416 gardens are taking part in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme for 2023. Visiting a garden is a great way of getting out into nature and gathering gardening inspiration. This year, there are 416 to choose from, be they national landmarks, hidden gems or horticultural havens. To start off your year of garden visits, here is a run down of some our 2-for-1 Gardens that are new to the scheme for this year and perfect for a visit this month.
Our 2-for-1 Gardens 2023 guide is available to buy online, as part of our May issue value pack. Buy your BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine May issue value pack, which includes our May issue, 2-for-1 Gardens guide and 6 free seed packs.
Bridgemere Show Gardens
2-for-1 Gardens saving: £4
Just six acres and four-decades old, Bridgemere show gardens have still managed to pack a lot into their small space. It is home to over 15 different gardens, including quintessential English Cottage Garden and Victorian topiary. You can visit their ‘Tatton Garden’, named in honour of winning Best in Show in the RHS show’s inaugural year. Their ‘Down Memory Lane Garden’, a project aiming to give solace to dementia suffers and their loved ones, won silver at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in 2021.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: Yes
- Refreshments: Light refreshments and hot food
Find out more about Bridgemere Show Gardens in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Bridgemere Show Gardens website for more details
Castle Drogo
2-for-1 Gardens saving: £14
Designed by renowned 20th century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, Castle Drogo is an unabashed display of architectural grandeur overlooking Dartmoor’s Teign Gorge. The garden layout you see today is the original Lutyens’ design, the formal terraces and manicured lawns have an elegant 1920’s formality. However, as you explore, this gives way to enchanting paths through rhododendron woods. The trail down to the gorge will take you through woodland, over bridges and alongside the fast-flowing upper reaches of the Teign.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: No
- Refreshments: Light refreshments and hot food
Find out more about Castle Drogo in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Castle Drogo website for more details
Plas Newydd
2-for-1 Gardens saving: £11
Sitting majestically on the shores of the Menai Strait, this grade I listed garden offers breathtaking views across the water and out over Snowdonia. But the house is well-known for another great vista: a 17.5m long Rex Whistler mural, depicting a fantasy European landscape. An Italianate style extends into the garden, with exotic plants and formal terracing. There is a succession of colour from spring tulips to autumn salvias. Look out for the resident population of red squirrels and varied birdlife.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: Yes
- Refreshments: Light refreshments and hot food
Find out more about Plas Newydd in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Plan Newydd website for more details
Beningbrough Hall
2-for-1 Gardens saving: £12
Beningbrough Hall is an eight-acre garden nestled into the banks of the River Ouse. The garden features long borders filled with colour and scent. Home to over 90 fruit-tree varieties, spring sees the garden filled with blossom. New additions to the garden include a pergola walk. Make sure to keep an eye out for tansy beetles, these incredible rare emerald insects only live along this 30km stretch of the Ouse.
- Disabled access: Full access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: Yes
- Refreshments: Light refreshments and hot food
Find out more about Beningbrough Hall in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Beningbrough Hall website for more details
Exbury Gardens
2-for-1 Gardens saving: £15
At Exbury Gardens, you can follow meandering paths through the renowned woodland garden. During April and May, the garden is bursting with vivid colours. You can enjoy spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas and mature trees. Pools and streams reflect bright spring skies, while cascades flow through the garden to the Beaulieu River Estuary below. Visit in spring to see camellias and magnolias in bloom.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: Yes
- Refreshments: Light refreshments and hot food
Find out more about Exbury Gardens in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Exbury Gardens website for more details
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden & Gruffalo Trail
2-for-1 Gardens saving: £5
Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, this is the perfect spot for a family day out. Marvel at the blanket of bluebells that follow the winding footpaths through the woodland garden. This garden is home to many champion trees, there is also an impressive collection of rhododendrons in bloom in spring and summer. Kids can also enjoy experiencing the garden through the Gruffalo and fairy trails.
- Disabled access: Partial access
- Dogs: Permitted on the lead
- Single visitor discount: No
- Refreshments: Not available
Find out more about Ardkinglas Woodland in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme
Visit the Ardkinglas Website for more details
