If you're worried about what to buy your mom for Mother's Day, the gift of a day exploring a beautiful garden could be the solution.
From glorious gardens set in the grounds of castles and priories, to historic parks, woodland walks and private gardens open on specific days for charity, there are plenty of opportunities to spend Mother's Day.
These are just some of the horticultural gems on offer.
1. Belsay Hall, castle and gardens, Northumberland
Explore 30 acres of stunning gardens, through rock-cut ravines to the Jurassic-feeling Quarry Garden, which has its own microclimate and features a variety of exotic plants. Seasonal interest throughout the year comes in the formal Yew Garden and Magnolia Terrace, and if you fancy a stop-over, there's a new café in the castle's former stables. There is also a recently opened art installation by Turner-nominated artist Ingrid Pollard, which will be open until July.
2. Stourhead, near Mere, Wiltshire
Lots of glorious daffodils will be seen in the gardens surrounding this Palladian home, set in 2,650 acres of countryside. On Mother's Day weekend, visitors can make Mother's Day bouquets (£10) using spring flowers, as gifts or simply as a family activity. Alternatively, simply explore the lake and world-famous landscaped garden, admire the various classical temples surrounded by trees, and enjoy the view from the Alfred Tower, a 160-foot-tall folly offering views of three counties.
3. Tal-Y-Fan, Kirkcudbrightshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
This quirky one-acre garden features large expanses of daffodils and the secret path, which leads to the Acer Valley and the Won-Kei Parterre. There is a bluebell wood and excellent views of the Fleet Valley, as well as a sizeable pond. You might even see a red squirrel or two.
4. Down House (home of Charles Darwin), Kent
This idyllic location is not only a site of international scientific importance, but also a wonderful location for a Mother's Day excursion with plenty to explore both inside and out. After admiring Darwin's study, where she wrote On the Origin of Species, take a walk through the gardens and greenhouse (Darwin's “open-air laboratory”) where he made observations and conducted experiments. Visitors can also follow Darwin's footsteps along his “way of thought,” passing abundant orchards and fragrant flower beds.
5. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
If you're short on gift ideas, there's a floral hamper workshop on Mother's Day where you can take home your own handmade hamper (tickets are £65, including hot drink and floor entry) or, alternatively, invite your mother to enjoy afternoon tea served in the historic Greek Room. This could follow a walk through the majestic gardens, where you will see spring flowers in the woodlands and plenty of wildlife around the lakes.
6. Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
Look out for a new daffodil called National Trust 'Joy' which will bloom in spring, among many thousands in the garden of this medieval castle built by the Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn. In March, naturalized daffodils bloom on the lawns and flood the aptly named Daffodil Paddock with deep yellow. The Grade 1 listed garden features huge clipped yew trees, spectacular terraces, an Edwardian formal garden and tranquil woodland scenery, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs on Mother's Day.
7. Boscobel House and The Royal Oak, Staffordshire
Once a picturesque hunting lodge, this beautiful property was once used as a farm and holiday home until it came into the hands of English Heritage. He is famous for hiding Charles II from Parliamentarians during the Civil War, allowing him to flee to France, leading to one of the greatest adventure stories of all time and a turning point in English history, celebrated to this day by More than 500 pubs called Royal Oak. The quaint tea room, located in the former stables, was renovated in 2020 and is ideal for sitting and having a snack.
8. Home Farm, Gloucestershire
Opened for the National Garden Scheme on March 10, this is a perfect place for a woodland walk with carpets of spring flowers for about a mile. It is located in an elevated position with spectacular views, and there is also an enclosed garden with a fern border, a heather bed, white and mixed shrub borders and a sundial.
9. Wind in the Willows, Higher Denham, Buckinghamshire
Wander through three acres of wildlife-friendly plants and landscapes, featuring informal woodland and wild gardens separated by streams lined with lilies, astilbe and primroses. Be inspired by the multitude of plantings of more than 350 shrubs and trees, many of which are varied and unusual, while hosta fans can admire 80 of their favorites, as well as other marginal and bog plantings on Plantation Day. Mother.
10. Bere Mill, Hampshire
Another private garden, due to open for the National Gardens Scheme on Mother's Day, is built around an early 18th century mill on a remote stretch of the River Test. The garden has evolved over 30 years and highlights include extensive bulb clumps, herbaceous and Mediterranean borders with magnolias, peonies and lilies. Later in the year, the borders of summer come into their own and there is also a traditional orchard and arboretum specializing in Japanese shrubs and trees.
