Gardening

LONDON isn’t necessarily known for its gardens – but it does have some spectacular green spaces.

In fact Syon Park in Hounslow has just been named the ‘best public garden in London‘.

The gardens at Syon Park were named the best in London by White Stores, experts of outdoor living.

They looked at 240 gardens in total, totting up the best from factors like on-site attractions to Google ratings, reviews – even average amount of rainfall and sunshine.

Topping the table was Syon Park in Hounslow, West London.

The entire estate is one of the Duke of Northumberland‘s homes – its been owned by the family for over 400 years.

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While it is still a family home, the house, along with the award-winning gardens are open to the public on certain days during the week.

Of course the Bath stone manor is impressive, but it’s the grounds that you have to check out this summer.

There’s 100 acres of parkland on the estate with trees, grassland, wildflower meadows and an ornamental lake.

One called it a “hidden gem” which “exceeded expectations.”

While you’re having a stroll around the gardens, it will be hard to miss the enormous glasshouse.

The conservatory has an enormous dome-shaped roof and was once used to grow exotic plants from countries like South Africa and Australia.

The building was neglected during World War One, but was restored in the late 1980s.

Fans of Netflix‘s Bridgerton might recognise Syon Park; the glasshouse conservatory was used as a venue for Lady Danbury’s ball in series two.

Kylie Minogue and Little Mix even filmed music videos in there.

If you want to visit the estate, Syon Park is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays between 10.30AM and 3.30PM.

Tickets to the gardens and conservatory start from £7 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £3.50 for children (between 5-16).

If tickets are bought on the door it’s £1 more expensive.

While it’s a private home, some state rooms at Syon Park are open to explore.

It has a huge Great Hall with patterned tiled floor and Greek-style columns.

The Ante Room (essentially a waiting room) has gold detailing with paintings of Greek and Roman gods on the walls.

Others that visitors can see are the state dining room, drawing room, gallery, print room and Princess Victoria’s bedroom.

You can get a glimpse of the inner courtyard too which has a pretty fountain and neat hedges.

If you want to visit the whole estate, including the house, it’s a little more expensive – with an advance ticket, it costs £16.50 for adults.

For concessions it’s £15, children between 5-16 it’s £9.50 – children under five go free.

Again, entry on the door is an extra £1 on top of the online ticket price.

SUMMER has officially arrived with a sea of fragrant flowers, as the UK’s largest lavender farm opens its gates this week.

Get ready to stroll through 110 acres of picture-perfect purple fields, with an array of summer activities on offer for all the family.

Castle Farm Lavender Fields are opening for the summer season this week, with the public now able to enjoy its purple blooms once again.

Nestled between Eynsford and Shoreham in Kent, this sprawling lavender paradise will welcome visitors from Friday, June 19, remaining open until the end of July.

Opening in 1998, Castle Farm’s enterprise has bloomed into the UK’s largest lavender field, receiving five consecutive gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Visitors wanting to indulge in the delightful flowers can take part in a variety of different activities, including a one-hour stroll though its most famous field, Darenth Valley.

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A whole host of workshops and events are also on offer across the season, including lavender wreath-making and breathwork sessions, and lavender picnics.

Castle Farm also is home to an award-winning farm shop and dedicated Lavender Barn, where visitors can choose a fresh bunch of purple flowers as the ultimate souvenir from the day.

The farm shop also offers an array of Kent-based produce, including apples from the Castle Farm orchard and even lavender-flavoured gin.

This sprawling lavender field is only a short, one-hour drive from London, where citygoers can go relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery.

Previous visitors have raved about their day trips, with one saying: “It’s so beautiful here, it’s well worth a visit”.

Others praised the “stunning views” and “beautiful scent” in the fields.

Tickets for the lavender field walks are priced at £7 for over 16s, and £4.50 for children, with infants under three able to visit for free.

Dogs are welcome for the one hour lavender walk and guided field tours, but not for lavender picnics, wreath workshops or breathwork classes.

Castle Farm is opening to the public again on June 19, with tickets for its various activities on sale now.

