Barnsdale Gardens, in Rutland, has Britain's largest collection of individually designed gardens,

It was created by Geoff Hamilton for the BBC television series Gardeners' World.

Barnsdale has a collection of 38 individual small gardens on an eight- acre site ranging from traditional English cottage gardens, to wildlife, Japanese and French gardens as well as areas for growing vegetables and fruit.

The Rose Garden showcases more than fifty varieties of roses.

The focus is on environmental and ecological gardening and the use of organic and peat-free principles.

Barnsdale Gardens runs a range of courses and events running throughout the year with Summer Sundays taking place during July and August.

Rutland is England's smallest county and takes in the market towns of Oakham and Uppingham, with the latter particularly known for antiques and galleries.

Rutland Water and the surrounding 4,200 acres of open countryside offers walking and cycling with fishing and water sports.

Useful links

www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

www.discover-rutland.co.uk

www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water