Open gardens

Grimsthorpe Castle, Park and Gardens are open Sundays through to Thursdays, 10.30am–6pm from Thursday, 27th May. June is a transitional period in the gardens. The herbaceous borders begin their summer display with Achillea, Nepeta and Leucanthemum adding to the scene. The ornamental kitchen garden grows fresh produce for the Castle, alongside companion plants and cut flowers, and the rose parterre and shrub rose borders will be getting into full swing. Enjoy all this, as well as peaceful walks throughout the gardens.

One of the finest walled gardens in the UK is only a hop, skip and a jump from the Deepings. Easton is an intrinsic part of the local community, many visitors return again and again to enjoy the passing seasons, big open skies, swaying meadows and the heady scent of sweet peas and roses. The garden and shop are open Weds - Sun 11.00am - 4.00pm, £8 adults £4 children. The Sweet Pea Season can be enjoyed from 23rd June and the Autumn Country Market on 6th September. Opening in May is the first retail outlet for motherand-daughter partnership Lochs & Fens in The Courtyard, stocking top-end British made eco-friendly homeware, stationery, candles and soaps. Even more reason to visit! www.visiteaston.co.uk/ Green tranquil walks, modern sculpture and family fun: the Gardens and Parkland that you see today at Burghley were largely designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century. Step outside to embrace the enchantment and history in the Elizabethan water garden, inspired by the Garden built by the 1st Lord Burghley, the Garden of Surprises. Enjoy the astonishing and undulating landscape of the Sculpture Garden, with its ancient trees, hidden limestone cliffs, Capability Brown’s great lake and a wonderful gallery for this year’s Sculpture Exhibition, ‘House’.

Ayscoughfee Hall is the imposing house and museum on the riverside in Spalding, providing a perfect backdrop for five acres of carefully tended gardens. The Yew Tree Walk dates back to the 1720s; there is an ornamental lake and a Grade 1 listed War Memorial designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The ice house harks back to days of grandeur. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk daily.