It can be difficult to pinpoint what makes a garden beautiful. Is it the scale, the diversity, the upkeep? Or is it the very opposite — a garden that feels wild, untamed and as though it has taken on a life of its own? Does it bring a sense of escapism, transporting you beyond the context of your destination or does it ground you perfectly within it?
A memorable garden can do any of these things. The idea of an English garden evokes a vivid picture of colorful borders, clipped lawns and formal hedges. Yet some of the U.K.’s most esteemed hotels have spectacular green spaces that show just how broad that idea can be. Some have sweeping lawns made for guests to enjoy long lunches and games; others are home to productive kitchen gardens that supply their onsite restaurants with ingredients. And some simply seem to be designed for wandering, where hours can disappear among pretty foliage.
No matter the design, each of the below hotel gardens adds another dimension to a stay and provides a chance to experience the property through its scenic landscape.
Cliveden House
The gardens and woodlands of Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Cliveden House are spread across 376 acres in Berkshire and overlook the River Thames. They are marvelously diverse, with a formal Rose Garden, a topiary-filled Long Garden, sculptures and the famous Parterre. The latter is one of Britain’s finest restored parterres (a typically formal, symmetrical garden), which still showcases the satisfying geometric beds, box hedging and yew topiary laid out in 1855. They are painstakingly maintained with elaborate seasonal planting schemes, showcasing more than 30,000 bulbs and plants for the spring display, then another 30,000 for summer.
Guests can walk the woodland trails, head out on a private vintage boat trip along the Thames, complete with a pre-packed champagne picnic, or join a foraging activity.
The Goring
Opened in 1910 by Otto Goring, Five-Star The Goring is the only luxury hotel in the capital that is owned and run by the family that built it. And its classic English country-style green space is one of central London’s largest private hotel gardens. The surprisingly expansive lawn is framed by trees, with the elegant Veranda restaurant and terrace overlooking it, where guests can sip cocktails and soak up the (occasional) British sunshine.
At this green showpiece, children can run free, adults can play lawn games and the hotel often hosts seasonal events. What sets it apart, though, is how intimate it feels despite being just moments from Buckingham Palace and other iconic landmarks.
The Grove
Four-Star The Grove is a historic mansion set on a sprawling country estate in Hertfordshire, with an outdoor space that is both traditional and modern. Its 300 acres include wide lawns, mature trees, flower borders, as well as sculpted, formal lawns; woodland trails; and a lifestyle hub known as the Walled Garden.
The Walled Garden, which is open to hotel guests and members, features a heated outdoor pool (open seasonally) and Ralph’s Beach, a buzzing poolside space with daybeds and a bar. Guests can also play tennis, croquet and giant chess. Then there’s Jemima’s Kitchen Garden, which grows seasonal flowers and organic produce for the hotel’s restaurants. The Grove’s garden is particularly fun for families, as there’s plenty of space to escape, wander, sit, picnic and play. There’s even a musical trail winding through the woods for younger guests.
Landscape designer Michael Balston intentionally designed the planting so that it would feel natural and established rather than overly manicured. That informality carries through to the guest experience, creating a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere where you can feel at home, kick off your shoes and roam barefoot, if you wish.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a gastronomic gem, loved by foodies and garden enthusiasts alike. As the home of French chef Raymond Blanc’s celebrated restaurant, it’s no wonder that the gardens are intrinsically connected to the dining experience, as well as being something to admire.
There are 11 individually designed living landscapes, each with its own character. They include a tranquil Japanese tea garden for moments of quiet, a fragrant lavender walk, woodlands and an exceptional kitchen garden. Together, they give guests a wide variety of scenes to explore.
The orchards and potagers hark back to old-fashioned, self-contained country estates, but it’s the kitchen garden that’s the true star of the show. Here, fruit, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers grow across the seasons, and guests can learn about the different ingredients and deepen their horticultural knowledge at the hotel’s gardening school. From ornamental to intensely productive, the gardens shift beautifully with the calendar, offering something different to discover throughout the year.
Editor’s note: Le Manoir is closed for renovations and will reopen in 2027.
