June 2026

Early summer is the perfect time to reconnect with natures quiet rhythms. As borders burst into colour, National Trust gardens in summer invite visitors to slow down and linger a little longer. Take in the sights and scents of flowers in full bloom and pause for a moment finding a peaceful escape from the pace of everyday life. Visitors can while away hours in the sunshine meandering along tree-lined paths, through formal gardens and historic parterres, or basking in the warmth of walled kitchen gardens. Shady orchards are home to heritage varieties of fruit trees, and wildflower meadows buzz with life. Enjoy a solo stroll or share the moment with family and friends and pack a picnic for a full day out. Each garden is looked after by a team of the charity’s staff and volunteers and is planted to not only add colour and interest, but support wildlife and nature too. To celebrate the colourful, quiet days of early summer, the National Trust has pulled together a list of the best summer gardens to explore now in Peak District and Derbyshire. To find out more visit: Gardens in the Peak District and Derbyshire | National Trust Here are the details for the best summer gardens in Peak District and Derbyshire: Ilam Park, Peak District   In summer, the Italianate Garden at Ilam Park provides a colourful focal point beneath the dramatic backdrop of Thorpe Cloud and the surrounding White Peak landscape. Formal planting, sweeping terraces and vibrant seasonal displays bring the historic garden to life, while the peaceful setting beside the River Manifold makes it an ideal place to pause, picnic and take in the views. Ilam Park is open daily, car park charges apply, free for National Trust members. Hardwick, Doe, Lea, Chesterfield  Visiting the gardens at Hardwick, open daily. Accessible garden walks, perfect for pushchairs or wheelchair users Picnic under trees in the orchard amongst the wild grass meadow Enjoy early summer colour along the South Border As early summer arrives, the historic gardens of Hardwick are bursting with colour. From the vibrant floral borders to tranquil lawns, Hardwick is the perfect place to find a moment of calm and reconnect with nature. The herbaceous borders are coming into full bloom with displays of alliums, peonies and roses. The fragrant herb garden fills with summer colour and the orchards are a haven of tranquillity. Calke Abbey, Ticknall Visiting Calke Abbey’s garden | Derbyshire | National Trust, open daily. Accessible walks, with buggy rides available to the garden entrance from the main car park Walk beneath the sweetpea arch and relax under dappled shade in the orchard Take a photo of the pelargoniums displayed on the auricula theatre Smell the roses and admire bright colours in the herbaceous borders Calke’s extensive gardens are in full bloom, with the potted pelargoniums taking centre stage on the auricula theatre. The sweetpea arch in the physic garden provides a perfect photo opportunity, and the slip garden is a quiet place to take a seat and enjoy the quiet, awash with colour from the wildflower borders. Find shade under the trees in the Pleasure Grounds, and cool off in the garden tunnels. Kedleston Hall, near Quarndon, Derby  Visiting the park at Kedleston | Derbyshire | National Trust, open daily On June 24th and July 21st, discover behind the scenes insights with Kedleston Hall’s gardeners, Evening Garden Tours | National Trust On June 12th and 13th, outdoor theatre arrives with King Arthur and the Holy Fail, Outdoor Theatre at Kedleston Hall – King Arthur and the Holy Fail | National Trust Leisurely strolls through vibrant 18th century Pleasure Ground flower beds Garden walks with accessibility, ideal for wheelchair users and pushchairs Historic features such as an 18th century Portland stone lion, an orangery and Summer House. Enjoy sweeping views towards the house and surrounding countryside Rest at a shady spot at the Loggia and enjoy views peering into the garden As summer approaches and sunlight bathes Kedleston Hall’s historic garden, discover picturesque pot displays, scenic house viewpoints, and 18th century beds in full bloom.  Across varied garden borders as the season develops, uncover vibrant varieties of echinacea, as well as colour pops of peonies, roses, and lobelia. Rooted in garden grounds for centuries, uncover mature tree species such as oak and flowering sweet chestnut – perfect for finding a shady corner to pause and admire Kedleston’s garden at its best. The Children’s Country House, Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT Children’s Country House Garden | Derby | National Trust, check online for summertime opening days An accessible Sunken Garden for pushchair and wheelchair accessibility Stroll along historic terraces highlighted with pots of colour Experience a mindful moment at Lilypond fountain in the centre of the garden Across The Children’s Country House as we head into summer, look out for early colour highlight in flowering alliums. As the season comes into its own, woodland geraniums blossom and terrace beds feature roses in full bloom. At the Sunken Garden, colour will continue to build with clusters of peonies and heuchera. A garden season highlight, don’t miss flowering tree canopies of pink horse chestnut and scented lime trees – ideal for a peaceful spot to rest at out of the summer sun.