Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey is a relaxed, sociable garden in keeping with the house, which was built for entertaining. Margaret Greville, the Edwardian society hostess, held famous house parties here, and the gardens still have that easy-going feel, with lawns for strolling, a walled rose garden and long views across a valley of the North Downs.

The walled rose garden is the main flower garden and the part most gardeners head for first. Beyond it, the grounds open out into lawns and walks, and the wider estate of around 1,400 acres includes ancient woodland and marked routes through the countryside, especially in the valley the house overlooks. The estate also has an open-air theatre space used for summer events. Inside, Mrs Greville's collections of paintings, furniture, porcelain and silver are shown in the reception rooms much as they were for her guests, and her private apartment has been opened to visitors. There is a café, shop and farm shop, refurbished in 2008 and 2009, which makes a full day easy.

Gardeners will enjoy the rose garden for ideas on training and combining roses within walls, and the setting is a good example of how a house, lawn and view can work together. If you want a longer walk, plan a route out into the estate before heading back for tea.