Here is a list of our favourite gardens in Norfolk and Suffolk that you can visit this winter

With what seems forever until summer, the days still dark and cold. You probably want to stay in the warm indoors at weekends. We at Vandenberg-Hider LDC think it is the best time to see some of finest gardens and landscapes in Norfolk and Suffolk.

East Ruston Old Vicarage, Norfolk

This is not one single garden but twenty-one individual gardens, which range from a landscaped Arizona desert with various varieties cacti that grow there as well as other plants which are best in arid environments. To a more traditional English rose garden, with a large collection of ‘old-fashioned’ roses of various shades of pink. The landscape of this garden is so different and varied, definitely not traditional.

What we love about this Norfolk garden is the vast size of the area, where you can wonder for what seems like hours. Best yet there is a small tea room where you can break for tea and cake. What better way to spend a winter’s afternoon?

Sandringham, Norfolk

Next on our list is Sandringham, famous for being the Queen’s North Norfolk Christmas residence. But did you know it also had a glorious garden to visit? This estate set in 24 hectares of gardens could be considered one of the finest examples of all the Royal gardens. The special thing about this garden is that each Royal who has lived there has added something from their own tastes to the garden and landscape.

These gardens have been considerably landscaped since 1862, with an original lake filled, and planted with elaborate form parterre (sadly not longer there as they were dug up during WWII and covered with lawn). Two other lakes dug, as well as a rockery and grotto created.

The upper lake has always been enjoyed by the Royals, with Queen Alexandra, wife to Edward VII built a delightful summer house overlooking the lake and a landscaped valley which brought natural springs in the lake.

The North Garden, edged in box and bordered by pleached lime avenues was designed by none other than famous landscape architect Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe.

Finally, the Queen invited Sir Eric Savill to re-landscape the Woodland Walk and Bog Gardens in the 1960s.

Somerleyton Hall Gardens, Norfolk and Suffolk Coast

Somerleyton Hall could be an example of one of Britain’s best and well-preserved stately homes and landscaped gardens. With the stately home and gardens nestled on the Norfolk and Suffolk border and only a stone’s throw from the coast this could be a perfect afternoon visit.

Where better to spend an afternoon with the kids than in a yew hedge maze. This maze is considered to be one of the finest in Britain, having been planted more than 150 years ago. With the maze 400 feet from the centre, it may take you a while to solve its mysteries.

For those looking for more classic gardens head no further than the walled gardens, which have recently been replanted to bring them back to former glory. Joseph Paxton, the architect of Crystal Palace designed the ornate iron and glass peach cages as well as the greenhouses.

Ickworth Park House, Park and Gardens, Suffolk

Probably the most famous stately home and gardens on the list. This national trust property nestled in the Suffolk countryside close to the market town of Bury St. Edmunds is one for all to see.

Not only does the estate have a classic English walled garden, but also a large landscaped parkland area. This is perfect for an afternoon walk, which takes you on a circular trail through the walled garden and past the canal lake. At one point during the walk, there is a view of the stately home and landscape in its full glory.

You may see a sheep or two, this is because sheep have been a part of Ickworth for centuries. Used for as a way to upkeep the park’s grasses throughout the year, Ickworth currently has two resident shepherds.

If you like any aspects of these gardens, as the leading landscapers in Norfolk and Suffolk we can help you, contact us here