Gardens

There's something about a bit of greenery that helps you relax. And there are some wondrous green spaces throughout the South and West, some carefully primped and preened, other wild like the landscape they're set against. Here a few gardens we'd like to share with you.

Secret places in Cornwall

Discover some of Cornwall’s off the beaten track treasures and unusual hidden places away from the crowds. Explore its lesser-known destinations with our guide to Secret Cornwall.

Elizabeth Dale

5 Glorious dog friendly gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall is packed full of excellent gardens from sub-tropical paradises to magnificent magnolia collections. And the best part is – plenty of them are dog friendly to boot.

Abby D

Caerhays Castle and Gardens

Explore one of the great gardens of Cornwall during it’s exclusive spring opening hours. Perfect for a family friendly day enjoying the fresh air.

Kayleigh Hardy

The Japanese Garden

Open from March until October, the Japanese Garden is a collection of beautiful blooms from around the world. Well worth a visit if you're staying in Newquay, Padstow or Wadebridge.

Abby D

Overbeck's

Overbeck's is not the largest of stately homes and the drive up to it is hair-raising, but if you like tales of eccentric inventors and macabre collections made by a mad-cap genius then Overbeck's is well worth a visit.

Philip Eley

Dorset Gardens

We've compiled a list of the four best places to visit in Dorset in the spring. Of course these are some of the finest gardens you'll ever see...

Becky Bye

Somerset gardens

Somerset is the ultimate garden country. With over 20 gardens featured in this blog alone, garden lovers will have plenty of things to do on their next Somerset holiday.

Kayleigh Hardy

Gardens of Cornwall

Cornwall is heralded for it’s beautiful coast and countryside. Explore these Cornwall gardens for a lovely spring day out on your holiday.

Kayleigh Hardy

A country park dog walk in Hampshire

For a truly diverse day out with your dog, with walks galore, head over to Netley’s Royal Victoria Country Park when on holiday in Hampshire.

Kylie Barton

Devon gardens

Take a stroll around these classic country gardens in Devon. Ideal for enjoying a sunny day at any time of year.

Kayleigh Hardy

Gardens of the Isle of Wight

Tiptoe through the tulips, admire the roses and smell the lavender at the darling gardens on the Isle of Wight.

Kayleigh Hardy

A family day out at Agatha Christie's Greenway

Greenway was the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie and, although my children are old enough to have heard of her, they’ve never read any of her stories. So, to keep their interest up on a visit to her property we play a game of...

Philip Eley

Visit Devon for Mount Edgcumbe Estate

You’d be forgiven for thinking shopping is all Plymouth has to offer, but you’d also be wrong. There are acres of stunning parkland and miles of breathtaking coastline just around the corner, waiting to be explored.

Sadie Phillips

Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset

Hestercombe Gardens are the most beautiful estate gardens in the south. With over 300 years of garden design all in one place, those who enjoy flora and fauna it certainly is a great choice for a day out in Somerset.

Kylie Barton

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

A former lung hospital, Ventnor Botanic Gardens are a real breath of fresh air when it comes to family days out on the Isle of Wight.

Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Seaton

With its pebble beach, easy-going vibe, and many interesting days out and attractions nearby, Seaton is a good place for a family holiday, a walking holiday or an activity holiday.

Philip Eley

Family Day Out at Paultons Park

Now theme parks may fill some families with dread – the queues, the food, the prices. But Paultons Park is a great fun day out for the whole family packed full of pleasant surprises.

Kylie Barton

Family things to do in Eastleigh

Situated just a few miles from Southampton, this small market town, has lots of hidden gems to keep you and your little ones amused for a day. There are lots of things to do in Eastleigh.

Kylie Barton

Things to do in Beaulieu

They say that good things come in small packages. In the case of Beaulieu, nestling in the historic heart of the New Forest, they're spot on. There's lots of wonderful things to do in Beaulieu.

Jonathan C

Things to do in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot is a medium-sized market town, surrounded by great parks and beautiful countryside with access to great seaside one way and great moorland the other way. It also has some of the best parks and open space land you can find plenty of things to do in.

Philip Eley

Things to do in Mevagissey

For a postcard perfect Cornish village, head to Mevagissey. This sweet fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall offers up buckets of old school charm and the freshest fish of your life.

Abby D

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Becky Bye

Things to do in St Austell

When you think of a typical Cornish holiday, you probably won’t think of St Austell. But this historic town is well worth a wander and offers plenty of things to do as well as fantastic access to some of the best beaches in the whole county.

Abby D

Things to do in Taunton

Exploring the historic county town of Taunton gives you a chance to soak up a range of experiences. From the grounds of Somerset’s County Cricket Club to the impressive heritage of Taunton Castle, this lively hub is an ideal spot to enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment.

Tasha H

Colourful autumn walks in Dorset

Dorset and Wiltshire have an impressive array of autumn colours to tempt you to wrap up in your warmest layers and head out with the dog to earn a nice hot toddy.

Becky Bye

St Michael's Mount day trip

You really wonder at the enterprise and sheer foolishness of building a stately home on a huge chuck of rock 500 meters out to sea

Philip Eley