Renishaw Hall Gardens

Renishaw's gardens are Italianate in style: firm lines, hedged compartments, statues and terraces, softened by generous planting. Sir George Sitwell designed and built them between 1886 and 1936, and later generations have added colour and texture without losing his structure. There are more than 20 areas to explore, so it pays to wander slowly and look into each space in turn.

From the Visitor Centre you enter the Italianate Gardens, which lead out to the lake and woodland. Native bluebells, hybrid magnolias and oriental poppies mark the changing seasons, and the rose garden and exotic plantings added by Alexandra Sitwell since 2009 bring a newer touch. Keen plant people should head for the Orangery north of the Top Lawn, which houses the National Collection of Yuccas, more than 40 species in all. Beyond the gardens there is a vineyard, and the woodland has a play area for children.

What gardeners take away from Renishaw is how strong hedges and straight lines can hold together loose, colourful planting. Notice how the formal spaces close to the house give way to lake and woods further out. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and café, and the Stables Courtyard has the café, gift shop and Sitwell Museum. The hall itself is a family home and can only be seen on a guided tour.