If there ever was an enchanted place tailor-made for a fun family day out, then Cliveden's gardens would be it.

They are truly what childhood dreams are made of. There is no shortage of trees to climb, hills to roll down, dandelions to blow, and shrubs to play hide and seek amongst.

And best of all, the gardens, which are maintained meticulously by the National Trust, are hosting their ‘Glorious Gardens Trail’. 

From snowdrops and daffodils to hyacinths and tulips there's a whole host of spring blooms to hunt out. This trail helps visitors find the best spots to enjoy them and gives ideas of activities the whole family can do together.

All you have to do is  pick up the trail route from the Information Centre in the middle of the main Walled Garden car park. Then start exploring the many beautiful gardens that cocoon the venue’s centrepiece – the majestic Cliveden House which is a fully functioning five star hotel. 

Although regular admission still applies, once you're in, the trail is free. Before you start, its worth heading to the Walled Garden for a picnic lunch.

Bracknell News:

The perfectly mowed lawn makes it an ideal spot to relax and soak up the sunshine before your adventure. You will follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens as you stroll through a series of impressive gardens, each with their own special charm.

Along the way - you can make a pit stop at The Storybook Play Den which encourages imaginations to run wild as kids play amongst wooden carvings of their favourite storybook characters. The 500 metres of winding paths in the Cliveden Maze make it a challenge for all ages to find the centre.

Even the elegant ‘Parterre’ garden – with its vibrant floral displays, quirky statuary and topiary  – is a child’s playground fantasy as the hedges are the right height for a group of toddlers to play hide and seek. 

The Long Garden is particularly impressive as it is home to masses of seasonal flowers which are displayed amongst a collection of quirky topiary and sculpture. The Water Garden is also a sight to behold. It is far cry from the duck pond that formed the starting point for William Waldorf Astor’s ‘Japanese Garden’.

Today, the oriental inspired garden has year-round interest – but this spring, you will be dazzled by the dusky pinks of the cherry blossom, purple wisteria and creamy-white magnolias which form picture perfect reflections in the water.

Bracknell News:

If you’re lucky you can even spot the stunning Heron bird majestically poised on one of its many rocks. The Rose Garden, which is based on an original 1950s design by renowned garden designer Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe, is also worth a visit.

Over 900 roses create a colourful summer-long display. And no trip to Cliveden would be complete without an obligatory selfie infront of the impressive Fountain of Love. 

Designated parking spaces are available for disabled visitors in main car park. Wheelchairs, all terrain pushchairs and 'step free' route maps are available from the Information Centre. 

The Glorious Gardens Trail runs throughout May.

Admission is £10 for adults, and £5 for children.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden for more information.

Words and photos by Aamina Zafar