These 7 magical gardens in Hertfordshire are a must-visit

Hidden behind walls, hedges and historic gateways, these seven hidden gardens reveal some of the county's most beautiful green spaces and are a must-visit.

1. Benington Lordship Gardens, near Stevenage

Hidden behind the ruins of a Norman castle, Benington Lordship Gardens is one of Hertfordshire's most magical garden escapes.

Visitors can wander through a celebrated snowdrop walk, colourful herbaceous borders, a rose garden and wildlife-rich ponds set within a historic landscape occupied since Saxon times.

The combination of medieval ruins, formal planting and far-reaching rural views creates an atmosphere that feels far removed from everyday life.

2. Gotha Gardens, Baldock

Tucked away at Pembroke Farm near Ashwell, this little-known garden is packed with surprises.

Visitors will find woodland walks, cottage-garden borders, topiary, formal planting and more than 150 varieties of roses.

Originally created as a wildlife-friendly woodland garden, it has evolved into one of the county's most distinctive private gardens.

Despite its beauty, it remains largely undiscovered compared with some of the county's better-known attractions.

3. Shaw's Corner Gardens, Ayot St Lawrence

Many people visit George Bernard Shaw's former home to see his famous revolving writing hut, but the surrounding gardens are equally enchanting.

Spread across several acres, they include an orchard, wildflower meadow, formal borders and secluded corners where Shaw found inspiration.

The tranquil setting feels like a hidden world, especially on quieter days when visitors can enjoy the landscape that influenced one of Britain's greatest playwrights.

4. Ashridge House Gardens, near Berkhamsted

Overshadowed by the famous surrounding estate, the formal gardens of Ashridge House are often overlooked.

Designed within a historic royal landscape, visitors can discover Italianate gardens, a Victorian fernery, a rosary and woodland walks.

The carefully maintained grounds offer a quieter and more intimate experience than the wider estate while still providing impressive architecture and beautiful seasonal displays.

5. Walkern Hall Gardens, Walkern

One of Hertfordshire's hidden treasures, the gardens at Walkern Hall open on selected dates and through the National Garden Scheme.

Visitors can explore romantic borders, mature trees, formal planting and peaceful lawns surrounding the historic manor house.

The gardens retain a traditional English country-house feel and reward those willing to venture beyond the county's better-known attractions.

6. Hatfield House West Garden, Hatfield

While many visitors focus on the grand house itself, the historic West Garden feels like a secret world hiding in plain sight.

Dating back to the early 17th century, it features carefully restored parterres, fragrant planting and secluded pathways.

Away from the busy main visitor areas, it offers a peaceful glimpse into the grandeur of Jacobean garden design and remains one of Hertfordshire's finest hidden horticultural spaces.

7. Redbourn Open Gardens, Redbourn

Only opening periodically, Redbourn Open Gardens allows visitors access to a collection of private gardens normally hidden from public view.

From traditional cottage gardens to carefully designed contemporary spaces, the event reveals a side of the village that is usually unseen.

It's a fantastic opportunity to explore beautiful gardens while discovering some of the area's most attractive historic properties.

8. Letchworth Open Gardens, Letchworth Garden City

The world's first garden city contains many remarkable private gardens hidden behind hedges and garden walls.

During the annual open gardens event, visitors can explore a varied collection of spaces ranging from wildlife havens to beautifully designed ornamental gardens.

The event showcases the original garden city ethos while providing access to places that members of the public would rarely see at any other time.

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