Kew Gardens

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Kew Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

As London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens is more than just a garden, it’s home to the biggest collection of living plants anywhere on Earth.

From towering redwoods in the wild Arboretum, to the indoor rainforest of the tropical Palm House or the floral beauty of the Great Broad Walk Borders, there’s plenty to see and explore. Hop on the Explorer land train or set off on foot to discover over 300 acres of natural wonders. Climb up into the canopy and stroll along the soaring Treetop Walkway or discover how art and nature connect at The Hive, an interactive installation inspired by the lives of honeybees. If travelling with children, let your future plant scientists and explorers run wild in the Children’s Garden.

No visit is complete without stepping inside Kew’s world-famous glasshouses, including the iconic Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, containing over 10,000 different plants.

Nearest Station: Kew Bridge

Chelsea Physic Garden

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Chelsea Physic Garden(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Tucked away beside the Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is a celebration of the beauty and importance of plants. Founded in 1673, it is one of London’s oldest botanical gardens and contains a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, medicinal and historical plants within its sheltering walls.

This hidden gem is also a peaceful green oasis – enjoy a relaxing stroll, savour lunch or afternoon tea at the award-winning Tangerine Dream Café, then browse the unique garden gifts in the Book & Gift shop. The Garden also hosts a variety of special and seasonal events over the year. They are inspiring, educational and always fun, often highlighting new aspects of The Garden's history and collections.

Nearest Station: Battersea Park

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Birmingham Botanical Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens offer something for everyone, with 4 stunning glasshouses showing tropical rainforests and an arid desert, a playground, tearoom and Japanese Gardens, all surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in Britain.

Colourful plants can be found in all corners of the gardens in all months of the year, just a few of which are highlighted on their plants of the month lists and in their seasonal walks. In addition, there are some plants in the collection that stand out because of their historical association with the gardens, the people that collected them or their botanical interest.

There are always great events taking place, from music and plays to exhibitions and craft days for the little ones.

Nearest Station: Birmingham New Street

Pitmedden Garden

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Pitmedden Garden(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Brilliant design in the form of vibrant colours and meticulously manicured shapes give Pitmedden Garden its unique charm. With almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, sculptures and built heritage, the parterres at the heart of the garden are a masterpiece of intricate patterns and fragrant flowers.

The Great Garden dates to 1675 when it was originally laid out by Sir Alexander Seton, whose head gardener had designed gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and was similarly influenced by the French Palace of Versailles.

In the 1950s Pitmedden was gifted to The National Trust who re-created the garden based on 17th-century plans after it was ploughed up to grow vegetables during the Second World War and used as a kitchen garden for over 100 years. In 2021 they reimagined the upper terrace parterre for the modern world with a fresh, sustainable garden. A biodiverse, species-rich meadow weaves and drifts, offering changing patterns and colours, alongside an orchard of more than 200 fruit trees

Nearest Station: Aberdeen

RHS Garden Wisley

• Get 2FOR1 entry to RHS Garden Wisley(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

RHS Wisley is one of the Great Britain’s best-loved gardens, steeped in history and blazing a trail as a glorious garden of the future.

The new RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of gardener, where you can learn all about the vital work being done to help future-proof our planet. Explore a range of produce ripe for picking in their World Food Garden, sit and reflect in the Wellbeing Garden, or spot insects skimming the water’s edge in the Wildlife Garden.

For a day out that delights all the senses, challenge your companions to a race up Battleston Hill, take in the divine aromas of the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, and gaze up in wonder in the tropical Glasshouse. Grab a relaxing cuppa and a bite to eat at any of the gardens or sit down for a meal full of seasonal fruit and veg, including produce picked fresh from the garden.

Nearest Station: Woking

Inveresk Lodge Garden

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Inveresk Lodge Garden (external link, opens in a new tab)with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Tall trees, fragrant flowers, clear water – these walled grounds tucked away in the charming village of Inveresk, near Edinburgh, have all the ingredients for a garden paradise.

This hillside plant haven offers a sanctuary of tranquility and a year-round feast for the senses. It is home to colourful borders and a heady mix of scents, including roses, honeysuckle and herbs.

The garden is split into 2 main areas, with sloping lawns and borders at the top of the hill and the wilder woodland and ponds below.

Nearest Station: Musselburgh

Hatfield Park & Gardens

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Hatfield Park & Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Explore the outdoors with the Woodland Walks, Parkland and Historic Gardens of this Hertfordshire attraction. The Gardens were planted in the early 17th century, with a wide collection of plants that had never been grown in England before.

Let yourself step back in time with a tour of the Old Palace, while the Stable Yard and Coach House Kitchen also make for an ideal lunchtime spot, with free entry.

Nearest Station: Hatfield (Herts) (external link, opens in a new tab)