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Gardens Parks & Walks – UK – ENGLAND
NORTH WEST
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens and Parsonage Gardens, Wimslow Road, Didsbury, Rusholm, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England.
Dawn – Dusk
Situated in a large park the gardens contain a landscaped area that includes ponds, shrubs, rare pines and firs and an imaginative selection of cacti and flowers.
The Pennine Way, Edale to Kirk Yetholm, Peak District, England.
www.thepennineway.co.uk
Access at all times
Start of the Pennine way is sign posted from outside the “Old Nags Head” pub in Edale. The walk covers 250 miles across the backbone of England to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border. The Pennine Way is one of the most popular walks in the country.
Stadt Moers Country Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston, Knowsley, Merseyside, England.
0151 489 1239
Open dusk – dawn. Visitors Centre 13.00-16.30 on Sat & Sun
Nature reserve with various programmes of events and activities.
Wirral Country Park, Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral, Thurstaston, Merseyside, CH61 0HN, England.
0151 648 4371 – Dawn-Dusk
There are guided walks, boat trips, children’s activities and a twelve mile footpath through this Country Park which has cracking views across the Dee Estuary.
Haigh Hall Country Park, Junction 6 of the M61, Take the B5239 to Aspull then onto Haigh, Wigan, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN2 1PE, England.
01942 832 895 Daily 10.00-16.00 Weekends 10.00-17.00
Set in 250 acres, this Country Park has woodland walks, nature trails and a playground.
Clifton Country Park, Clifton House Road, Clifton, Salford, Greater Manchester, M27 6NG, England.
0161 793 4219 – www.salford.gov.uk/cliftoncountry.htm
Open dawn – dusk
Within this 80 acre park there is a lake, ponds, woodlands, grasslands, wet land areas and also a Visitor Centre with details of walks.
Halewood Country Park, Off Okell Drive, Halewood, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 7XB, England.
0151 488 6151
Park Open dawn – dusk Visitor Centre open 1.00 – 16.30 on Saturday, Sunday
Set in a former railway junction, this park has extensive footpaths and bridal way networks as well as a programme of events and activities.
Blackleach Country Park, John Street, Walkden, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 3PQ, England.
0161 790 7746 – www.salford.gov.uk/blackleach.htm
Open dawn – dusk
What used to be a chemical works has been transformed into a 100 acre park, there is also a bird sanctuary and nature trails.
THE WEST COUNTRY
Heartlands, Robinson’s Shaft, Dundance Lane, Pool, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3QY
Website: www.heartlandscornwall.com
Heartlands is a new FREE visitor attraction and World Heritage Site Gateway in Cornwall. State-of-the-art exhibitions, climb-on sculptures, gardens of epic diversity, a giant adventure playscape for kids, art and craft studios and a funky café in the old carpenter’s workshop.With swathes of green outdoor space for warm, sunny days and ever-curious indoor space when it’s wet, Heartlands is all-year round, all-weather entertainment for anyone and everyone. Go see, go play, go wow.
Royal Victoria Park, Entrance to park from Queen Street or Marlborough Lane, Bath, Wiltshire, BA1 2NR, England.
01225 425 066
Open all year daily 09.00-Dusk
These are the city’s largest open spaces containing an aviary and beautiful botanical gardens.
Sydney Gardens, Behind Holburne House, Bathwick, Bath, Wiltshire, BA2 1EE, England.
01225 477 101
Open dawn – dusk
This was formerly a venue for concerts and firework displays as witnessed and written about by Jane Austen in her novels.
Dunkery Beacon, Exford, Exmoor, Exford, Somerset, England.
Access at all times
A four mile walk stretches from Exford to Dunkery Beacon which is Exmoor’s highest point rising 1700 feet.
Weston Mouth, On the East Devon Coast, Between Sidmouth and Seaton, Sidmouth, Devon, England.
Access at all times
This is one of the areas most attractive and isolated beaches.
Meadfoot Beach, Meadfoot Sea Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2LQ, England.
01803 294 339
Access at all times
A 12 mile long coastal walk through Daddyhole plain.
