5 Of My Favourite Romantic Gardens to Visit in 2015

I love a bit of romance when visiting a garden so as a Valentines treat I thought I would share with you 5 of my favourites.

Number 1

Hampton Court Gardens near Leominster, Herefordshire

This historic estate is a mixture of restored original features and new gardens with lots of hidden intimate spaces to explore.

The main garden was designed in the 1990's by Simon Dorrell & David Wheeler. It comprises of themed areas or rooms and beautiful herbaceous borders. In the Summer the scent of Lavender and Roses is intoxicating.

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We loved the restored water garden which even has a hidden tunnel behind the waterfall.

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Number 2

Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens, Hampstead Heath, London

A bit closer to home the Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens are a romantic place to take a stroll.

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After the war the gardens were allowed to fall into disrepair and although they have been partly restored by the City of London Corporation, they have an atmosphere of lost splendour. It is rarely busy here and it is possible to imagine that you have stumbled across a forgotten secret garden that no one else knows about.

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Number 3

The Gibberd Garden, Harlow, Essex

This is another peaceful gem of a garden which was owned by Sir Frederik Gibberd the Modernist architect and sculptor. It is looked after by a trust and the house and garden have been kept as they were when the Gibberds were in residence. This lofty avenue of lime trees has a serene feel as you wander down towards the sculpture at the end.

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The intimate gazebo affords views across the 'wild gardens' where there are a maze of criss-crossing paths to explore.

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Number 4

Painswick Rococo Garden, Nr Painswick, Gloucestershire

This garden is one for the theatrical amongst us and was built in the 18th Century. It comprises a number of follies and theatrical set set pieces as well as having a maze and spectacular hilltop views. You can even get married here in the beautiful Red house.

The great thing about this garden is that it boasts a wonderful display of snowdrops which can be visited on valentines day itself.

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Number 5

Tylney Hall Hotel, Hampshire

The gardens of this hotel were originally designed by the queen of romantic gardens, Gertrude Jekyll. There are formal gardens, beautifully planted, as well as an extensive water garden.

The hotel itself is the height of luxury for a romantic weekend away or a wedding. You can also book this weekend for a sumptuous valentine's luncheon.