Somerset Garden Day isn’t just about promoting gardens in Somerset. Its aim is to remind us all to relax and enjoy the garden. Lockdown has probably made those of us fortunate enough to have a garden appreciate the space more than ever.
Somerset gardens
Somerset is blessed with an amazing array of gardens that are open to the public. Alongside National Trust properties, there are privately owned gardens (open on selected dates), council managed botanical gardens, nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty! Many of these places are just a few miles from my bed and breakfast.
Countryside around Wells Pic: Nick James
Our somerset garden journey begins
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. England’s smallest city derived its name from the wells that can be found within the 14 acres of gardens at the palace.
The gardens at the Bishop’s Palace
These gardens in Somerset have been acknowledged by the Royal Horticultural Society no less! (There is a charge to enter.)
The Bishop’s Palace in Wells
Venture just a few miles from Wells and you will find the incredible landscapes at Cheddar Gorge and Ebbor Gorge. Cheddar Gorge often features in magazine lists of ‘best views’. Lesser known Ebbor Gorge is certainly no slouch in the view stakes.
A path to Ebbor Gorge
Ebbor gorge is owned by the National Trust but you won’t find any shops here. Bring a picnic and soak up the views. The other beauty of these places is that they are free to visit. So, easy on the eye and on the wallet!
Cheddar Gorge
National Trust gardens in Somerset
Like getting your money’s worth from your National Trust membership? Well, Barrington Court, Blaise Hamlet, Clevedon Court, Dunster Castle, Lytes Cary, Montacute, Tyntesfield and Tintinhull are all in Somerset.
The impressive facade of Dunster Castle
Among the beautiful privately or independently owned houses and gardens in Somerset are Cothay Manor, East Lambrook, Forde Abbey, Hestercombe and Kilver Court. These range in size from just a couple of acres to over 50 acres.
If you fancy something a little more steamy, then the glasshouses at the Botanical Gardens in Bristol might be right up your street (or garden path…). There are another 9 acres of botanical gardens to enjoy in the city of Bath. These gardens include a replica Roman Temple which was shown in the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924.
Something less formal
Like to see a rare animal or two in the great outdoors? Not a problem. Just head down to the Avalon Marshes. This area lies in the heart of the Somerset Levels and, being flat, it’s a great place to explore by bike.
Pic: Nick James
Sticking with the more informal outdoor theme, lace up your walking boots and head for the Mendip Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) or Exmoor National Park. The limestone Mendip Hills offer stunning landscapes, ancient monuments, rich grasslands and a wide variety of wildlife. The same can be said of Exmoor National Park’s 267 square miles (most of which are in Somerset!).
PLANTS AND SCULPTURES
There are some incredible outdoor exhibits at the Hauser and Wirth garden and gallery in Bruton. Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf designed the gardens behind the gallery which also contain sculptures. The sculptures change from time to time (they must require huge cranes to move them). One of the highlights of these gardens is a large meadow known as Oudolf Field.
The gardens at Hauser & Wirth in Bruton
The Walled Garden in Mells is also well worth a visit. These small gardens contain a great little cafe and a plant nursery, so if a particular plant takes your fancy you may be able to buy it. Mells is a beautiful village and well worth exploring.
The Walled Garden in Mells
The magnificent range of gardens in Somerset are another reason to visit this incredible county. As for Somerset Garden Day, I hope to be able to snatch a little ‘me time’ in my courtyard garden. Perhaps with a glass of wine rather than a trowel in my hand.
My garden