As season three of the nation’s favourite regency drama Bridgerton hits TV screens, it seems a good opportunity to visit some gardens from the era in your caravan or motorhome.
You’re not guaranteed to spot Penelope Featherington or Lady Danbury amongst the topiary, but these Georgian period gardens will certainly fire your imagination.
Features that were particularly popular during the extravagant regency period include flowering shrubs, lakes, temples and follies, meaning there’s something to see around every corner of these vast estates.
The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have put together a list of the most beautiful gardens from the era that are open to the public and perfect for a touring trip within the UK.
Chris Bonnet, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “The first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they think about Bridgerton is the charming scenery which adds to the romantic atmosphere in the hit TV series.
“The climbing wisterias, majestic fountains, perfectly manicured shrubs and extravagant rose displays found in regency-style gardens make the perfect setting for high society promenades, balls and garden parties.”
Stowe Gardens
Buckinghamshire’s Stowe Gardens are vast in scale and peppered with grand monuments, complete with a picture-perfect lake.
The gardens’ Temple of Venus was chosen as a filming location for season one’s Vauxhall Ball by the Bridgerton crew, making it a must-visit for fans of the series.
One of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s certificated locations (CLs) is just a 15-minute drive away from Stowe Gardens at Rectory Farm, offering space for five motorhomes.
Painshill Park
Another Bridgerton filming location is Painshill Park in Surrey, where characters from the series have been seen to promenade and enjoy picnics.
Explore the 18th-century landscaped garden with follies, grottoes, a waterwheel, a Gothic temple and tower and a vineyard, before refuelling at the tearoom.
Pitch up at the Horsley Camping and Caravanning Club Site to be within easy reach of Painshill Park, ten minutes away in your towcar or motorhome.
Lyme Hall Gardens
Dating back to the 19th century, Lyme Hall Gardens in Cheshire is all rose gardens and lakes with spectacular fountains.
While it hasn’t appeared in Bridgerton, period drama aficionados may recognise it as the backdrop for the love stories in the Pride and Prejudice BBC series.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Broomedge Farm CL is around half an hour from Lyme Hall Garden with amenities for five tourers.
Ashridge House Gardens
Horse riders in regency dress are a period drama staple and the Ashridge House Estate in Hertfordshire was used to film these scenes for Bridgerton.
Even without a trusty steed, there’s lots to discover in the formal gardens, which were designed by Humphry Repton, and include an Italian garden, monks garden, flower garden and the rosary.
An hour’s drive away is Ashridge Farm Club Site, with all the amenities you might require.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Nat Callaghan
