11 Best UK Royal Gardens to Explore in 2025
You’re in luck! The UK boasts an abundance of them to enjoy.
Discover the roundup of our favourites right here and find out what to expect during your visit, flowers you might see, and the sights you shouldn’t miss!
Ready to imagine you’re royalty just for the day, soak up the awe-inspiring displays of flora and fauna, and learn a little history along the way?
Let’s go.
11 Best Royal Gardens to Explore in the UK
1. Buckingham Palace
2. Kensington Palace
3. Hampton Court Palace
4. Sandringham
5. Castle and Gardens of Mey
6. Highgrove House
7. Glamis Castle
8. Balmoral Castle
9. Frogmore House
10. Clarence House
11. Palace of Holyroodhouse
1. Buckingham Palace
Starting with arguably the most well known Royal Gardens…
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic Royal residences in the world.
Most people know the view of the Palace from the front, looking down the Mall.
But, did you know that the residence also has stunning gardens?
It’s in these gardens that Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree for each of her four children.
There’s also a beautiful herbaceous border, rose garden, and wildflower meadow.
The garden is open to the public Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the second week in July to the middle of September.
You can explore the gardens yourself or take one of the Garden Highlights Tours.
For more information visit the website.
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic Royal residences in the world.
Most people know the view of the Palace from the front, looking down the Mall.
But, did you know that the residence also has stunning gardens?
It’s in these gardens that Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree for each of her four children.
There’s also a beautiful herbaceous border, rose garden, and wildflower meadow.
The garden is open to the public Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the second week in July to the middle of September.
You can explore the gardens yourself or take one of the Garden Highlights Tours.
For more information visit the website.
Picture credit: Lonely Planet
2. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is currently the official residence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
It’s also the birthplace of Queen Victoria.
You can explore Kensington Palace Gardens without a ticket, although you do need to book if you want to go inside the Palace itself.
Inspired to visit these beautiful gardens?
Look out for the Sunken Garden which was constructed in 1908 and replanted in memory of Princess Diana, in 2017.
It’s a relaxed space where you’re surrounded by exquisite pastel shades.
We also love the wildflower meadow at Kensington Palace.
The flowers in the meadow include daisies, poppies, and campion.
They have an intrinsic natural beauty and they’re also great for pollinators and other insects.
The Royal Gardens here at Kensington are sure to impress.
For more information visit the website.
It’s also the birthplace of Queen Victoria.
You can explore Kensington Palace Gardens without a ticket, although you do need to book if you want to go inside the Palace itself.
Inspired to visit these beautiful gardens?
Look out for the Sunken Garden which was constructed in 1908 and replanted in memory of Princess Diana, in 2017.
It’s a relaxed space where you’re surrounded by exquisite pastel shades.
We also love the wildflower meadow at Kensington Palace.
The flowers in the meadow include daisies, poppies, and campion.
They have an intrinsic natural beauty and they’re also great for pollinators and other insects.
The Royal Gardens here at Kensington are sure to impress.
For more information visit the website.
3. Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace isn’t a current Royal residence.
But it was built by arguably the most famous British monarch, King Henry VIII.
Today, it’s an amazing place to spend time with your family exploring the Royal Gardens.
There are 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of parkland at the Palace, so you won’t get bored!
The most famous part of the grounds is the Palace Maze which was created around 1700.
There’s also the opportunity to see deer and different bird species at Home Park.
For more information visit the website.
But it was built by arguably the most famous British monarch, King Henry VIII.
Today, it’s an amazing place to spend time with your family exploring the Royal Gardens.
There are 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of parkland at the Palace, so you won’t get bored!
The most famous part of the grounds is the Palace Maze which was created around 1700.
There’s also the opportunity to see deer and different bird species at Home Park.
For more information visit the website.
4. Sandringham
The Queen’s home in Norfolk was originally purchased by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, in 1863.
Although, the carefully and expertly designed formal gardens were not created until 1947.
Geoffrey Jelicoe created the Royal Gardens for King George VI.
You can see the results of his designs if you visit the gardens which are open April-October.
The best time to visit the formal gardens is late July when butterflies make them their home.
The woodland garden at Sandringham is home to rhododendron, camellia and magnolia.
This part of the estate is at its most beautiful in late May when the handkerchief tree comes into flower.
For more information visit the website.
Although, the carefully and expertly designed formal gardens were not created until 1947.
Geoffrey Jelicoe created the Royal Gardens for King George VI.
You can see the results of his designs if you visit the gardens which are open April-October.
The best time to visit the formal gardens is late July when butterflies make them their home.
The woodland garden at Sandringham is home to rhododendron, camellia and magnolia.
This part of the estate is at its most beautiful in late May when the handkerchief tree comes into flower.
For more information visit the website.
Picture credit: Great British Gardens
5. Castle and Garden of Mey
This Royal residence is less famous than many others.
But its Royal Gardens are no less gorgeous.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother bought Castle Mey in Caithness in 1952.
She arranged for it to be renovated and for the gardens to be landscaped.
The gardens have changed very little since that time.
If you visit today, you will see shrub roses, marigolds, pansies, dahlias, primulas, and nasturtiums in all their splendour.
The gardens are only open for three days each year, in aid of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, so make the most of your visit.
For more information visit the website.
But its Royal Gardens are no less gorgeous.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother bought Castle Mey in Caithness in 1952.
She arranged for it to be renovated and for the gardens to be landscaped.
The gardens have changed very little since that time.
If you visit today, you will see shrub roses, marigolds, pansies, dahlias, primulas, and nasturtiums in all their splendour.
The gardens are only open for three days each year, in aid of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, so make the most of your visit.
