Gardens, glasshouses and conservatories for a tropical winter
A tropical oasis at the Barbican, historic woodland at Dunham Massey and a colourful spectrum of winter flowers at Mottisfont – these are some of our favourite winter gardens.
Public ‘winter gardens’ date back to the 19th century, when spectacular glasshouses and conservatories became a fashionable place for people to pay to see the rarest tropical and subtropical plants, as well as enjoy some art and entertainment.
If you’re in need of some seasonal solace, why not brighten up the colder months and learn about these beautiful UK winter gardens? From the hidden oasis of London’s Barbican Conservatory to the colourful scenery of Eltham Palace’s garden rooms, there’s lots to marvel at for the green-fingered among us, including glasshouses, conservatories and billowing outdoor landscapes.
All these venues offer fantastic benefits with a National Art Pass, a Student Art Pass and a Teacher Art Pass. You can also explore our full list of museums and galleries for more places to visit near you.
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Discover the best UK winter gardens to visit with an Art Pass
Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey’s winter garden is the largest of its kind in the UK, home to winter shrubs, trees and evergreens, with all plants carefully selected for their signature scents, vibrant colours and rich textures. The majestic beech and oak trees maintain the historic woodland feel of the gardens, while the thousands of bulbs that burst from the ground in winter include snowdrops, irises and cyclamen. The garden remains home to wildlife throughout the winter, as bees and woodpeckers forage for food through the colder months.
Mottisfont
The colourful winter garden at Mottisfont is home to dogwood trees, ornamental bramble, snowdrops, berries, fruit and perennials which bring a vibrant pop of colour. Tints of yellows and deep burgundy dominate the ground in the winter months, while winter-flowering honeysuckles, witch hazel and viburnum add a subtle scent to the cold air.
Preston Park Museum and Grounds
An homage to the days of Victorian high society, the gorgeous glasshouse at Preston Park is home to an array of tropical occupants, offering unrivalled views of the parkland. The original mosaic floor and elegant central dome remain intact, complemented by exotic planting.
Barbican Art Gallery
An idyllic oasis inside one of the capital’s most striking buildings, the Barbican Conservatory is the second largest in London. Full to the brim with tropical plants, trees, flowers, shrubs and romantic hanging vines, it’s a little urban paradise, and a wander round its winding paths and bridges is a welcome escape from busy city life.
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Rich scents and a kaleidoscope of coloured hellebore make Eltham Palace’s gardens the perfect nature destination in winter and spring. Winter in particular is when the rare 1930s shrubs can be seen to thrive, including the richly scented Virburnum x birkwoodii, notable for its beautiful winter flowers.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.