TOP 10 BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC GARDENS

The UK is blessed with more historic gardens than you can shake a rake at. Here are Dixe Wills' favourites

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Plas Cadnant, Anglesey

It's an odd coincidence that the former owners of Plas Cadnant were relatives of the Tremaynes of Heligan House in Cornwall, because both families established gardens that have been lost, found and lovingly restored. The work of restoration at Plas Cadnant is in fact still taking place, having begun when the current owner bought the 80-hectare estate in 1996.

The grand Georgian house was built in 1803 by John Price in this glorious setting just outside the village of Menai Bridge, while the award-winning gardens date back to 1804. Price laid out pleasure grounds and a network of paths so his family and friends could enjoy them, and created a number of gardens, three of which were rediscovered beneath an ocean of saplings and cherry laurels.

Visitors today can step back 200 years and explore these restored gardens. The Walled Garden has unconventional curving walls and a pool; the Valley Garden rejoices in three waterfalls; while the Upper Woodland Garden contains the remnants of a 19th-century folly. Work is in progress on a brand-new garden too.

Some areas include steep inclines and gravel paths unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The tearoom serves light lunches, cakes and scones. Opening days and times vary; entry costs £11.50 per adult, child (6-16) £2.50, family £26.

plascadnant.co.uk

Make time to visit Beaumaris Castle, too - four miles along the coast. The final stronghold built by Edward I, it would have been his masterpiece had he not run out of money.

cadw.gov.wales/

Hill Top and Hawkshead, Cumbria