We often get asked this question. As much as we’d like to give a simple answer, we can’t. Simply because there is no ‘best time’. Every season tells its own story and there’s beauty to be found at all times of the year.
March to April is all about gardens coming back to life and colour. Now is the perfect time to wander through swathes of snowdrops, tulips, daffodils and bluebells and to watch delicate tree blossoms float through the air, illuminated by the bright spring sunshine.
Early summer (May to June) is classic country house garden season. Roses, wisteria, peonies are all in their prime, and borders start filling up with colourful blooms. Everything is bursting with life in the fresh, gentle heat of early summer.
In midsummer (July & August) herbaceous borders are at their riotous peak and the scent of roses, lavender and honeysuckle create a feast for the senses. And who can resist a picnic in the shade of an ancient tree with views out over the carefully landscaped rolling countryside?
Autumn (September- October) is the time when the trees take centre stage, their leaves putting on a fiery display of red, orange and gold. Later flowering plants still adorn the borders and hedgerows and fruit trees are laden with produce. If you love atmospheric walks in golden slanting sunlight, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and sense of the countryside settling down for the winter ahead, autumn is the time for you.
Every Country Houses & Gardens trip is carefully curated to show you the best of South West England’s country estates and gardens, whatever time of year you choose to walk with us.
To find out more, visit our trip page or send us an email. We’d love to chat with you about your plans.
