2-for-1 Gardens near cities

Lyme Park

Just 45 minutes from the centre of Manchester, Lyme Park boasts 1,400 acres of grand parkland and views across the Cheshire Plain. With a rich history spanning six centuries, there is plenty to explore, from moor to meadow, sunken garden to orangery. Planted with many mature trees, it’s the perfect spot to watch as colours change for autumn. Follow paths up to the cage perched on top of a hill where, on a clear autumn day, you can see seven counties. Despite all that Lyme has to offer, it may be argued that its most recognisable feature remains its lake, where Mr Darcy famously took a dip in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.

• Disabled access: Partial
• Dogs: Permitted on lead
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Light Refreshments

More information about Lyme in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Lyme website for further details

Eltham Palace & Gardens

Home to many historical figures including a young Henry VIII and the Courtauld family, Eltham Palace and Gardens is an eccentric combination of centuries. When the Courtaulds came to Eltham they added ornamental planting and shrubberies to the existing mature trees. An Arts and Crafts garden, you can observe medieval features wonderfully woven into the landscape. As you explore the 19 acres of historic gardens, discover herbaceous borders, rock gardens, pools and cascades and keep an eye out for the purpose-built heated home of Mah-Jong, the Courtaulds pet lemur! Stroll along Eltham’s moat on a bright day to see autumn oranges reflected in the water.

• Disabled access: Partial
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: Yes
• Refreshments: No

More information about Eltham Palace & Gardens in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Eltham Palace & Gardens website for further details

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

John Claudius Loudon, garden designer at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was a pioneering designer of public open spaces and sought to provide green spaces as an antidote to the rapidly growing industrial cities of Britain. Just 15 minutes from the centre of Birmingham, the Botanical Gardens are a tropical oasis. Discover the different environments of the glasshouses – Arid, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Tropical. Look out for bright red bracts in the sub-tropical house or displays of purple berries at the foot of the Pinetum path. Out on the lawn you will be able to spot a magnificent Acer collection. Make sure to get your 2023 2-for-1 card, with the May 2023 issue of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, so you can return to the gardens and visit their butterfly house, open late May to September.

• Disabled access: Full
• Dogs: Not permitted
• Single visitor discount: No
• Refreshments: Yes

More information about Birmingham Botanical Gardens in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Birmingham Botanical Garden website for further details

Gibside

A mere 25 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, these 720 acres of wooded parkland provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. When you have finished exploring the 15 miles of meandering paths, you can visit the second-hand bookshop or curl up at the café situated within the park. Enjoy a Sunday stroll or a more energetic cross terrain hike. More than woodland, with grand vistas and walled garden, there is plenty of spectacle within this urban oasis. For wildlife lovers, keep eyes peeled for willow tits, woodpeckers and roe deer.

• Disabled access: Full
• Dogs: Permitted on leads
• Single visitor discount: Yes
• Refreshments: Yes

More information about Gibside in our 2-for-1 scheme

Visit the Gibside website for further details