Five gardens to visit this spring

Spring is a great time of year to explore the various parks and gardens around the county, not only do we have the birds tweeting as they start making their nests but the spring flowers are in full bloom and the landscapes and are a mass of colour. Bedfordshire has a number of lovely green spaces to visit, so we’ve put together five options of gardens to visit at this time of year.

Swiss Garden

The Swiss Garden in Biggleswade is a unique and beautiful garden first established back in the 19^th century. The Victorian influence is still evident and there are a over ten acres for you to explore and with rare trees, tiny islands, bridges and the various listed buildings to be found, there is plenty for you to see. As the weather gets better, you’ll find your visit serenaded from music and theatre performances, which just makes the whole experience more exciting. Want to bring your dog along? They are welcome to join you on site and water bowls are usually available in warmer weather.

Stockwood Discovery Centre Garden

Here you’ll find not just one but several gardens all within the original walled garden. Once part of the original Stockwood House walled area, the period gardens reflect the changing trends in gardening over the years and there are new areas appearing all the time. Dogs aren’t permitted at this one unfortunately, but it is a great family friendly place to go with plenty to see and do at the Discovery Centre too.

Woburn Abbey Gardens

The Woburn Abbey Gardens were designed by Humphry Repton and between the stately home, the amazing views and the garden itself it is a pretty impressive place to visit. The team of gardeners are developing the site continuously, so there is always something new to see.

Kathy Brown’s Garden

Voted as the winner in the East of England’s top thirty gardens, this delight can be found just north of Bedford in Stevington. The garden is designed and cared for by Kathy and her family and groups visits are allowed at certain times of the year. As well as a chance to wander around the lovely gardens, you can also sample Kathy’s home-made cakes and a cup of tea.

Wrest Park Gardens

Another great stately home and garden can be found at Wrest Park. The formal gardens here were inspired by those at the Palace of Versailles in France and has a fascinating history. The gardens are also home to a pretty impressive looking Baroque pleasure pavilion which looks like it should be in the middle of a grand European city rather than a garden.