Shropshire is home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring gardens in the country, from world-renowned rose collections to historic walled gardens bursting with colour. Whether you’re a keen gardener looking for inspiration or simply love to explore scenic landscapes, these Shropshire gardens are well worth a visit. Whilst staying with us at Goldstone we suggest the following itinerary split over two days.
DAY ONE
David Austin Rose Gardens, Albrighton
Widely regarded as one of the finest rose gardens in the world, David Austin’s Rose Gardens are among just three in England to receive the prestigious ‘Award of Garden Excellence’ from the World Federation of Rose Societies. Spread over two acres, the gardens feature six distinct themes, interwoven with pergolas and arches showcasing over 4,000 varieties of roses—including old roses, climbers, ramblers, wild roses, and modern hybrids. Visitors can also enjoy the on-site plant centre, garden shop, and licensed tea room, making this a must-visit for rose enthusiasts.
Wollerton Old Hall Gardens
“This garden delivers a masterclass on plant associations. The whole thing has been executed perfectly.” – Carol Klein
A true hidden gem in Shropshire, Wollerton Old Hall Gardens has been lovingly created over the past 30 years by Lesley Jenkins. This four-acre garden is designed around a linear layout, using brick walls and yew and beech hedges to create a series of intimate garden spaces, each with its own theme. The planting style is best described as “controlled exuberance”, with a rich mix of perennials, including clematis, salvias, phlox, and roses. Recently featured on BBC’s Monty Don’s British Gardens, this is a must-visit for anyone looking for gardening inspiration.
Goldstone Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden contributes significantly to the Goldstone restaurant and is dominated by 2 gardens bordered by espaliered apple and pear trees. This is where Sunday lunch crumbles, breakfast apple juice and many of the starters originate. Beautifully maintained by vegetable gardener Sarah.
Featured on BBC Gardeners World Winter Specials 24/25 Episode 3 BBC I player.
DAY TWO
Dorothy Clive Garden
Spanning 12 acres, Dorothy Clive Garden is a picturesque haven that offers interest throughout the year. Visitors can explore a woodland garden with a stunning waterfall, vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, spring bulbs in abundance, an alpine scree and pool, a gravel garden, and outstanding mixed borders. With breathtaking views and a welcoming tea room, it’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring.
Bridgemere Garden Centre & Show Gardens
What started as a small rose nursery in 1961 has now grown into one of the largest garden centres in the world. Covering 140 acres, Bridgemere is home to a nursery producing nearly one million plants a year, along with six acres of themed, award-winning show gardens. With an impressive collection of RHS medals and a vast shopping area offering everything from plants to homeware and gifts, this is a must-visit for those looking to take home a piece of Shropshire’s gardening inspiration.
Goldstone Walled Garden
Nestled within Goldstone Hall Hotel, this historic walled garden is a true retreat for garden lovers. The long herbaceous double border, originally planted by Helen Ward in the 1990s, is now curated by Head Gardener Ross, featuring large phormiums, Ballerina roses, and an array of unusual plants. Newly planted climbing and rambling roses will come into their own this summer, making it an exciting time to visit.
As Carol Klein of BBC Gardeners’ World put it:
“If I was strolling down this path, no doubt with a glass in my hand, I would be aware of these wafts of perfume coming from the planting.”
We recommend you follow her example and unwind at Goldstone Hall Hotel, perhaps with a drink in hand, after a day spent exploring the finest gardens in Shropshire.
