Felley Priory Garden

WHAT IT’S LIKE

A quiet 2.5-acre plant-lovers' garden near the M1 - pushchair-friendly with a few uneven bits, free entry for under-16s and free parking, but no dogs or picnics.

Felley Priory is a 2.5-acre garden in North Nottinghamshire, tucked half a mile from the M1 near Underwood. It's more a quiet plant-lovers' spot than a place with kids' activities laid on, but children are welcome and it's free for under-16s, and the garden is mainly suitable for pushchairs (though there are a few uneven paths and surfaces). There's a lot to see through the seasons - daffodil carpets and bluebells in spring, herbaceous borders and old-fashioned roses in summer, hydrangeas and autumn colour, and topiary shaped into swans, castles and peacocks that stays impressive even under snow. The Farmhouse Tea Room does snacks, meals and drinks, with free admission to the tea room and nursery except on special event days - useful if you just want cake without paying garden entry. There's plenty of free car parking. No picnics are allowed in the garden itself, and dogs aren't permitted except guide dogs (though you may spot some of the resident dogs around). Both the garden and tea room are wheelchair accessible, with disabled toilets at the tea room and by the garden entrance. It's only open four days a week (Tuesday to Friday) plus the first and third Sunday of the month from March to September, so it's worth checking before setting off. Groups of 10 or more need to contact the venue in advance, and the tea room takes reservations for some tables but always keeps a majority free for walk-ins.