There are plenty of beautiful gardens to visit during a stay at Somerset Holiday Cottages. Many of them are open all year round, with plenty to see and do to attract people of all ages.
Stourhead, near Mere
One of the most well known and recognisable gardens in the UK, Stourhead is well worth visiting at any time of year. It features classical temples, grottos, statues, monuments and other follies, inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, which all overlook a central large lake. All of this is set amongst a huge range of trees, some rare and exotic. The path that winds around the lake is fairly flat but does have some steps. Owned by the National Trust, you can also explore inside the Palladian country house and its impressive collection of art and Chippendale furniture.
Tintinhull, near Yeovil
Much smaller in scale, but also lovely, is Tintinhull. Described as the “one of the most harmonious gardens in Britain”, it was created around a 17th century manor house during the last century, and laid out based on how it would be looked at from inside. There are seven different areas, with the gardens designed so they can be enjoyed all year round. National Trust owned, it closes in the winter.
Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet
The 3.5 acres feature both formal and informal gardens, including a millpond and rockery which is a replica of a gold medal winning design at the Chelsea Flower Show. Set against the backdrop of the huge Charlton Viaduct, which was built in the 1870s to carry the now disused railway, the gardens are privately owned, but partnered with the RHS. They were first created in the late 19th century by a forward-thinking local MP, who owned a lace-making factory at the site and laid out the gardens for his workers to enjoy.
Lytes Cary, Charlton Mackrell
Lytes Cary is a medieval manor house which has parts dating back to the 14th century, with various additions over the years. You can explore both inside and out, with an Arts and Crafts garden laid out as a series of “rooms,” separated from each other by neatly clipped hedges, and a collection of topiary and herbaceous borders. Another National Trust property, which is closed during the winter months, it’s the perfect spot for playing hide and seek. The acres of adjoining parkland also feature a woodland area with a play trail.
Chalice Well Gardens, Glastonbury
Centred around an ancient holy well in Glastonbury, the gardens are described as a spiritual site for meditation and quiet reflection. The sacred well water is said to possess healing qualities and flows from a spring in the valley between Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Hill at a constant temperature of 11C. The gardens, which are separated into several distinct sections, include a wild open meadow along with more formal gardens with ponds and well tended flower beds. There are plenty of places to sit, contemplate and listen to the sound of the well water flowing into various pools and channels. Managed by the Chalice Wells Trust, it is open all year round, with a small fee for entrance.