Tregenna Castle Gardens, St Ives, Cornwall, England.
01736 795 254
10.00 – Dusk
72 acres with stunning views overlooking St Ives Bay. Main attractions include a sub-tropical walled garden and a recently created water garden.
Barricane Beach, Ilfracombe, Just North of Woolacombe Sands, Woolacombe, Devon, England.
Access at all times
This beach is famous for the numerous tropical shells that was h up on its shores from the Caribbean.
Lands End, Penzance, Approx nine miles West of Penzance, Penzance, Cornwall, England.
Access at all times ( Parking Fee for cars )
The actual location is a public right of way and there is a platform to view the sights of the Irish Lady, the Armed Knight and Dr Syntax Head.Stand on the edge of England and gaze out across the sea.
LONDON TO THE SEVERN
The Oxfordshire Way, Bourton-on-the-Water to Henley-on-Thames, Bourton-on-the-Water, Oxfordshire, England.
Access at all times
A 65 mile walk through stunning landscapes and scenery passing through two areas Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sundon Hills Country Park, 5 miles N of Luton, Sundon, Bedfordshire, England.
01582 608 489
Open at any reasonable time
This Country Park includes Nature Walks, outstanding landscapes, picnic area and other interesting nature features.
The Herb Farm, Peppard Road, Sonning Common, Reading, RG7 9NJ, England.
01189 724 220 – herbfarm@herbfarm.co.uk – www.herbfarm.co.uk
Farm open daily 10.00-17.00
Over 200 varieties of herbs are grown at this farm, together with wild flowers and old style roses. There is also a large gift shop on site.
Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 9SH, England.
01234 364 213
Open at any reasonable times
At Over 300 acres, this Country Park includes two lakes and riverside. There are guided walks, fishing for all and bird watching hides.
California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Finchampstead, Wokingham, England.
01189 342 016
Open daily 09.00-17.00 £1 car parking charge at weekends and easter and summer holidays
Covering 150 acres and including a six acre lake, there is also public coarse fishing, paddling pool, adventure play area and café.
Emberton Country Park, Emberton, On the A509 1 mile S of Olney, Olney, Buckinghamshire, MK46 5DB, England.
01234 711 575 – Park open all year
The River Ouse, five lakes and 200 acres of park land make up this Country Park. Attractions include boating, orienteering, camping and nature trails.
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst Lodge, Near Coleford, Forest Of Dean, Gloucestershire, England.
01594 833 057 – www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk
The trail is open Dawn – Dusk daily it starts and ends at Beechenhurst Lodge Open April -Oct 10.00-18.00 Nov – March 10.00-17.00
An easy walk through the forest that is littered with art work and sculptures including a giant chair sitting at the top of a hill.
Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B13 0BD, England.
0121 777 6612 – Mill open to visitors April – Oct Tues-Sun 11.30-16.00
This restored water mill dates from 1765 and the mill and surrounding area have close connections with J R R Tolkein. Across the road is a house where he spent 4 years of his childhood. Many of his ideas were inspired by the building and the gloomy lake.
Sherwood Forest Country Park, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9HN, England.
Daily dawn – dusk to visit the outdoor areas of the park
450 acres of oak and silver birch trees that are crammed with footpaths and trails. In the forest is the Major Oak, where Maid Marion and Robin Hood plighted their troth.
David Austin Roses – Rose Garden, Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton, 8 miles W of Wolverhampton, Albrighton, Shropshire, England.
01902 376 300 - www.davidaustinroses.com
Daily 09.00– 17.00
This 2 acre rose garden is considered to be one of the best in the world. There are five main areas covering over 700 varieties of roses, but concentrating mainly on David Austin’s English Rose.
Kenchester Water Gardens, Church Road, Lyde, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 3AB, England.
01432 270 981
Mon-Sat 09.00-17.30 Sun 10.30-16.30
This water garden centre has a national collection of water lillies. Displays include plants, fountains, landscapes, fish and tropical and marine aquariums.
University Of Leicester Botanic Garden, Glebe Road, Oadby, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 2NE, England.
