With summer now in full swing, those of us lucky enough to own a garden will no doubt be spending plenty of time in them over the next couple of months.
Gardens in full bloom are a spectacular sight at this time of year, particularly when they’re laden with colourful flowers and plants.
If you’re not someone who has a garden of your own, don’t worry, because Nottinghamshire is full of beautiful public gardens that are just waiting to be explored at this time of year.
Visiting one of the county’s stunning walled gardens is a must over the summer, with so many options to choose from.
Originally created in the 18th century, walled ‘kitchen gardens’ were regularly built on the grounds of farms and large estates.
Often falling into disrepair after their use had passed, many of these walled gardens have been restored to their former glory in recent years.
Here are 6 magical walled gardens in Nottinghamshire and the surrounding area where you can enjoy summer in historic settings:
1. Clumber Park Walled Kitchen Garden
Spanning four acres, the walled kitchen garden at Clumber Park is one of the grandest surviving 18th century walled gardens in England. The garden is usually open every day between 10am and 4pm. More information can be found on the National Trust website. | Claire Jones Photo: Claire Jones
2. Wollaton Park Walled Garden
The Walled Garden was built, along with the head gardener’s cottage, large conservatory and farm buildings, in the second half of the 18th century. In late 2018, a group of volunteers, coordinated by Friends of Wollaton Park, started helping to restore, renovate and reuse the walled garden area. Tours take place each Thursday at 10.30am | Wollaton Park Photo: Wollaton Park
3. Walled Garden at Beeston Fields
The Victorian walled garden at Beeston Fields is a popular place for weddings and other functions. The family owned estate was established in 1837 with The Walled Garden offering afternoon strolls through apple arches and cottage flower beds in full bloom. More information about Beeston Fields can be found on the venue's website. | Graham Hogg Photo: Graham Hogg
4. Walled Garden at Newstead Abbey
The walled garden at Newstead Abbey is a must-visit this summer. With lush ferns and rockeries as well as the sunken Japanese Oasis, the walled garden is Grade II-listed site. The park and gardens are open daily between 10am and 5pm. | AMR Photo: AMR