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TROLLING across the fabulous gardens at Audley End House near Saffron Walden, Essex, it’s not hard to see why they were once considered among the largest and most opulent in all of England.

- By Matt Nixson

NATURAL WONDERS: Charles Darwin's former home in Downe, Kent

The beautifully restored parterre — ornamental gardens to you and I - was laid in 1832, designed to delight the senses. Their stunning combination of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals are laid out over 182 beds perfectly cut into the bright green lawn. No wonder Audley End provides the perfect backdrop for TV and radio — including Antiques Roadshow, Gardeners’ Question Time and Flog It!.

Landscaped by Capability Brown in 1762, the estate is perfect for a day out with your dog. Let the children run wild across acres of perfect parkland — or plonk them in the playground while you enjoy tea and cakes at the Cart Yard Cafe. Don’t miss the mature tree collection, which includes a stunning Cedar of Lebanon planted in 1762, and make sure you meet the real-life residents of the Victorian stable block.

Thanks to a 20-year restoration project, the gardens at 19th century French chateau-style mansion Wrest Park in Silsoe, Beds - the home of the aristocratic de Grey family for six centuries — take some beating. Enjoy the formal gardens then wander to the Archer Pavilion — a stunning structure designed for outdoor entertaining. Elsewhere, explore the enchanting Bath House; Chinese Bridge and Chinese Temple, then stroll along the intricate woodland paths of the 18th-century Great Garden. Let the children wear themselves out on the lawns, before stopping in the café within the Walled Garden overlooking the children’s play area — just in case the kids have any energy left! The grounds are perfect for dogs, and the park even includes a pet cemetery to visit.