0116 271 2933 – Open all year Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00 Sat & Sun 3rd week in March – 2nd week in November 10.00-16.00
This 16 acre Botanic Garden consists of several individual gardens including rock garden, roses, trees and heather gardens.
Belper River Gardens, Matlock Road, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56, England.
01773 841 482
Open dawn – dusk
Popular river garden often used for film and tv locations. There is a Summer programme of concerts and theatre as well as rowing boats and motor boats for hire.
Haddonstone Showgarden Haddonstone Ltd, The Forge House, East Haddon, Northamptonshire, NN6 8DB, England.
01604 770 711 - www.haddonstone.co.uk
Open all year, Mon-Fri 09.30-17.00
Beautiful walled Manor garden that displays classic garden ornaments including fountains, sundials, bird baths and urns.
EAST ANGLIA
The Boudicca Way, approximately 36 miles between Diss and Norwich.
www.boudiccaway.co.uk
The Boudicca Way is a long distance footpath which runs for approximately 36 miles between Diss and Norwich. Running roughly parallel with the old Roman ‘Pye’ Road, now known as the A140, the route follows public rights of way and quiet country roads, stopping off in picturesque villages such as Shotesham, Saxlingham Nethergate and Pulham Market along the way.
Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, Cory Lodge, Bateman Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1JF, England.
01223 336 265 – www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Only free 1st November – 29th February on weekdays
This Botanic Garden was created in 1846 and includes amongst many of its features a lime stone rock garden and many rare specimens.
Sewell Cutting, Just West Of Dunstable, Entrances via Sewell Lane or Frenchs Avenue, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England.
Access at all times
This nature reserve is most noted for its orchids and chalklands flora. It runs through an old railway just South of Dunstable.
Barton Hills Natural Nature Reserve, Just South of Barton, 5.5 miles North of Luton, South Bedfordshire, Barton, Bedfordshire, England.
Access at all times
This nature reserve protects precious chalkland flowers, insects and butterflies on the Barton Hills. Also in the area is Barton Springs a popular tourist attraction in the early 1900s and can be found by following the field paths to the Icknield Way.
Dunstable Downs, On the B4541 Dunstable to Whipsnade road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England.
01582 608 489 – Access at all times
The Dunstable Downs are 130 acres of public access in The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With many walks, spectacular views, visitors centre and a picnic area.
Greensand Ridge Walk, From Leighton Buzzard to Chicksands, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England.
Access at all times
This 40 mile footpath runs North East across the entire country from Leighton Buzzard to Chicksands.
Abbey Botanical Gardens, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England.
01284 757 490
Mon-Sat 07.30 to half an hour before dusk Sun 09.00 – half an hour before dusk
This Botanical Garden includes a Chinese tree of heaven planted in the 1830s. Other features include a riverside walk, aviaries and a tea shop.
The Norfolk Broads – Weavers Way, From Cromer to Great Yarmouth, Cromer, Norfolk, England.
Access at all times
Walkers should head for the 56 mile long Weaver’s Way, a picturesque long distance footpath that winds through the best and most beautiful parts of The Broads.
Norfolk Coast Path, From Hunstanton to Cromer, Hunstanton, Norfolk, England.
Access at all times
This scenic walk runs from Hunstanton to Cromer and features sand dunes and salt marshes.
HAMPSHIRE / DORSET / WILTSHIRE
Shell Bay, Swanage, Swanage Dorset, England.
Access at all times
This magnificent long beach is composed of icing sugar like sand.
Chesil Beach, Ferrybridge, Weymouth, Dorset, England.
01305 760 579
Access at all times
A 200 yard wide, 50 foot high bank of pebbles that stretches for 18 miles.
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, 10 miles North of Blandford, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7, England.
Access at all times
This is the best point for terrific views over the town of Shaftsbury. The most famous street in Shaftsbury, this ancient cobbled street features on countless boxes and calendars.
Lymore Valley Herb Garden, Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, Milford On Sea, Hampshire, SO41 0TX, England.
