Bucks &amp; Oxon

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<p><a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horwood House</a> hotel, located just a few miles from Milton Keynes, not only has lovely suites, a brand new H Spa and contemporary dining restaurant – but also 38 acres of gorgeous historic grounds. Its manicured gardens are already a hit with Insta-loving brides, but you don&#8217;t need to get hitched to enjoy the rather great outdoors. Here&#8217;s your Muddy guide to this Arts and Crafts gem (plus some facts to impress your parents when you take them for afternoon tea). You&#8217;re welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wistful-wisteria">Wistful wisteria</h2>


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<p>This Arts and Crafts country pile was designed by renowned architects Blow and Billerey and Muddy reckons the billowy purple blooms on the back of the manor house are the icing on the cake. Flowering into early summer, this is the perfect spot to strike a wistful pose. Inspired to recreate this look at home? Wisteria only blooms once the plant is mature enough, so pick up a plant already in bloom this summer to avoid years of floral FOMO.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-native-bluebells">Native bluebells</h2>


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<p>Trade your heels for boots and wander into the woodland behind the walled garden to lose yourself in a sea of native and fragrant bluebells. You&#8217;ll recognise the real deal by the shape of the flowers – the new Spanish hybrid plants have flowers all the way round, but the glorious English natives found in older woodlands only have flowers that hang down elegantly on one side. </p>



<p>All the grounds at Horwood House have been managed since the 18th century. Fun fact: national treasure Percy Thrower MBE, presenter of <em>BBC Gardeners&#8217; World</em> in the 60s and 70s, was born at Horwood House and cut his teeth working for his father who was the Head Gardener.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blooming-bulbs">Blooming bulbs</h2>


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<p>Pop into the spa courtyard to be greeted by bold and cheerful blooms &#8211; stunning #inspo for your own smallholding. Make note of the colours and combinations you like best then order and plant tulip bulbs at the beginning of autumn to create your own spa-like <em>al fresco</em> area in a sunny spot next spring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cherry-blossom">Cherry blossom</h2>


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<p>Us, romantic? Take a stroll under the cherry trees and experience the snow-globe effect of being surrounded by confetti-like petals floating down in a slight breeze. The avenue looks its best in early spring, but if you miss peak blossom season, don&#8217;t let that stop you getting all Bridgerton and taking in the long views as you wander down the stone pathway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lily-pond">Lily pond</h2>


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<p>Tucked away within the walled garden is the stone-lined lily pond, as seen in <em>Country Life</em> back in 1923. Surrounded by lawn and yew topiary, this is the spot to cool off on a roasting summer day. Water lilies, a central fountain and rounded bays soften this impressive pool, with the house as a glorious backdrop. Sunglasses at the ready, we might just chill here for a while. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lime-tree-avenue">Lime tree avenue</h2>



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<p>As a haven from the busyness of everyday life, Horwood House feels a million miles away from Milton Keynes (even though it&#8217;s a 20-min drive). The network of gardens, including a not-so-secret, secret one (it&#8217;s signposted), plus terraces, lawns, topiary and parkland make it a delightful accompaniment to a stay at the hotel. Mature 100-year-old lime trees lining the drive wave off the hustle and bustle from the moment you arrive.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horwood House</a>, Mursley Rd, Little Horwood, Milton Keynes MK17 0PH. Tel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=horwood+house+lime+trees&amp;oq=horwood+house+lime+trees&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160.2917j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">01296 722100</a></em>.</p>



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6 reasons to visit the gardens at Horwood House

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