Tim Richardson suggests three top gardens to see this spring 

High summer is still a way off, but there is a species of garden which is just as good now as it will be in July or August: the 18th-century landscape garden. There are lots of landscape gardens in Britain (Studley Royal in Yorkshire is my favourite) but one sub-set of them tends to be a little overlooked. That is the Picturesque garden – with a capital P. This refers to gardens made between about 1780 and 1820 (after ‘Capability’ Brown) which are designed to induce a frisson of terror in the visitor as well as delight at beauty and variety.

As an aesthetic, the Picturesque is related to the concept of the Sublime, and the fashion for it really marked the start of the idea of ‘going on holiday’ for British people, because the idea was you could go to the Highlands of Scotland – or to the Isle of Wight – to experience such a moment of terror even though the actual danger was minimal.

But it was not just wild nature which became a destination for thrill-seekers: a number of gardens were made in this spirit, and I list three of the best below (all of them beginning ‘Ha-‘ for reasons I cannot divine).

Hawkstone Park, Shropshire
An astonishing landscape of high cliffs, a dramatic rocky cleft, a grotto with a surprise view that amazed top Idler Samuel Johnson, a real medieval ruined castle, a grotto with automaton hermit – these are just some of the delights of the place. The site is shared with a golf club, which makes for an amusing juxtaposition.
Hawkstone Park

Hackfall, North Yorkshire
A pendant garden to nearby Studley Royal, this ‘garden’ consists of the remains of temples, fountains and other features inserted into a naturally dramatic wooded valley with a tumbling, cascading stream at the base. It’s even possible to stay in one of the buildings, known as The Ruin, which is perched on the lip of the valley and was restored by the Landmark Trust.
Hackfall
Landmark Trust

Hafod, near Aberystwyth, Wales
This was perhaps the most celebrated of all the Picturesque gardens made in the late 18th century, and has only quite recently been opened to the public. The owner Thomas Johnes created a number of walks which take in the best views of the wild landscape, including the Gentleman’s Walk – ‘strenuous, 6km’ – and the Lady’s Walk – ‘moderate, 3.6km’. Sexist, but fun!
Hafod
Open every day.

Tim Richardson will be at the Idler Gardens of Florence Retreat in September. Click here for details.

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