East of England

[Hjalmar]

I will spend the next seven weeks in Cambridge. I have to work and entertain my family but I should have time to squeeze in a few garden visits. So I would be very happy for any tips about what I shouldn't miss around here. I have a huge pile of tourist brochures mentioning lots of gardens, but it is impossible to tell which ones are really interesting. Also, I would like to know about the best plant nurseries here.

When we left Sweden we had a few centimeters of snow and nothing in bloom except some Galanthus. It was wonderful to arrive here in full spring.

[David Shaw]

I live a long way from Cambridge, Hjalmar, and don't know a lot about local gardens but top of the list has to be The Cambridge University Botanical Garden. It is famous.

[vivienr]

I agree with David that the University Botanic Garden is well worth a visit (or more). It is only £4 per adult, free for children. There is a cafe and they have a picnic area. There is lots to see and they often have children's activities running.

Anglesey Abbey is only a few miles from Cambridge and is a famous National Trust House and Garden.

There may be some private gardens in the area open under the National Gardens Scheme (www.ngs.org.uk). These will usually only open on one particular day. They only cost a few pounds entrance and usually have teas and plants for sale.

I do not know nurseries in the area but it will be worth looking out for a Plant Fair in the area as you would probably find several specialist nuseries there.

I hope you all enjoy your time here.

[Hjalmar]

Thanks for the tips! I will not miss the Botanic Garden. Actually I have been there on a previous short visit, but it is worth coming back. I didn't know about NGS. It seems to be a great way to find smaller private gardens, which are always interesting to visit. Many thanks.

[Giles]

I hope this helps.
I like Ickworth - it has the National Collection of Buxus cultivars.