Gardens

Gardens

What is it? 

A garden commonly refers to the outdoors area that comes with a regular suburban house, but the term covers almost any area set aside for the enjoyment of the outdoors and nature.

What does it involve?

Gardens can involve both natural and man made materials, and can have many uses. Variants include things such as zoos (which were formerly called zoological gardens) which display animals in replicated natural habitats, or indoor gardens with controlled environments to grow certain plants; however, the main purpose of any garden is to provide enjoyment for those within it, and a walk within a garden generally involves relaxation and fun!

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Gardens are great for taking a break in and relaxing for a while, but students (especially the younger ones) will thoroughly enjoy exploring some of the larger and more complex gardens out there! It's also a nice and safe way to get in touch with nature, as most plants and animals you happen across in a garden environment were put there on purpose and will be harmless. 

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn't need any equipment for taking students to a garden apart from maybe a picnic!

Who is it suitable for?

Although generally suitable for all ages, younger children may get bored quickly if there's nothing to do! Sitting and relaxing are pursuits you only really partake in as you reach early adulthood, so make sure younger groups have garden games to enterain them, or something similar.

Costs?

Some of the more elaborate gardens you can visit may have an entry fee, but this will usually be a relatively small cost. 

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Because gardens can be physically huge and with many places to hide, large groups of younger children will need careful supervision - especially if there are ponds or lakes nearby.

How do we include?

Since this activity pretty much just involves enjoying being outdoors, it should be relatively easy for you to include everybody!

Doing it abroad?

Some of the most impressive gardens in the world are located abroad, and can take days to explore their secrets!

Main website: 

This section of the National Trust website has some great information and recommendations, but always check individual websites for venue specifics. 

Venues with this Activity

Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside on the doorstep of the Black Country. Being set back from the roads, its secluded delights are revealed to you as you explore further. The creation of today's scenery however, is very diverse.

A play area for younger kids as well as a 'teen' play area, new tennis courts, a multi-use games area and a bowls green. There is also a skatepark facility, but the park still remains a green and tranquil place close to the town centre.

Splendid 18th-century English interiors in an idyllic country setting

In the 1750s at his family seat in Buckinghamshire, Ralph Verney set out to create a country house of extraordinary grandeur that would dazzle his wealthy neighbours and outdo his political rivals. Thirty years on he was facing financial ruin.

Today the interiors that remain are among the most ambitious and lavish ever created in the 18th century.

The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is situated in the Oxford Island Nature Reserve on the southern shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK. With over 200,000 visitors every year, the Discovery Centre is an ideal place to promote the principles of sustainability.

The park offers the people a green retreat, somewhere to relax and enjoy being outdoors. The recently refurbished play area is very popular and the park comes alive at the weekend to support the thriving Leys football clubs.

The park is open all year round, offering space to:

The park is open all day every day.

Activities

  • Play area
  • Multi Use Games Area
  • Tennis courts
  • Bowls green
  • Kickabout goal
  • Community centre
  • Walks to Thames and canal

Bury Knowle is one of Oxford's most beautiful parks and the historic Bury Knowle House and its parkland setting provides a picturesque back-drop for picnics and events.

Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland.

Try the working period telephones and switchboards. Visit the Victorian Parlour and Schoolroom. Listen to an air raid in the Museum's Anderson Shelter. Make toast in the period kitchen. Visit the street of period shops. Visit the Hall of Transport. 

A magical day out in the Forest of Dean

At Puzzlewood you can explore a mile of pathways winding through deep gulley’s of moss covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations; all set in 14 acres of ancient woodland.

Step back in time and discover Glasgow’s unique history with a visit to the oldest house in the city, built in 1471. It was originally part of a hospital and is one of only four medieval buildings to survive in Glasgow.

Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland's most important stately homes. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert The Bruce.

At the heart of Lydiard Park is Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed Palladian house that for 500 years was home to the St John family.  The ground floor state apartments of Lydiard House have been beautifully restored and are open to visitors all year round to view the ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings displayed alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family.

The Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family

Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.

In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands" - we hope you will feel the same way about Balmoral once you have visited this most special place.

Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles

Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further.

Haden Hill Park is an historical Victorian landscape with a Victorian Mansion and Tudor Hall. The landscape offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The park is a popular venue for historical local events and environmental activities. It has childrens play areas, bowling greens, ornamental lakes and formal garden areas.

Our magnificent historic home and garden is a venue for all seasons. The surroundings are magical, punctuated with an array of eye-catching mystical follies, temples and lakes.

The house has a timeless elegance, whether you choose to bring a picnic and attend an outdoor theatre production, or merely come to stroll through the wonderful gardens.

A day out at Marble Hill is a real treat as this beautiful Palladian villa is set in 66 acres of outstanding riverside parkland near Richmond  in West London. 

Hill Holt Wood is a 14 hectare sustainably managed ancient woodland situated on the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border. It's a wonderful and enriching place to visit with facilities ranging from permaculture gardens, environmental sculpture, woodland walks, computer facilities, workshops and composting loos!

Bank Hall is not one of the most well known buildings  in the country, but it is one of the most beautiful and interesting. Its location could be passed every day without realising its existence as the lofty chimneys and the remnants of the clock tower only faintly glimpse over the tree tops.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.

Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors every year.

One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens, containing two temples

Discover one of Ryedale's true gems - the 18th-century landscape of Rievaulx Terrace. Stroll through woods, then out on to the terrace, with its stunning views down over the Cistercian ruin of Rievaulx Abbey.

A charming Georgian building, built as a workhouse in 1764, now filled with a rich variety of displays and a regular and varied exhibitions programme.

Education

To learn more about the programme or to discuss your requirements please contact Rebecca Parrant.

The Red Mount is the highest point of The Walks offering elevated view points of the landscape from the structure itself and from the mound which partially surrounds it. 

The structure is unique and its importance is reflected in its status as a Scheduled Ancient monument/Grade 1 listed building.

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