5 iconic UK gardens to visit and the new Holland Cooper range redefining garden luxury

With Summer now officially underway (it starts on 1st June each year according to the Met Office), there’s no better time to explore the UK‘s wonderful array of gardens open to the public. Regular readers will be familiar with some we have visited in recent years – such as the wonderful National Trust Crook Hall Gardens at Durham and the Cholmondeley Castle Gardens in Cheshire.

There is a unique magic to the great British garden in summer—a landscape of manicured box hedges, historic vistas, and the quiet elegance of estate living. It is a lifestyle deeply rooted in our heritage, a sentiment beautifully captured by Holland Cooper’s brand new Home & Garden extension. Launched in collaboration with the ultimate icon of British elegance, Dame Mary Berry, this debut gardening capsule celebrates exactly what makes our country’s finest landscapes so captivating: timeless style, superb craftsmanship, and the art of elegant outdoor living.

Here we explore the UK’s most iconic gardens to visit this Summer; these five world-class garden destinations offer the ultimate travel inspiration—and pair effortlessly with the heritage aesthetic of Britain’s latest luxury launch.

1. RHS Garden Wisley (Surrey)

You’ll be hard-pushed to find a more fitting way to start the list than the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden. RHS Wisley is a world-class travel destination that attracts visitors from around the world. It’s a masterclass in grand-scale horticulture where you can lose yourself among the world-famous Mixed Borders (parallel borders that are an incredible 128-metres long) and explore the cutting-edge science hub at Hilltop. Make sure you also step inside the Glasshouse (it’s enormous – dare I say, almost cathedral-like!), which protects a world-spanning collection of rare, tropical flora.

Strolling through these expansive, masterfully curated grounds requires an ensemble that feels entirely at home among the horticultural elite. Because this debut collection is specifically timed for the summer society calendar, there is no grander fixture to dress for than an RHS showcase. With Dame Mary Berry—a beloved figure within the British gardening community—fronting the launch, the capsule effortlessly bridges the gap between high-end garden tourism and functional fashion. The range expands from sleek waterproofs to elevated countryside essentials, ensuring you remain perfectly polished while navigating Wisley’s grandest landscapes.

2. Hidcote Manor Garden (The Cotswolds)

Next up we have an arts-and-crafts masterpiece – possibly one of the world’s most influential and celebrated examples – that is tucked away in the rolling hills of Gloucestershire. Hidcote’s international acclaim is renowned for its intricate “outdoor rooms”. Created by Lawrence Johnston, each section of the garden offers a distinct mood, framed by magnificent, tall hedges. Our top tip is to arrive early in the morning so you can enjoy the quiet majesty of the famous Red Border. Doing so will mean you can pair your visit with a luxury boutique driving tour of the surrounding Cotswolds villages later in the day.

At Hidcote, you’re on the literal home turf of the Holland Cooper brand which is famously headquartered in a custom-built, 70,000 sq ft facility in nearby Cheltenham. And the garden’s manicured, historic borders bring to life the creative spirit that mirror Jade Holland Cooper’s heritage-driven range. In many ways, the capsule’s natural green stripe designs pay direct homage to traditional British gardening, much like the structured aesthetic of this Cotswolds treasure.

Jade Holland Cooper, Founder & Managing Director of Holland Cooper, said: “Gardening has always been a passion of mine, but I could never find pieces that felt both beautiful and thoughtfully made. So, we created them ourselves, elevated essentials designed for life outdoors. Collaborating with Mary Berry made this collection even more special, bringing together a shared love of gardening, heritage, and the beauty of everyday moments.”

3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (London)

Kew Gardens – possibly the most famous of all the UK’s gardens – carries UNESCO World Heritage site status. It is of critical importance in terms of conservation since it holds the world’s largest and most diverse botanical collections. For domestic and international travellers alike, this is a memorable day out in London, made all the more magical thanks to the soaring treetop walkway you can stroll along. On your visit, you’ll also get to admire the architectural brilliance of the historic Palm House, and take in the panoramic views from the stunning Great Pagoda.

Spending a full day exploring a sprawling historic landmark will no doubt fill you with inspiration that you can apply to your own garden back home. And with Holland Cooper’s new collection, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated edit of garden essentials. Premium pieces like the half apron, the comfortable kneeling pad, and a beautifully designed gardening bag will have you looking the part, even if your garden doesn’t quite match the standards set by Kew.

4. Chatsworth House Gardens (Derbyshire)

You may recall our visit to the Chatsworth House Estate late last year when we reviewed The Pilsley Inn. The gardens at Chatworth are the culmination of more than 500 years of careful cultivation so it’s little wonder that there’s a core team of 20 or so gardeners required to maintain the 105 acres of land shaped by the likes of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and Joseph Paxton. A highlight of any visit to this Peak District gem is the dramatic 300-year-old Cascade, but there’s so much more to enjoy including a Victorian rock garden and the Arcadia redevelopment – the largest transformation to the gardens in nearly 200 years.

Because Chatsworth regularly hosts prestigious country lifestyle events, it serves as the ultimate backdrop for an outdoor-ready wardrobe designed for elegant moments in historic landscapes. As Dame Mary Berry notes: “When you’re popping in and out of the garden, you want something that just works. I think it’s important to feel at ease in what you wear. Jade has created a brand that feels rather special, and still very wearable. If something has style and is beautifully made, you’ll wear it again and again.”

5. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Scotland)

To add some geographical variety to your UK garden tour, don’t forget “The Botanics” in Edinburgh. This world-class garden spans 70 acres in Scotland‘s capital, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In addition to the famous Rock Garden, you’ll be afforded spectacular, elevated views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s skyline. Don’t miss also the historic Victorian Palm House and a walk along the breathtaking avenue of giant Chinese Redwoods.

Taking your travel itinerary northwards also links nicely with Holland Cooper’s manufacturing roots, and its exquisite tailoring crafted using Scottish-woven wools and heritage checks.

The brand champions regional craftsmanship and celebrates the very best of British style from the heart of Edinburgh to the hills of the Cotswolds. Their latest additions and brand-new gardening collection is available online and through select retail partners.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Holland Cooper.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.