National Garden Scheme spaces to visit in Wiltshire

Liz Nicholls invites you to visit a garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

This spring, gardens big and small will open their gates, inviting visitors like you to wander among blooms and find moments of calm.

The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million total last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities. With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies. Could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A country garden at Westwind, Manton

One garden which will welcome visitors, by appointment, between 11th May & 14th June, is Westwind in Manton, near Marlborough. This relaxed informal country garden, set in four acres including a 2½ acre meadow and woodland also hosts weekly outdoor learning for the village school and welcomes artists and photographers throughout the seasons.

A garden built over generations

The garden’s proud owner Kate Stewart-Hilliar tells us: “Westwind first opened for the NGS in 2023 so this will be our fourth season. We’re popular with garden clubs and some from the u3a groups. It is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and I’ve met some truly lovely visitors. They usually walk around the property for about an hour then enjoy tea or coffee and cake on the terrace after and ask questions about the journey of the garden.

International visitors and shared gardening spirit

“Last year, a family of four came from America to visit during their tour of the UK. They brought their own picnic and we had some wonderful conversations. I have another group coming from America in May. If anyone asks for cuttings we happily let them have some. Real gardeners always share with other gardeners and lots of plants in Westwind had started off as cuttings from other gardens.”

Seasonal highlights at Westwind

“By May, the poppies and alliums should be out in full force and there will be lots to see around the property. We have a pond on the terrace so guests can have tea and watch busy dragonflies.”

The garden is a labour of love, 40 years in the making. “My late mother and stepfather created the garden over the time and have left it to me as their legacy,” adds Kate. “I was new to gardening five years ago… and am still very new to it!”

A garden with a personal legacy

“My stepfather was a well-known photographer and, back in the day, the garden appeared in many magazines. The village school’s weekly visits are my favourite – it’s so nice to be able to share the garden with the next generation.

“My mother was a teacher when we lived in Ireland, so she found this such a joy. It also helped her during her short journey with Motor Neurone Disease. She enjoyed watching and interacting with the children and she said the garden had finally found its purpose.”

She also highlights the importance of simple pleasures: “Guests like cake so I tend to buy from Vicarage Lane who have a good variety and are a great success.”

Nearby attractions such as Avebury, The Oddfellows Arms pub, and Marlborough town make it a rewarding day out.

A riverside garden at The Old Mill, Ramsbury

Another gem you can explore, on 31st May and 14th August, is The Old Mill in Ramsbury. Over 30 years its owners Annabel & James Dallas have transformed the garden from a mainly unseen space to a unique accolade to the wild and partially tamed beauty of the River Kennet and its side streams.

They explain how the garden evolved from a space where children played freely into one shaped by both nature and careful planting, with vegetables, flowers, and later dahlias extending the seasonal colour. The use of chemicals is kept to a minimum to support insect life and encourage birds and wildlife.

A record-breaking impact for health and wellbeing

“The generosity of our garden owners and volunteers continues to amaze me,” says NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton who has created gardens for hospitals and hospices.

“Each cup of tea served, each garden opened makes a difference to health and care charities across the UK. I’ve always been passionate about the effect gardens can have on wellbeing.

“Gardening and spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Programmes such as the NGS not only raise vital funds but also promote wellbeing for visitors and volunteers alike. Spring and summer are a wonderful time to explore, and children often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family.”

Plan your visit

For full listings, ticket info, and garden opening details, please visit ngs.org.uk

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