ED Sheeran has been dealt another blow in his ongoing struggle to build a rehearsal space near his mega estate “Sheeranville”.

The Shape of You singer faces painfully slow construction on his new rehearsal studio due to eco-rules.

Builders having to begin construction by hand because of the prescence of endangered newts.

And they will be given special “toolbox talks” on what to do if they come across the tiny 15cm critters.

Planning bosses say the tiny 15cm critters could be disturbed by his plans to knock down a historic but dilapidated barn and turn it into a personal rehearsal space.

Council chiefs said the measures were normal for any countryside development – and not “unreasonable”.

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Ed’s builders will have to use hand tools instead of machinery, remove all debris by hand.

The popstar’s problems with amphibians date back as far as 2018 0 when protected great crested newts were found near his Suffolk estate.

Planning permission for the project was granted, but with a string of conditions to protect the species.

Sheeran bought the £1million farm in 20245 – which included a 19th century dilapidated piggery.

The brick and wood debris will also be entirely removed by hand to stop the newts from accessing it.

The ‘Great Crested Newt Method Statement’ filed with Mid-Suffolk District Council states: “The removal of any debris e.g. rubble, wood, will be undertaken by hand as far as possible, and with care, checking beneath all removed items for newts.

“Careful use of machinery will be necessary to lift large debris and to remove the existing concrete building base, with the area beneath checked for the presence of GCN as each section is lifted.”

The method statement also gives a time limit restricting project work to March, April and May when most newts will be in ponds away from construction.

Other eco measures Ed’s having to put in place include creating a “species rich, flowering lawn” with 19 different species of flowers.

Plus he’s got to plant 12 fruit trees, two bat boxes and a triple-house sparrow tower.

A spokesperson for Mid-Suffolk District Council told The Sun: “This is certainly NOT a case of any unreasonable ‘eco-friendly measures’ being demanded by our council – simply normal requirements that would be expected of any countryside developers.”

They explained there had been no conflict between Ed Sheeran and the council at any stage and that he had not complained about the restrictions.


TAKE this as your sign to grab your faves and book a brilliant spa break.

From Champneys, Tring to The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham and a Fab find in Faversham – we’ve got you covered for rest and recuperation.

THE FRIENDS’ GET-TOGETHER – Champneys, Tring

Editor in chief Sinead McIntyre and pals found R&R in Hertfordshire.

THE PAD

Set in 170 acres of beautiful countryside, this stately home, once owned by the Rothschild family, gives immediate Downton Abbey vibes, thanks to the sweeping staircases, huge chandeliers and grand fireplaces that are home to roaring fires on cooler days.

As do the rooms, with their opulent floral curtains and plush carpets.

Much to our delight, on arrival we are upgraded to two deluxe suites – mine has a super-king-size bed, adjoining lounge and two bathrooms, as well as stunning views of the grounds.

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There is no scrimping on the toiletries here either, with both Champneys and Elemis products, as well as soft white robes and slippers.

The standalone bath is the centrepiece of one bathroom, while the second has an invigorating rainforest shower.

The lounge is the perfect spot for a much-needed gossip, washed down with complimentary bubbles. Champneys, which celebrated its 100th birthday last year, also has more exercise classes than you can shake a stick at, from reformer Pilates to pickleball and HIIT, so we sign up for a legs, bums and tums class, followed by stretch and relax by candlelight.

There are also maps for walks in the extensive grounds and we enjoy a wholesome 45-minute stroll before dinner.

THE SPA

With its 25m pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and alfresco Jacuzzi, this is relaxation at its best – and that’s before you even book a treatment.

However, definitely do!

My 50-minute Upper Body Bliss massage, £105, using Elemis oils, was absolutely gorgeous and got rid of the tension I was holding in my shoulders after a stressful few months at work.

THE GRUB

There are so many delicious food options – stays are full-board, and breakfast and lunch are both buffets with tasty cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit and bagels each morning and delicious meats, salads and pasta dishes come lunchtime.

But the evening menu is the star of the show.

We loved the pulled oyster mushroom taco and the crab and prawn summer rolls to start, while the sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and the monkfish curry were both melt–in-the-mouth.

