These 8 Stunning Spring Gardens Will Make You Forget You’re in the UK

From herbaceous borders to swoon-worthy views, these National Trust gardens offer exploration and relaxation in equal measure.

With flowers bursting into bloom, May and June are the perfect months to explore Yorkshire’s most photogenic National Trust gardens. From flamboyant rhododendrons to peaceful walled havens, these destinations don’t just offer a breath of fresh air – they can make you feel as if you’ve stepped into another country.

Here are eight wonderful National Trust spots you’ll want to add to your spring list. Which one are you ticking off first?

Smell the roses at Nostell

© Copyright National Trust Images/Tanya Hepplewhite

Spring is the most captivating time of year to visit the sprawling gardens at Nostell. Spread across multiple areas, there’s plenty to see – and smell. From the fragrant rose garden to the swathes of sweet hyacinths and wisteria, it’s the perfect place for a spot of aromatherapy.

Surrounded by 300 acres of lakes and parkland, the Georgian house’s symmetry offers a striking contrast to the riot of colour, making it feel like a slice of Versailles in the heart of West Yorkshire.

Perfect for: Romantic wanders and peaceful picnics.
Find it: Nostell, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell

Wander beautiful borders at Beningbrough

Beningborough Hall’s sweeping herbaceous borders are at their best in late spring, when the alliums start to open and textures and colours come to life. Wander under blossom trees, relax among the flowers and steal a moment of calm by the reflecting pool.

The newest addition is the Mediterranean garden, where you’ll find winding pathways, hidden corners and over 4,000 perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs from Mediterranean climate zones around the world.

Perfect for: Flower lovers and keen photographers.
Find it: Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough

Witness a rhododendron explosion at Wentworth

© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Once known as the finest garden in England, Wentworth Castle Gardens is the only Grade I-listed landscape in South Yorkshire. Bursting with colourful blooms, the gardens are home to no less than three National Collections, made up of over over 100 different magnolias and 300 different wild rhododendrons.

The historic estate also offers stunning views, winding woodland paths and an impressive castle folly. Be sure to take a wander down Lady Lucy’s Walk – a peaceful avenue lined with towering lime trees.

Perfect for: Wildflower chasers and history enthusiasts.
Find it: Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/wentworth-castle-gardens

Spot peacocks at Nunnington

© Copyright National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Flanking the scenic River Rye, Nunnington Hall’s garden is a haven for wildlife. Spot queen bees bumbling around the meadow and keep an eye out for kingfishers and otters patrolling the river banks. It’s the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon.

Our favourite bit? The lovely walled tea garden, where you can tuck into sandwiches and freshly-baked scones surrounded by nature, as the resident peacocks sunbathe next to you. It really is an oasis of calm.

Perfect for: Wildlife spotting and tranquil afternoons.
Find it: Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington

Discover a hidden gem on the edge of York

© Copyright National Trust Images/James Beck

Hidden in plain sight at the edge of York Racecourse, Goddards was once home of Noel Terry of the Terry’s of York chocolate making family. Small but sweet, its five acres of formal gardens are split into distinct garden rooms, each offering a completely unique experience.

Alight your senses in the fragrant garden, home to roses, daphne, peonies, lilacs and rosemary, then see what’s growing at the vegetable garden. Younger visitors will love exploring the hedges for secret places to hide and seek.

Perfect for: Garden design fans and secret spot seekers.
Find it: Goddards, 27 Tadcaster Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1GG.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/goddards

Bask in blossom at East Riddlesden Hall

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Keighley, East Riddlesden Hall’s gardens are a true springtime sensation. From the ivy-glad garden walls to the show-stopping ornamental cherry tree and its waterfall of pink petals, it’s the kind of place that feels like a fairytale.

Head out to the wild garden and you’ll find a world of wildlife, from blue tits and chiff chaffs, to butterflies flitting about. Don’t leave without having a ramble down the River Aire – idyllic on a sunny day.

Perfect for: Gentle family walks and floral daydreams.
Find it: East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall

Explore a magnificent Georgian water garden

© Copyright National Trust Images/James Dobson

For two incredible experiences in one, visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, a striking World Heritage Site. The former serves up striking ruins, while the latter is home to canals, cascades and tranquil moon ponds.

Explore statues and hidden follies, venture through the Serpentine Tunnel and marvel at the feat of creative genius. You can’t leave without a visit to the deer park, home to over 300 red deer, fallow deer and Manchurian sika.

Perfect for: History lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Find it: Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey

Visit an award-winning city centre garden

© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Nestled in the heart of York, Treasurer’s House boasts an unexpectedly lush garden that’s picked up the gold award for Yorkshire in Bloom for six consecutive years. Expect neatly clipped topiary and proud statues, perfectly complemented by pastel peonies, wisteria and delphiniums.

With the buzz of the city just beyond the walls and a picture-perfect view of York Minster rising in the background, this secluded spot almost feels like your own private Italian courtyard. Visit in summer and you can even try your hand at croquet!

Perfect for: City explorers and historians.
Find it: Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JL.
Learn more: nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurers-house-york