01590 642 008
Summer open daily 10.00-17.00 Please phone to confirm Winter opening times
Magnificent gardens which also play host to activities such as wine tastings and theatrical plays.
YORKSHIRE
Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkhouse Road, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S10 2LN, England.
0114 276 6496 – www.sbg.org.uk
Summer Weekdays 08.00-19.45 Weekends 10.00-19.45 Winter Weekdays 08.00-16.00 Weekends 10.00-16.00
The 19 acres of landscaped gardens and glass Paxton pavilions with the Botanical Gardens provide the perfect place to relax and walk.
Graves Park Animal Farm, Hemsworth Road, Norton, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
0114 258 2452 – www.gravespark.fsnet.co.uk
Open – Mon-Sun 08.00-16.00
Located within Sheffield’s largest park, which also includes picnic areas and a café. Feel free to wander round and pet the various species of animals.
Heeley City Farm, Richards Road, Heeley, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S2 3DT, England.
0114 258 0482 – www.heeleyfarm.org.uk
Open Mon-Sun 09.30-17.00 ( Closes at 16.30 in Winter )
Set in four acres this farm includes rare breeds of animals, demonstrations and environmental information, peat free plant garden, café and children’s play area.
Cow and Calf Rocks, Hangingstone Road, Ilkley, Yorkshire, England.
Access at all times
Easily reached from the town centre of Ilkley, The Cow is a spectacular rock face that rises 50 feet, whilst the nearby calf is obviously smaller in size.
NORTH EAST
Hulne Park, Ratten Row, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ, England.
01665 510 777
Daily 09.00-17.00 ( Dogs not allowed )
A large expanse of wooded hills that has a three mile hike hidden inside starting from the picturesque remains of Hulne Priory. Entrance to park at Ratten Row.
Borough Woods / Scotch Gill Wood, Off the B6343, Morpeth to Mitford Road, Morpeth, Northumberland, England.
Access at all times
Covering 30 acres of the Wansbeck Valley this is an excellent example of an ancient native broadleaf woodland. The Scotch Gill Wood with nature reserve and walks is nearby.
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Woodhorn, Ashington, Off the A189, Ashington, Northumberland, England.
01670 856 968
Open all year 10.00-17.00
This park includes a 40 acre lake and the parkland is ideal for walks and nature trails.
Project 2000 Botanic Gardens, Lannercost Park, East Cramlington, Off the B1326 towards Seaton Delaval, East Cramlington, Northumberland, England.
01670 714 353
Gardens always open Visitors Centre open dawn – dusk
This seven hectare site includes a nature reserve, botanic garden and circular walk.
Bede’s Way, From St Peter’s in Wearmouth to St Paul’s in Jarrow, Wearmouth, Tyne and Wear, England.
0191 460 2600 – www.greatnorthforest.co.uk
Access at all times
This 10 mile walk would have been a pigrimage between St Peter’s and St Paul’s monasteries in the 7th and 8th Century.
Tow Law Nursery and Butterfly Farm, North Road, Tow Law, High Stoop, County Durham, DL13 4BH, England.
01388 730 980
Easter – Sept 10.00-17.00 except Wednesdays
This nursery and butterfly farm welcomes visitor participation with its tropical and native butterflies.
SURRY KENT AND SUSSEX
The White Cliffs of Dover, Dover, Dover, Kent, England.
01304 202 756 – Visitors Centre Open March – Oct Mon-Sun 10.00-17.00, Nov – Feb Mon-Sun 11.00-16.00
These spectacular cliffs dominate the town of Dover and have provided literary, and romantic inspiration over the years, particularly with loved ones sailing off to fight in the war.
Winchelsea Beach, Winchelsea, 2 miles SW of Rye, Winchelsea, East Sussex, England.
www.winchelseabeach.org.uk
Access at all times
This beautiful expanse of shore line is composed of pebbles and offers some fantastic views.
Beachy Head, From Eastbourne take Dukes Drive from the sea front, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England.
Access at all times
This is the most dramatic stretch of the Sussex coastline with 575 ft high cliffs and a lighthouse below.
Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9HQ, England.
