LOSE YOURSELF IN ONE OF OUR INCREDIBLE PLOTS

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

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.