For more information visit the website.
Picture credit: Scotland’s Gardens
6. Highgrove House
The Prince of Wales has been heavily involved in designing the impressive Royal Gardens that surround the official residence of him and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall.
If you’re lucky enough to visit there are several features to look out for:
The stumpery with tree stumps, ferns, and sculptures carved from wood.
Box hedges and delphiniums in the Sundial Garden.
Colours of Tibet in the Cottage Garden.
The Wildflower Meadow.
You can visit the gardens at Highgrove by booking an individual or group tour.
There are also opportunities to treat yourself with a Champagne Tea Tour or Private Tour.
For more information visit the website.
If you’re lucky enough to visit there are several features to look out for:
The stumpery with tree stumps, ferns, and sculptures carved from wood.
Box hedges and delphiniums in the Sundial Garden.
Colours of Tibet in the Cottage Garden.
The Wildflower Meadow.
You can visit the gardens at Highgrove by booking an individual or group tour.
There are also opportunities to treat yourself with a Champagne Tea Tour or Private Tour.
For more information visit the website.
7. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle was the home of Queen Mother when she was a child.
The residence is situated amidst the stunning landscape of the Angus Glens.
Its Royal Gardens are incredible to look at throughout most of the year.
The daffodils sparkle in spring.
The azaleas are brightly lit in summer.
In autumn the leaves on the trees turn a multitude of colours.
If you visit the gardens at Glamis Castle we recommend you don’t miss the Italian garden which was created for Countess Cecelia, the Queen’s grandmother.
For more information visit the website.
The residence is situated amidst the stunning landscape of the Angus Glens.
Its Royal Gardens are incredible to look at throughout most of the year.
The daffodils sparkle in spring.
The azaleas are brightly lit in summer.
In autumn the leaves on the trees turn a multitude of colours.
If you visit the gardens at Glamis Castle we recommend you don’t miss the Italian garden which was created for Countess Cecelia, the Queen’s grandmother.
For more information visit the website.
8. Balmoral Castle
This is another of the Royal Gardens in Scotland to visit.
Balmoral is the home of the Queen in the summer and it’s spectacular.
One of the most impressive areas of the garden is the formal gardens.
The glasshouses here are from the Victorian era and they house an array of pot plants with eye-popping colours.
You can’t fail to be captivated by the gardens at Balmoral Castle.
From their creation under the supervision of Prince Albert to the present day, they’ve been cared for with great dedication and skill.
For more information visit the website.
Balmoral is the home of the Queen in the summer and it’s spectacular.
One of the most impressive areas of the garden is the formal gardens.
The glasshouses here are from the Victorian era and they house an array of pot plants with eye-popping colours.
You can’t fail to be captivated by the gardens at Balmoral Castle.
From their creation under the supervision of Prince Albert to the present day, they’ve been cared for with great dedication and skill.
For more information visit the website.
Picture credit: Town & Country
9. Frogmore House
This tranquil green oasis is located close to Frogmore Cottage in the Home Park of Windsor Castle.
Frogmore House gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and they’re stunning.
Visit the Royal Gardens and you encounter picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and glades.
You can also see the teahouse that was made for Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Frogmore House Gardens are not open to the public in 2021.
But, there is good news…
They’re normally open for three Charity Open Days in spring and for pre-booked parties of 15 or more people during August.
For more information, and updates on next year’s opening times, visit the website.
Frogmore House gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and they’re stunning.
Visit the Royal Gardens and you encounter picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and glades.
You can also see the teahouse that was made for Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Frogmore House Gardens are not open to the public in 2021.
But, there is good news…
They’re normally open for three Charity Open Days in spring and for pre-booked parties of 15 or more people during August.
For more information, and updates on next year’s opening times, visit the website.
Picture credit: Royal UK
10. Clarence House
This tranquil green oasis is located close to Frogmore Cottage in the Home Park of Windsor Castle.
Frogmore House gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and they’re stunning.
Visit the Royal Gardens and you encounter picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and glades.
You can also see the teahouse that was made for Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Frogmore House Gardens are not open to the public in 2021.
But, there is good news…
They’re normally open for three Charity Open Days in spring and for pre-booked parties of 15 or more people during August.
For more information, and updates on next year’s opening times, visit the website.
Frogmore House gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and they’re stunning.
Visit the Royal Gardens and you encounter picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and glades.
You can also see the teahouse that was made for Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Frogmore House Gardens are not open to the public in 2021.
But, there is good news…
They’re normally open for three Charity Open Days in spring and for pre-booked parties of 15 or more people during August.
For more information, and updates on next year’s opening times, visit the website.
11. Palace of Holyrood House
This tranquil green oasis is located close to Frogmore Cottage in the Home Park of Windsor Castle.
Frogmore House gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and they’re stunning.
Visit the Royal Gardens and you encounter picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and glades.
You can also see the teahouse that was made for Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Frogmore House Gardens are not open to the public in 2021.
But, there is good news…
They’re normally open for three Charity Open Days in spring and for pre-booked parties of 15 or more people during August.
For more information, and updates on next year’s opening times, visit the website.
Frogmore House gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and they’re stunning.
Visit the Royal Gardens and you encounter picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and glades.
You can also see the teahouse that was made for Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Frogmore House Gardens are not open to the public in 2021.
But, there is good news…
They’re normally open for three Charity Open Days in spring and for pre-booked parties of 15 or more people during August.
For more information, and updates on next year’s opening times, visit the website.
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Have you been to any of the Royal Gardens we listed in this blog?
Let others know of your experience and top tips in the comments section below, we would love to hear from you.
Let others know of your experience and top tips in the comments section below, we would love to hear from you.
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