Discover decorative gardens perfect for leisurely sun-drenched days out:

Planning a day trip this summer? Here are our top picks of the best Art Nouveau-inspired gardens to visit. Art Nouveau emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the gardens it influenced reflect the movement's departure from traditional academic styles, embracing organic forms and ornate aesthetics to create immersive environments that celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Read on to discover blooming lovely ideas perfect for a floral-filled outing with friends or family.
 

Tatton Park, Cheshire:

Tatton Park

Tatton Park is a historic estate in Cheshire featuring a mansion, manicured gardens and a sprawling deer park. While the gardens at Tatton Park boast a diverse array of styles, from the formal elegance of Italian design to the tranquil serenity of Japanese aesthetics, it also incorporates a subtle infusion of Art Nouveau elements. Wanderers through the gardens will discover ornate glasshouses and decorative structures designed with intricate motifs and graceful curves, reminiscent of the Art Nouveau movement's emphasis on organic forms and delicate detailing. Tatton Park's harmonious fusion of styles makes it a captivating destination for those seeking Art Nouveau gardens this summer.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland:

Belsay Hall is a magnificent Georgian mansion with beautiful formal gardens. Among the highlights of these gardens is the Quarry Garden, a unique and enchanting space featuring a ravine with lush ferns and exotic shrubs. However, it is the striking Grecian-inspired Orangery that truly captures the imagination, showcasing Art Nouveau influences with its elegant design and intricate detailing.
 

Belsay Hall

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham:

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens present a captivating blend of natural beauty and architectural grandeur, making it a must-see destination for aficionados of Art Nouveau gardens. Spanning 15 acres, this verdant oasis boasts a diverse collection of plants from around the world, curated to create enchanting landscapes that inspire wonder and awe. Amidst the lush greenery, visitors can discover enchanting Art Nouveau-inspired features, such as ornate ironwork gazebos, elegantly curved pathways and intricately designed conservatories. Whether meandering through the tranquil Japanese gardens or admiring the vibrant blooms in the subtropical glasshouses, a visit to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens promises a truly spectacular day out.

The Hill Garden and Pergola, London:

Nestled within the verdant expanse of Hampstead Heath in London, The Hill Garden and Pergola beckons visitors to a serene sanctuary on the edge of bustling London. Here lies a hidden gem, offering respite from urban clamour alongside breathtaking vistas of the city skyline. The centrepiece of this idyllic garden is the pergola, a marvel of Art Nouveau design decorated with elegant ironwork and entwined with verdant foliage. We recommend those seeking inspiration and tranquillity to wander beneath and admire its graceful arches this summer.

The Hill Garden and Pergola

Gravetye Manor, West Sussex:

Gravetye Manor

Renowned for its picturesque gardens, Gravetye Manor was originally designed by renowned horticulturist William Robinson. While primarily known for its Arts and Crafts inspiration, Art Nouveau influences are subtly woven into its structures and pathways, showcasing graceful lines and intricate details. From pergolas adorned with wrought ironwork to mosaic-tiled pathways, the garden's native plants and naturalistic arrangements complement these features, while water features with sculptural elements nod to Art Nouveau's aquatic motifs. The Manor's tranquil atmosphere invites leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation, making it a perfect destination for garden enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Hidcote Manor Garden, Gloucestershire:

Hidcote is one of England's most famous gardens, known for its intricate outdoor "rooms" and beautiful plantings designed by American-born owner Lawrence Johnson in 1907. While primarily Arts and Crafts in style, Hidcote does incorporate some Art Nouveau elements, particularly in its use of decorative motifs. Today, Hidcote Manor Garden is owned and managed by the National Trust, ensuring that it is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Visitors can explore the garden year-round, experiencing the changing seasons and the beauty of Johnston's vision.

Hidcote Manor

Create an Art Nouveau-inspired Garden at home:

Art Nouveau Planter

Create a blissful garden of your own, reflecting the sumptuous aesthetic of Art Nouveau. Embrace the movement's hallmark elements with our curated collection: sinuous lines, sensual imagery, stylised florals and organic forms, carefully crafted as a counterpoint to the industrialised world. Use decorative and symbolic pieces designed with Art Nouveau motifs within your outdoor space, such as our dragonfly sundials and birdbaths. The dragonfly originated in Japanese art as a symbol of freedom and the ephemeral nature of life, and was adopted by Art Nouveau designers including Louis Comfort Tiffany and Eugène Feuillatre, who responded to its intricate natural beauty. Complement this with ornate planters and trellises which evoke the ribbon-like curves of Art Nouveau to create a whimsical border for climbing plants, creating a sanctuary of timeless charm and elegance.