My family photography clients come from all over Surrey including Hampton Court, Kingston, Esher, Cobham and Richmond and the surrounding areas.
A huge perk of the job is that I get to see the amazing sea of colour that explodes across Surrey in Spring time on a regular basis – Lucky me :)!
With so many beautiful locations in Surrey, choosing ten was difficult but here are my top ten with flowering highlights and best times to see them.
Definitely worth checking out their websites before you head down as most of them will have a garden update with the very latest information.
1. Kew Gardens
Highlights: Crocuses, Daffodils and Magnolias
When: January – April
With over 5 million bulbs, Kew Gardens has to be the very best place for spring flowers in the UK! With flowers blossoming as early as January, Kew is definitely worth a visit.
More information: https://www.kew.org/sites/default/files/Spring_bulb_map_140331.pdf
2. Isabella plantations
Highlights: Rhododendron and Azaleas
When: April and May
Positively bursting with colour the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot in Richmond Park, well worth checking out.
More information: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park/richmond-park-attractions/isabella-plantation/monthly-plant-diaries
3. Woodland Gardens in Bushy Park
Highlights: Daffodils, Camellia, Magnolia, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
When: Feb to early April
The Woodland Gardens is a firm favourite in our family, with so many beautiful flowers and winding pathways.
More information: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy-park/things-to-see-and-do/waterhouse-woodland-garden
4. Hampton Court – The Wilderness in spring
Highlights: Daffodils
When: March
In the early 1800s, Daffodils were planted in the open areas, increasing year on year until today there are over 12,000, with around a million bulbs in the garden in total, making for a breath-taking spring display.
More information: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/the-gardens-at-hampton-court-palace/
5. Virginia Waters
Highlights: Magnolia and Rhododendrons
When: March / April
A huge variety of spring flowers come to life at Virginia Waters. Daffodil Valley in The Valley Gardens, the Spring Wood at The Savill Garden. For me the highlight is always the stunning The magnolias in The Valley Gardens. The sheer size of the blossom is absolutely breath-taking.
More information: https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/seasonal-highlights
6. Winkworth Arboretum
Highlights: Snowdrops and Azalea
When: Early February – End of April
The azalea walk is a mass of colour at the end of April, lining the path to the boathouse which overlooks the lake.
More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum/features/snowdrops-at-winkworth-arboretum
7. Ham House
Highlights: Tulips
When: End of April
In 2016, 16000 new spring bulbs were planted with highlights including a display in the Vine border incorporating crocuses, narcissi and over 2000 white tulips.
More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden/features/spring-at-ham-house
8. Rhododendron Wood – Leith Hill
Highlights: Rhododendron
When: early blooms in February/March then continuing to bloom in April, May and June.
Take a relaxing springtime walk to experience the beauty of rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells in this gorgeous woodland at the foot of Leith Hill. There’s a map provided for an easy 1hr long walk through the beautiful wood.
More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/trails/leith-hill-rhododendron-wood-walk
9. Claremont Gardens
Highlights: Camellias, cherries, azaleas and rhododendrons
When: April and May
Enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens and finish up in the castle playground for the kiddies. It’s a win win situation!
More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden/features/spring-at-claremont-landscape-garden
10. Ramster Gardens
Highlights: Camelias, Magnolias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons and the carpets of bluebells.
When: March – May
Ramster Gardens, in Chiddingfold, offers a beautiful display of spring blossoms, I promise the drive is worth it!
More information: https://www.ramsterevents.com/whatson
Why not make the very most out of the beautiful spring displays and check out my Spring Family Photoshoots
