Claremont Garden (National Trust)

Once a playground for the wealthy, Claremont Landscape Garden is something of a sanctuary these days, well away from the hustle and bustle. Located near Esher and close to London, it has a rich and interesting history. Various sections of the extensive gardens have featured work by some of the most famous names in garden design history, including Capability Brown, Charles Bridgeman, William Kent and Sir John Vanbrugh.

These days, some 49 acres of parkland remain, under the auspices of the National Trust. Highlights include the Camelia Terrace, which at one time was the site of a spectacular heated glass house. It’s now home to an important collection of camelia blooms. The three-acre amphitheatre is the perfect spot for enjoying beautiful views across the gardens, and the man-made serpentine lake offers an ideal location for family picnics. In the warmer months, you can even take to the water on a rowing boat if you wish.

Many family groups buy a bag of bird seed to take with them on their explorations, much to the delight of the local ducks, geese and swans. You may even see rabbits, squirrels, ring-tailed parakeets and roe deer while you’re here. And when you need to wind down for a while, be sure to check out the café, where you can take your pick from a great range of hot and cold temptations.