2-for-1 Gardens to Visit - Summer holiday special

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Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, Gruffalo & Fairy Trail

Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, Gruffalo & Fairy Trail provides the perfect kids day out. Not only is there the eponymous Gruffalo Trail, but the gardens also include a huge winding slide and are home to an array of famous Scottish wildlife – from red squirrels to pine martens. You can even go down to the River Kinglas to see dippers feeding among the stones. August plant highlights include the fresh white bursts of Hydrangea paniculata hybrids. Whether it’s a day out with the family, a nature walk, or a chance to spot incredible wildlife, if you go into the woods today, you’re in for a lot of surprises.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Not available
Refreshments: Not available

Find out more about Ardkinglas Woodland Garden in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme.

Visit the Ardkinglas Woodland Garden website for further details.

Lowther Castle

For half a century, Lowther Castle, in Cumbria, was little more than a scattering of ruins among the rugged Lakeland hills. Starting in 2008, these ruins were transformed by RHS Chelsea Gold Medal-winning garden designer Dan Pearson. His Garden-in-the-Ruins is an evocative example of naturalistic planting, while the English Rose Garden is a tribute to the story of Sleeping Beauty – reflecting the many years of slumber until Lowther’s beauty bloomed again.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Not available
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Lowther Castle in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme.

Visit the Lowther Castle website for further details.

Kenilworth Castle

Situated near Coventry, Kenilworth Castle is the archetypal Elizabethan garden. Once considered a formidable fortress, it was transformed by Robert Dudley to impress Elizabeth I. It still delights to this day, with its restored garden, colourful planting and spectacular views from its tower. It is the perfect place for history buffs and horticulturalists, and has plenty of activities including a knights’ tournament on 24-26 August.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Reduced by 25%
Refreshments: Light refreshments

Find out more about Kenilworth Castle in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme.

Visit the Kenilworth Castle website for further details.

Audley End

This month, the gardens at Audley End are at their show-stopping best, with richly planted bedding displays at their peak and kitchen gardens bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables. There’s plenty for children, especially the Victorian nursery wing where kids can dress up, play with Victorian toys and even jump on the beds. A calmer alternative is to explore the historic stables to meet the estate’s beautiful four-legged friends.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Reduced by 25%
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Audley End in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme.

Visit the Audley End website for further details.

Find out more about the BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair at Audley End, 30 August-1 September

Hever Castle

For the perfect family day out in Kent, you can’t do much better than Hever Castle, where kids can learn about its history as the home of Anne Boleyn or, more likely, explore the adventure playground, traditional yew maze and water maze. The garden boasts a giant topiary chess set, a fragrant rose garden filled with over 5,000 rose bushes and an Italianate loggia overlooking the 38-acre lake, which you can enjoy by boat.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Reduced by 25%
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Hever Castle in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme.

Visit the Hever Castle website for further details.