Gardens

With fascinating microclimates dotted around each county, the UK’s impressive selection of gardens have a green-thumbs up from us! From wild and wonderful displays to beautifully curated borders, these tranquil oases make for a stunning day out the whole family will enjoy.

Best bluebell woods in the UK

The UK is home to some of the best bluebell woods in the world, from pocket copses to sprawling forests. Explore our favourites for your next spring adventure.

Annie Cowen

Guide to the Helford River

Home to hidden coves and sheltered creeks, explore the Helford River with our complete guide for tranquil moments surrounded by ancient trees and emerald waters.

Annie Cowen

Gardens in Dorset

Whether you want coastal havens or topiaries backed with impressive castles, these gardens in Dorset are sure to get a green thumbs up.

Annie Cowen

Gardens in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a botanical delight, bejewelled with an eclectic collection of stunning gardens just waiting to be discovered…

Stef Parr

Best things to do in Cornwall

From Arthurian legends and a contemporary eco paradise to hidden gardens and a fortified island, there’s an abundance of brilliant things to do in Cornwall.

Stef Parr

Gardens in Cornwall

From tropical delights to wild Cornish jungle, there is a garden in Cornwall to suit every botanical taste.

Annie Cowen

Gardens on the Isle of Wight

Whether you like your flowers expertly curated or fabulously wild, there is a garden on the Isle of Wight to tempt every green-fingered guest.

Robbie Lane

Gardens in Devon

From botanical beauties to rural gardens that blend effortlessly into the surrounding countryside, here’s our list of the best gardens in Devon.

Annie Cowen

Gardens in Somerset

It’s gardens galore in Somerset, with the grand estates and botanical collections providing endless opportunities to satisfy your green thumb.

Annie Cowen

Gardens in Sussex

From meadows overflowing with wildflowers to formal lawns edged with perfectly kept borders, let’s explore the gardens of Sussex.

Annie Cowen

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 Driver

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 Driver

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

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

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 Driver

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 Driver

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