely autobiographical garden inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement, The Laskett is a remarkable location that sets a moving scene for special events, aesthetically pleasing tours, and even exclusive Laskett picnics, perfect for couples to enjoy during the warmer months of the year. The garden’s theatrical topiary, hedging and architectural features are not to be missed - nor are the 20,000 bulbs that fill the garden with colour as spring arrives!
www.perennial.org.uk/gardens/gardens-menu/the-laskett-garden
The Laskett Garden, Much Birch, HR2 8HZ
Rosearie-de-la-Nymph, Northamptonshire
Nothing represents romance more than a rose, and Rosearie-de-la-Nymph is all about them! This garden has developed over the last 20+ years to include over 1,800 roses, with the beds and borders full of English, Italian, and French varieties. Complemented with unusual water features and over 140 Japanese maple trees, Rosearie-de-la-Nymph promises a great day out for you and your partner.
www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/rosearie-de-la-nymph-nn3
Rosearie-de-la-Nymph, Northampton, NN3 7UE
Sambrook Manor, Shropshire
Set in the grounds of an 18th-century manor house, Sambrook is a colourful spot that involves a whole host of romantic favourites; Japanese gardens, waterfalls, tranquil ponds, country views, and of course, roses! Below the garden, you’ll also find a beautiful arboretum to stretch your legs and soak in the scenic river sights, which is dog-friendly for couples who want to bring along their four-legged friends.
www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/sambrook-manor-tf10
Sambrook Manor, Sambrook, TF10 8AL
Tatton Park, Cheshire
The 50 acres of stunning landscaped gardens at Tatton Park have been cultivated for almost 300 years, evolving into one of England’s finest romantic flower gardens. Each different area of the garden reflects its own personality and atmosphere, including historic glasshouses, pleasure grounds, a walled kitchen garden, and the famous 100-year-old Japanese garden. Tatton Park provides endless opportunities for lasting memories and Instagram-worthy photographs.
www.tattonpark.org.uk/what_to_see_and_do/gardens/gardens
Mereheath Drive, Knutsford, WA16 6QN
Parham House and Gardens, Sussex
Open to visitors since 1948, Parham features a charming walled garden and pleasure gardens, where couples can enjoy herbaceous borders, rose collections, a cut flower garden, and a vegetable garden. Parham’s large greenhouse also offers a fine display of tender plants, such as pelargoniums, and the unique Wendy House built into the garden wall features a balcony and several rooms to explore.
www.parhaminsussex.co.uk
Parham House & Gardens, Pulborough, RH20 4HS
Queen Mary's Gardens, London
Roses are red, violets are blue, we’ve got the perfect romantic garden for you! Located in the heart of Regent’s Park, Queen Mary’s Gardens contains over 12,000 roses planted in 85 single variety beds, as well as various plant sculptures which are bound to put a smile in your face. Away from the roses, you can find the Mediterranean Garden, full of palm trees, and the Triton Borders, including the Jungle Border, which is the perfect jewel in the garden’s crown.
www.friendsofregentspark.org/gardens/queen-marys-gardens
Chester Road, London, NW1 4NR
Mottisfont, Hampshire
Based near Romsey, just outside of Southampton, Mottisfont is a romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens. For couples looking for some quality outdoor time together, Mottisfont promises a significant collection of roses in the early summer, as well as other seasonal planting and magnificent trees across all times of the year. If you’re thinking of popping the big question, there are plenty of amazing spots here to do so!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottifsont
Mottisfont Lane, Romsey, SO51 0LP
Visit our gardens for the perfect romantic day out
Perennial's gardens aren’t just locations for a great day out with your partner - they help us raise funds for people who have made horticulture their working lives. Visit us at Fullers Mills Garden, The Laskett Garden or York Gate Garden.
Or why not book an exclusive garden tour? They offer an unforgettable experience at prestigious gardens across the UK with private tour by the owners or head gardens. Please contact us if you have any questions about our gardens, or explore the various ways to support our charity.