Looking to plan a spread of entertaining activities this February? Stimulating and interactive spaces, gardens are the perfect places to visit..
Filled with captivating colours and floral fragrances to awaken your senses, paying a visit to a glorious garden is the perfect way to get your family out enjoying the great outdoors altogether. A fabulously affordable and fun day out for all the family, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite gardens based in and around Oxfordshire (with some further afar!). Uplifting and soul-nurturing, here are our top gardens to visit this February.
Waddesdon Manor
A hidden gem within the Buckinghamshire countryside, Waddesdon Manor is a magnificent manor house that was constructed between 1874-1885 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. The purpose of Waddesdon Manor was to act as a grand display cabinet for his finest arts, entertaining the upcoming 19th century audience. Now to this day, the Manor has been transformed into a wonderful attraction, open for visitors to enjoy the glorious grounds and specialist events. This February their grounds will be open from Saturday 11th until Sunday 19th February.
Take a trip within Waddesdon’s delightful gardens and let your little ones stumble across the magical woodland playground that lies within. And to let their imaginations run wild, why not head over to the Coach House afterwards to do a spot of doodling on their huge colouring board!
Image Credit: Manor and Parterre at Waddesdon © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens. Photo Chris Lacey. Taken at Waddesdon Manor.
Rousham House and Gardens
Located in north Oxfordshire within the small village of Rousham you can find Rousham House and Gardens. Pack a scrumptious picnic and enjoy a leisurely stroll around Rousham’s wonderfully unique gardens. Suitable for children over 15 years, why not take a wander around their perfectly sculpted parterre, located within the rose garden ? Or even take a look around their enchanting walled gardens. Dressed with utterly magical herbaceous borders that reach out over the pathways, there are also a variety of fruit trees, kitchen gardens and even a fountain to admire, awakening your senses. Infused with a tranquil and peaceful nature, Rousham’s gardens are the perfect place for a relaxing and restful day spent outdoors.
Holkham Hall and Estate
Are you looking to go a bit further afield? Then why not hop into the car for a roadtrip to Holkham estate? Located within the captivating county of Norfolk, Holkham Hall is a breathtaking estate, comprising of mesmerising landscapes, waves of wildlife and working farmland. Until February 19th they will be running a range of activities such as the Holkham Tales Trail. With parklands filled with numerous historical landmarks, this educational activity gives your little ones the opportunity to choose a path and locate a variety of landmarks dotted around the estate whilst also learning all the intriguing stories concealed behind their creation.
Another fascinating feature hidden within Holkham Hall’s large grounds is its inspiring walled garden. Walk through tall Venetian gates and admire six acres of glorious gardens that are currently in the process of being replenished with a variety of pollinator friendly planting plans. Encompassing an exquisite vineyard, thriving kitchen garden and a splendid collection of greenhouses, this walled garden will leave you feeling both inspired and well-rested.
Perhaps you’ve also been fancying a trip to the beach? Then you will be pleased to know that Holkham Hall is even situated right next to Holkham beach! So, once you’ve finished exploring wonderful woodlands and gardens, why not take a trip down to the beach for a breath of fresh sea air.
Feeling inspired? Why not delve within more of our stories and get lost within the ever-growing world of horticulture.
