I was never really a huge fan of botanical gardens or impressive topiaries (oh err, missus) until I visited Keukenhof near Amsterdam and then subsequently stayed at Askham Hall, which was surrounded by its own gorgeous gardens, orchard and farmland. Those two experiences made me see the beauty of being surrounded by tranquil gardens and now I always try and search for country hotels that are situated in their own beautiful hotel gardens.
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Wales
This impressive National Trust hotel is surrounded by over 200 acres of parkland and beautifully-manicured gardens, and even offers tours of the grounds run by the head gardener. Some of the unique features of the estate include lily-pad ponds, a rockery with cascade, a rose garden and patterned box hedges filled with herbs. There are also several woodland walks that start and end in the hotel’s gardens. Essentially, if you love plants and flowers, this is the hotel for you.
Villa D’Este, Italy
Overlooking Lake Como, this grandiose hotel features its own Renaissance period gardens and a 16th century mosaic. Guests can wander among rose & jasmine bushes, topiary hedges and exotic trees, all while still being able to view the lake in the distance. In fact, when I stayed at this hotel last year, it was so swanky and well-manicured that it made me feel ashamed by the state of my own suntrap of a backyard and had me quickly Googling garden benches and wrought-iron lanterns upon my return. I’ll be sipping Aperol Spritz and looking suavely Italian in no time…
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, England
As well as being a grand manor house hotel and housing a renowned restaurant created by the chef Raymond Blanc, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons also boasts some of the grandest gardens in the whole of Oxfordshire. A two-acre vegetable patch provides fresh, organic ingredients for the restaurant kitchen, as does the herb garden, ‘mushroom valley’ and orchard. Visitors can wander through the tranquil English Water Garden, filled with ponds and water features, or wash their hands in the ritual water basin of the Japanese Tea Garden.
Le Prieuré d’Orsan, France
This quaint hotel is a former monastery and listed historical monument located in the countryside of the Loire Valley. The surrounding gardens, established in the 12th century, are inspired by medieval tapestries and are beautifully manicured and maintained by a team of gardening staff.
Villa Cimbrone, Italy
The gardens of this majestic 12th century villa feature English influences (they were designed by an English gardener at the start of the 20th century) and are a stunning example of botany culture. Fountains, statues, temples and pavilions from all over the world are dotted among the gardens. Be sure to walk the long central path of the gardens which ends with an ‘Infinity Terrace’ and what can only be described as one of the most stunning views in the world – overlooking the turquoise Amalfi Coast.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a castle, then this is the hotel for you. This five-star property would be impressive enough on its own, but the tranquil gardens that surround it on the edge of Lough Corrib are the perfect place to enjoy nature walks. The gardens were laid out by the Guinness family in the 19th century and feature a circular feature pond, a walled garden and a terrace walk.
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