The best royal gardens to visit this summer (and the Queen s favourite)
As the weather warms, there has never been a better time to explore the historical and botanical delights at royal residences around the UK
26 June 2021 • 6:00am
The Chelsea award-winning Carpet Garden, pictured, is based on a Turkish carpet in Highgrove House, Gloucestershire
Credit: GAP Photos / Robert Smith
You don’t need an invitation from The Queen to get a close-up view of these royal gardens. From the beautifully designed Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace to the 100-acre garden at Hillsborough Castle with a “hidden” lake, a ferny glen and a pinetum, there s plenty to see and do this summer, for families of all ages. Here, we count eight of the best royal gardens to visit (or picnic at) in the warmer months. You never know, you might even spot her Majesty.
By Kenneth Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3902844
The Queen’s official home in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle, is getting ready to welcome visitors back inside. The home also serves as the residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and a guest house for prominent international visitors.
For the price of £14.20 (£15.70 with donation) for adults and £7.10 (£7.90 with donation) for children, visitors’ tickets include entry into the castle, entry to the 100 acres of the world-famous royal gardens and free car parking. There are also tickets sold that do not include entry into the castle.