Make sure you leave room for the deconstructed honeycomb cheesecake for pudding, while the cheeseboard is also a winner.

OUT AND ABOUT

Forget it, you’re here to chill and chat.

BOOK IT

Full-board stays at Champneys, Tring, cost from £210 per person, per night (Champneys.com).

THE COUPLE’S ESCAPE – The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham

Senior Assistant Editor Sarah Barns and husband Patrick cosied up in the Cotswolds.

THE PAD

Throw open the velvet drapes, take in the stunning views and relaaaax. Winner of four AA Red Stars, this gem, just 13 minutes’ drive from Gloucester train station, offers the perfect rural recharge.

The Elizabethan manor house blends historical charm with modern luxury, and although there are 21 newly refurbished bedrooms to choose from, our pick is the Manor Suite, where the bed is so large you can both starfish, the marble bathroom comes with a bath and walk-in rainfall shower, plus there’s a cosy living area.

THE SPA

Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool and outdoor vitality pool, sweat it out in the sauna and steam room, and indulge in a TempleSpa treatment at the Elan spa, awarded five bubbles by the Good Spa Guide.

Hot stone massages, which use warm basalt stones (essentially giant black rocks) to harmonise energy points throughout the body, fixed our tense muscles and helped us instantly de-stress.

The Rocks Of The Mediterranean 75-minute treatment costs from £119 per person.

THE GRUB

The Garden Room restaurant, run by talented head chef Abhijit Dasalkar, offers a brilliant value à la carte dinner.

Think treats like Cornish crab with lemon, yuzu gel and edible flowers – one of the prettiest plates I’ve ever seen – and beef wellington served perfectly pink.

Three courses cost £67.50 per person.

Opt for the veggie Full English come morning – it’s a winner.

OUT AND ABOUT

Hit Cheltenham, 15 minutes’ drive away, for indie shops, as well as faves like Jo Malone, Toast and Reiss, plus Regency architecture.

Hatchards bookshop gives Hogwarts library feels, and Society Coffee serves up excellent flat whites, £4, and scrumptious chocolate cruffins, £3.95 (Society-cafe.com).

A short walk from the hotel is the Leckhampton Loop, a four-and- a-half-mile amble in gorgeous Cotswolds scenery.

Some parts are hilly, so you’ll have earned your lamb roast, £25.95, and sticky toffee pudding, £8.95, at The Frogmill (Thefrogmill.co.uk).

BOOK IT

B&B for two costs from £97 per person, including 90 minutes of spa use (Thegreenwayhotelandspa.com).

A fab find in Faversham

You don’t need a swish spa hotel in this Kent town, says Contributing Picture Editor Ruth Greatrex.

Embracing the therapeutic heat of the Finnish barrel sauna, my friend Katie and I gaze out at the vivid green fields, our skin slathered with sea-salt scrub, fragrant with rose petals and uplifting orange oil.

Staff are poised to bring juices, kombucha, or even a cocktail at the ding of a bell, too.

Once suitably baked, we brave the chilly overhead water bucket, then plunge into the ice-cold barrel.

A restorative soak in the wood-fired hot tub later, we both emerge with baby-soft skin and feel thoroughly revived.

A 90-minute session costs from £18 per person (Seascrubsauna.co.uk).

This Sea Scrub Sauna sits on the site of Macknade, one of England’s best farm shops and a family-run spot where apples and hops have grown since 1847.

We grab lunch at the new street-food village, digging into miso cream mushrooms, £11, at Hop Shed Bar & Kitchen, washed down with zingy Faversham bacchus, £9 a glass, and finishing with brown butter popcorn ice cream, £4.15, from Bears Ice Cream, before checking out the amazing food hall (Macknade.com).

Family-owned country estate Mount Ephraim Gardens is 10 minutes’ drive away and offers rooms.

We play ladies of the manor, strolling through the pretty rose gardens and even spy the sea from the Sir Edwyn Suite, which has a freestanding bath.

Double rooms cost from £150 per night (Mountephraimgardens.co.uk).