01293 542 088
Park Open all year Summer 08.00-20.00 Winter 08.00-18.00 ( or dusk if earlier ) Countryside Centre Sundays 13.00-17.00
This 170 acres of county park contains woodland walks and trails. There is also a visitors centre which arranges activities and events.
Saint Hill Manor, Saint Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4JY, England.
01324 326 711 – www.sainthillmanor.org.uk
Open all year – daily tours.14.00 – 17.00 on the hour.
There is a rose garden, lake and woods to wander around within this Victorian garden.
Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Essex, CO5 8UE, England.
01206 383 868
Open daily 8.00 – dusk
Designated nature reserve for birdwatching and nature, this park also boasts of long sandy beaches, gresslands and picnic areas.
High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR, England.
01206 853 588
Open at all times
300 acres of grassland, woodland, farmland and wetland all within 2 miles from the Town centre.
Highdown Chalk Gardens, Littlehampton Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6PE, England.
01903 239 999
April – Sept Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00 Oct – Nov Mon-Fri 10.00-16.30 Dec – Jan Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00 Feb – March Mon-Fri 10.00-16.30
This garden offers a collection of rare plant and trees.
LONDON CITY – INNER LONDON
Regents Park, Park Crescent, London, Inner London, NW1, England.
020 7486 7905 – www.royalparks.gov.uk
(Daily) 05.00- 30 mins before dusk.
The park contains a boating lake with resident herons on the island, tennis courts, a café and an impressive open air theatre. A walk in Queen Mary’s Gardens is one of the pleasures of London.
Hyde Park, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, London, Inner London, W2, England.
020 7298 2100 – www.royalparks.gov.uk
(Daily) 05.00-Midnight
This is the largest park in Central London and contains a variety of things to do and see. One of the most entertaining is listening to the soap box orators declaring their right to Free Speech on Sundays. The park is however best avoided after dark.
Kensington Gardens, Bayswater, High Street, Kensington, London, Inner London, England.
020 7298 2100 – www.royalparks.gov.uk
Daily 06.00-dusk
There are a variety of things to do in the gardens including the sunken gardens, the round pond, elfin oak, children’s puppet shows and playground, and a café “The Orangery”.
St James Park, The Mall, London, Inner London, SW1, England.
020 7930 1793 – www.royalparks.gov.uk
(Daily) 05.00 – Midnight
The bridge that spans the lake in the park is one of the best places to view Buckingham Palace from. #The lake is a wildfowl sanctuary for pelicans, ducks, geese, and black swans.There is a childrens playground and refreshments available in the Cake House.
OUTER LONDON
Greenwich Park, Charleton Way, Greenwich, London, Outer London, SE10 8QY, England.
020 8858 2608 – www.royalparks.gov.uk
(Daily 06.00-Dusk)
This riverside park is famous for its Tudor and Stewart history, and over 20 Saxon grave mounds have been identified within the park. The view from the park to the river is one of the best in London and in Summer brass bands perform in the afternoons.
Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill, Hampstead, London, Outer London, NW3, England.
020 7482 7073
(Daily) Open 24 hours
This varied semi landscaped heath with its variety of things to do has become one of London’s most popular green spaces. In addition fun fairs are held on the Heath on Easter, May and August Bank Holidays.
Victoria Park, Old Ford Road, London, Outer London, E3, England.
(Daily) 06.00-Dusk
Large ponds and tea rooms within the park give it a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger a while rather than just pass through. At the main Sewardstone Road entrance stand the Dogs Of Alcibiades that were first placed there in 1912.
Alexandra Park, Muswell Hill, London, Outer London, N22, England.
020 7272 2825
Daily 24 hours
This steeply sloping park gives great views over the city of London and has many kids attractions and sports facilities. There are also fun fairs at the park on Bank Holidays.
Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London, Outer London, N6 5HG, England.
020 7272 2825
(Daily) 07.00-Dusk
This beautiful park has steep slopes, ponds, fabulous trees, and an aviary as well as sports facilities and a children’s play area for the under 5s. There is also a garden café in the 16C Lauderdale House.
