East Midlands

Stride out along the longest avenue of lime trees in Europe, at Clumber Park, then see if you can find a Roman Temple, a Greek Temple and a Gothic cathedral in miniature, each hidden away in 4,000 acres of gardens. Bask in the unusual microclimate of Teversal Manor (www.teversalmanor.com/), with its ornamental pond garden and vegetable maze. Learn how an industrial landscape can be transformed into a miniature Eden, at Lea Gardens (www.leagarden.co.uk/), a beautiful place inspired by local industrialist John Marsden-Smedley. Cast your eyes across the great lawn of Risley Halls, a vast sweep of perfectly manicured grass punctuated by spectacular golden yews. For a more hands-on horticultural experience, enrol in the Garden School at 17th-century Coton Manor (www.cotonmanor.co.uk/).

More on gardens around the East Midlands