Come morning, we’re tempted back to Macknade for pancakes with blood orange and rhubarb compote, £12.

Although there are HIIT and spin classes on offer, I go for a soothing hot-stone aromatherapy massage, from £35 for 30 minutes (@Serene_ massage_therapies).

You don’t need long here to rediscover your zen. . .

IF you’re looking for inspiration to entertain your kids during the half term, the UK’s biggest garden centre could be the solution.

The 25-acre site boasts numerous gardens, shops, a cafe and soft play area.

Bridgemere Garden Centre, in Nantwich, Cheshire, features more than enough to keep the family entertained the whole day.

Named Britain’s largest garden centre by The Guinness Book of Records, the massive space holds a restaurant and tearoom on site.

Visitors can feast on a range of deli goods and brunch specials, before retiring to the tearoom to indulge in a handmade patisserie – or two.

The area has more than six acres of gardens, including the Cottage Garden and Woodland Walk, where kids will have plenty of space to run around.

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When you tire out from visiting any of the 13 show gardens, an open-air café is situated right in the centre – ideal for a quick coffee and cake.

The site even has a Hobbycraft, which sells everything from clothing and books to gardening supplies.

For those with younger children, the centre’s soft play area is the perfect place to keep them busy.

The gardens also have a number of rotating events, including an upcoming food festival on June 27 and 28.

General admission is free, meaning a visit won’t be a burden on your budget.

Pets are also welcome, so you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home.

During the summer, the centre operates between 9am and 6pm on Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.

BRIAN May has been banned from planting daffodils on his village green after the local council said they could pose a safety risk.

The former Queen rocker planned to donate bulbs for his village green in Elstead, Surrey, but the local council have blocked him.

Elstead parish council said the yellow flowers would obstruct the line of sight of nearby traffic.

The authority added that the daffodils would prevent locals crossing the green and disrupt accessibility.

The 78-year-old’s request was therefore rejected as the council said it had “a responsibility to balance community initiatives with safety”.

Speaking to the Farnham Herald, Sir Brian said: “We’re struggling to imagine how 18-inch stalks could [obstruct] anyone’s view, especially when the green is normally surrounded by parked vehicles including a 7ft-high ice cream van.”

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The guitarist hoped the village green would be another success after he previously planted 3,000 bulbs on the green outside St James’s Church.

Jeremy Hunt, the Conservative MP for Godalming and Ash praised “Elstead’s most famous resident Sir Brian May and his brilliant team of planters for supplying and planting the stunning daffodils for Elstead green”.

The council countered that the village green and the church green were “two very different areas”.

It added that the church green was “more amenable to daffodil planting”.

Jenny Littledale, a local resident, said: “How sad that something so lovely has been turned down for such a ridiculous reason.”

Jenny Else, another Elstead resident and former Waverley borough councillor, said the locals wishes hadn’t been considered.

She continued: “Perhaps a vote should have been taken. There has been so much interest in the proposal.”

Ms Else said that when she had seen a sketch of the proposed area for the flowers, she didn’t think sight lines were under threat.

“There is a large area for any community gatherings during the daffodil season and good pedestrian access,” she added.

Sir Brian shared the news on a blog post, he wrote: “I’ve been quite thrilled to get so many happy comments from the village about this year’s display.

“Probably the best part of it all has been the friends I’ve made here in Elstead.

“And of course thanks to our parish council for giving me the permission to donate spring beauty to our community!

“We were all hoping to adorn the main village green for next spring… But sadly the parish council last night rejected my plan.”

A council spokesperson said: “Elstead parish council welcomes and proactively supports community planting and is extremely grateful to the volunteers who put time and care into projects like this.

“The parish council has a duty to balance the practical usage of our green along with the views of our residents.

“The main village green is used in several ways throughout the year. It hosts key community events, is crossed regularly on foot and is valued by some as an open space.

“As a council, we have said that we very much welcome further discussion about these options and thank everyone involved for their enthusiasm and ideas.”

The spokesman told The Telegraph that the issue had been “portrayed in one way when it’s not actually that at all”. The negative response to the ruling got “out of hand” they added.