As lovely as one’s backyard garden may be, there are few better places to be than sitting than in an English garden, whether waiting for the sun or not, as John Lennon lamented.
And while Brits can finally start getting out to some of their world-famous venues, most Canadians can still only dream of visiting, or in some cases doing it digitally.
To that end, VisitBritain has come up with six experiences designed to help travellers who want to “relax, de-stress and soak up some of nature’s peaceful energy” and to do so – albeit from the comfort of home – in a tranquil British garden.
“Check out these virtual garden tours to feel a little closer to the flowers, birdsong and beautiful outdoor spaces that are peppered across Britain,” says VisitBritain.
Kew from above
Take a few minutes to enjoy the stunning scenes from one of Britain’s most famous horticultural hotspots with this virtual tour of Kew Gardens. Giving you a bird’s-eye-view of Kew’s iconic glasshouse, pagoda and tranquil outdoor spaces, this tour offers a virtual slice of Kew’s tranquillity and grandeur. Click HERE.
Birdsong and bluebells
For relaxing birdsong and uplifting floral scenes, immerse yourself in a 20-minute trip through some of Britain’s beautiful bluebell woods. Many of these sites are maintained by the National Trust and this video is perfect for relaxing or meditating to the sounds of nature in Britain, one of the Trust’s main aims. Classic places that showcase blooming springtime bluebells include The Vyne in Hampshire, Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex and Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire. It can be found on YOUTUBE.
Lily pads and poppies
Want to discover your own secret garden? Enjoy a virtual mosey around 360 ° imagery of Gloucestershire’s Hidcote Manor Gardens, one of the best known Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain. With scenes that range from the poppy-filled red borders to the climbing plants in the plant house and a pond complete with delicate lily pads, there’s plenty to explore on this VIRTUAL TOUR.
Victorian extravagance
Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild for the sole purpose of hosting extravagant parties, Waddeson Manor and gardens in Buckinghamshire has a history of marvelling visitors that dates back to the 1880s. If you want to step into Rothschild’s world, the grand manor house, tropical bird aviary and blissful gardens can now be explored, while a tour of the grand house’s interior can also be taken ONLINE.
Gardens fit for a Prince
Experience a taste of royal life on a tour of Highgrove Gardens – the grounds of Prince Charles’ private residence – with this online guide. Offering a chance to see the majestic mosaic water feature, blossoming wisteria and the stumpery, the tour reveals a virtual world of horticultural elegance. Get the experience HERE.
Daffodil Heaven
Nestled in the Welsh Marshes, Gorsty House has a charming two-acre garden that comes to life each spring, blooming with a bright carpet of yellow daffodils. The National Garden Scheme has created a virtual tour and video interview with the garden owner, to give daffodil fans the chance to stroll through this tranquil space and learn more about their growth. Find it HERE.