Top 10 Gardens in Essex, England

Sculpt Gallery is dedicated to contemporary British sculpture and studio ceramics by 30+ established and emerging artists. The Gallery's Principal artist is the renowned sculptor Maurice Blik, whose home and studio are on site. In addition to exhibits in the gallery, there is a fine collection of sculpture in the garden, which visitors are free to explore at their leisure. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, and all works of art are for sale. For a full list of artists and forthcoming exhibitions please visit the website. Groups are welcome but please phone ahead. OPEN SATURDAYS 11am-4pm. Weekdays by arrangement.

Gardens, Nursery and take-way tearoom are open 5 days a week; social distancing measures are in place and advance booking is essential for garden visitors. Entrance to Nursery and Tearoom; no need to book. 7.5 acres of inspirational Gardens. Entrance fee varies depending on season. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs.

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the east of England. This 360-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought resistant plants, and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders. There’s also a Global Growth Vegetable Garden, which showcases vegetables from around the world and a Winter Garden that celebrates the delights of wintertime. There's also a cafe, restaurant, garden library, children's play area, gift shop and garden centre.

Experience this beautiful conservation landscape in the heart of Essex and surround yourself with nature. Discover over 1,000 years of history, explore ancient woodland and visit new continents in our world-class Arboretum. Uncover the power of nature and our role in protecting it for the future. We are after all a charity on a mission to help people and nature thrive.

Recommended in Great British Gardens 2019 and Essex Days out as well as visit Essex. Featured in Country Life Feb 2019. 20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 Hurricane. Now laid out with terrace, japanese garden, seaside garden, water gardens, gravel garden and extensive woodland gardens. It's a plantsman's paradise with a host of unusual plants in all seasons often borderline hardiness thriving in the unique island microclimate. Special highlights include, snowdrops, Bluebells and Azaleas in May and spectacular Autumn colour.