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

"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" - such were the words of Queen Victoria after her first visit to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to this royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children.

Elegant Georgian town house with wonderful walled garden

Peckover House is a secret gem, an oasis hidden away in an urban environment. A classic Georgian merchant's town house, it was lived in by the Peckover family for 150 years.

Clarence House is the official London residence of The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry. Here Their Royal Highnesses receive official guests from this country and overseas on behalf of the nation, and bring together people from all walks of life through official seminars, lunches, receptions and dinners.

A unique 17th-century treasure trove

This rare and atmospheric 17th-century house sits on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond. It is the creation of the tenacious Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband, the Duke, who together transformed Ham into one of the grandest Stuart houses in England.

15th-century moated manor house

No-one ever forgets their first sight of Oxburgh - a romantic, moated manor house.

Built by the Bedingfeld family in the 15th century, they have lived here ever since. Inside, the family's Catholic history is revealed, complete with a secret priest's hole which you can crawl inside.

The great 13th century circular shell-keep of Restormel still encloses the principal rooms of the castle in remarkably good condition. It stands on an earlier Norman mound surrounded by a deep dry ditch, atop a high spur beside the River Fowey. Twice visited by the Black Prince, it finally saw action during the Civil War in 1644. It commands fantastic views and is a favourite picnic spot.

The ruined church of an Augustinian abbey, reduced in size after fire and plague.

Creake Abbey probably had its origins in 1206 when Sir Robert and Lady Alice de Nerford established the small chapel of St Mary of the Meadows at Lingerescroft, bordering the tiny River Burn.

Clent Castle is a mock ruin castellated folly in the grounds of Clent Grove (now the Sunfield Special School and Children's Home).

It was built in the late 18th century by Thomas Liell and has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.

Late Medieval merchant's house in Worcester city centre

Built in 1480, with early 17th and 18th century additions, this fine timber-framed house was rescued from demolition after the Second World War and has been carefully restored and refurbished.

An archway leads through to a delightful walled garden.

A family home, delightful gardens and an idyllic setting

An intimate family home and peaceful estate set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns.

This picturesque 16th-century mansion and tranquil gardens were home to the Brunner family until recent years. The house exudes a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked kitchen and homely living rooms.  The series of walled gardens is a colourful patchwork of interest set amid medieval ruins.

Standing within an attractive village setting, not far from the fantastic Lullingstone Roman Villa, is Eynsford Castle - a very early Norman 'enclosure castle' whose substantial stone walls present a rare survival of this striking and impressive style.

An atmospheric Elizabethan farmhouse that saved a King

Find out about the dramatic story of King Charles II hiding from Cromwell’s troops at Moseley Old Hall after he fled the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

See the bed on which the King slept and the priest hole in which he hid, and hear fascinating stories about what life was like in the 17th-century. You can soak up the atmosphere on one of our popular guided tours.

Carlisle Castle includes an exhibition, a programme of guided tours, a picnic area, a unique gift shop and is in close proximity to Hadrian's Wall.

Help us bring this special Grace II listed building back to life

Poltimore House is a significant Devon landmark, historically and architecturally. The drawing shows it as it was c.1900. The speculative reconstructions at the bottom of this page show it as it might be, once restored and back to full use. 

This 'Castle of the Rock' is famous for its spectacular views, which take in no less than eight counties on a clear day.

One of Norfolk and England’s greatest heroes

The Nelson Museum celebrates the life and times of Admiral Lord Nelson. Find out about his remarkable naval career, the sea battles he won, his Norfolk childhood, scandalous love life and untimely death at the Battle of Trafalgar. 

Packed with dramatic and moving details the museum also offers ships' games, family fun days and a garden for picnics.

Frogmore House has been a favourite royal retreat for more than 300 years. Built in the 17th century, it became royal property when it was purchased for George III’s wife, Queen Charlotte, in 1792. It is no longer an occupied royal residence, but is frequently used by the Royal Family for private entertaining.

Belfast City Hall is Belfast City Council's civic building. It is located in Donegall Square, in the heart of Belfast city centre. It first opened its doors on 1 August 1906.

Late 18th-century thatched house in gentrified vernacular style

An elegant 18th-century thatched cottage with its peculiar gentrified vernacular style.

A rich history and delightful walks can be had by those who explore the property in Bessbrook, Co. Armagh.

Bath Lodge Castle is a Hotel & Restaurant in Bath, offering a unique and romantic stay at a Castle. Grade II Listed and bursting with character, it is a wonderful fortress complete with towers, battlements and portcullis.

History

Centre 81 is ideally situated on the banks of the Gareloch and with in easy reach of Helensburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond. The Centre provides a wealth of facilities and activities for all ages. We have a large variety of clubs and groups.

Forty Hall is a Grade 1 listed Jacobean Manor House, nestled in leafy Enfield and set amidst pleasure gardens, ancient royal parkland, majestic trees, lakes and watercourses.

Experience a real life period drama as you explore life above and below stairs.

Explore the impressive mansion house and uncover the story behind the Braybrooke’s unique natural history collection.

Part of a monastic building, perhaps the abbot's lodging, of Benedictine Abbotsbury Abbey. St Catherine's Chapel is within half a mile. 

St Catherine's Chapel

Set high on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury Abbey, this sturdily buttressed and barrel-vaulted 14th-century chapel was built by the monks as a place of pilgrimage and retreat. 

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) was founded in the 17th century as a physic garden. Now it extends over four Gardens boasting a rich living collection of plants, and is a world-renowned centre for plant science and education.

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