There are some beautiful National Trust gardens around Birmingham and the Midlands, and summer is a perfect time to visit. As the flowers burst into full and fragrant bloom, these places can provide a wonderful escape from the every day. From formal gardens to lavender paths, hidden doorways and walled kitchen gardens, there is lots to see and do.
Pack a picnic or enjoy tea and cake in one of the cafes. The gardens are looked after by the charity’s staff and volunteers and are planted to support wildlife and nature as well as adding colour and interest. Here are some of the best summer gardens in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Biddulph Grange Garden in Stoke-on-Trent
Biddulph Grange Garden is a unique design of world-themed garden rooms all linked by tunnels, secret pathways, and hidden walkways. Discover magnificent tree lined avenues, a bright red Chinese-inspired pagoda and an Egyptian Court guarded by two pairs of sphinx statues. Visitors can journey from the sunny Italian garden terraces – where typical Italian planting like narrow cypress (which would not survive in the wet English climate) are replaced by hardier variegated holly and rhododendrons that fill the banks with bright colour – to the cool of the Himalayan Glen with plenty of places to sit and relax along the way. Later in the summer, the Dahlia Walk becomes a dazzling highlight. Biddulph Grange Garden is open every day at 10am. Admission applies. Free entry for National Trust members.
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses near Stourbridge
The cottage garden at the Kinver Edge Rock Houses comes alive with colourful displays of larkspur, asters and sweet peas in bloom during the summer months. The allotments reflect the self-sufficient lifestyle once led by the Rock House residents, recreating the practical planting schemes that would have provided families with homegrown fruit, vegetables and flowers throughout the year. By late summer, the plots are filled with seasonal produce, vegetables and cut flowers, many of which are available for visitors to take home in return for a small donation. The garden at the Rock Houses is open Friday-Sunday during term time and Thursday-Monday during local school holidays. Admission applies. Free entry for National Trust members.
Shugborough Estate in Milford, near Stafford
The Walled Garden bursts with colour and activity throughout the summer, with vibrant cut flowerbeds filled with sunflowers, dahlias and alliums at Shugborough. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are also grown in abundance, with produce available for visitors to take home in return for a small donation. Nearby, the Orangery Garden is filled with rich scent and colour, inspired by the planting and atmosphere of the historic orangery that once stood on the site. The garden is open daily from 9am. Admission applies, free entry for National Trust members.
Attingham Park in Shrewsbury
The peonies steal the show at Attingham Park over the summer when their big, bold blooms burst into colour across the borders. Just a short wander away, the wildlife garden has a different feel, buzzing with insects and alive with movement as it is managed to support pollinators and other species. As you explore, keep an eye out for Scrap and Fig, the walled garden’s resident cats, who can often be spotted lounging in the sun or keeping a watchful eye on visitors. Attingham’s Walled Garden is open daily 9am – 5pm. Admission applies. Free entry for National Trust members.
Dudmaston Hall in Quatt, near Bridgnorth
Bright rhododendrons, poppies and irises create eye-catching displays at Dudmaston Hall during the summer. The American Garden and the hot herbaceous border are particularly striking at this time of year. And there are 37 species of roses to discover in the border behind the hall. Varieties include Gertrude Jekyll, Desdemona and Abraham Darby, and their sweet, summery scent wafts throughout the garden when the sun shines. The garden is open Sunday-Thursday from 11am. Admission applies. Free entry for National Trust members.
Sunnycroft in Telford
The house at Sunnycroft is framed by roses in the summer and the garden feels relaxed and welcoming. It makes for a great place to slow down and take it all in. Sunnycroft is open on select dates throughout the summer, alongside a flower festival that brings even more colour and creativity to the space.
Benthall Hall Garden in Broseley
Rose bushes bloom with a soft, sweet fragrance in the gardens during summer at Benthall Hall. And, as you wander across the wider estate, keep a look out for wild orchids growing in the meadows. The Kitchen Garden comes into its own during the warmer months, overflowing with seasonal produce including beans, vegetables and cut flowers. The garden is open Saturday-Monday during term time and Saturday-Wednesday during local school holidays, from 12pm. Admission applies. Free entry for National Trust members.
