Nevill Holt

On Saturday we visited the gardens at Nevill Holt which were open under the National Garden Scheme, but to also coincide with the Nevill Holt Festival. For this garden excursion Bev wore a skirt from John Lewis and an M&S t-shirt (pre-loved from Vinted)! The festival was originally just opera but three years ago it was expanded to include theatre, comedy, literature, jazz, visual arts, talks and family events. We didn't attend any of the events this year, but pre-paid £10 to visit the gardens, have a drink and generally soak up the atmosphere.

The official bit... Nevill Holt Hall has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years under the stewardship of businessman and arts patron David Ross.

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The gardens, redesigned by Chelsea Gold Medal-winning designer Rupert Golby, combine historic structure with contemporary planting. Set within approximately ten acres, they feature three distinctive walled gardens, expansive herbaceous borders, mature trees including an ancient Cedar of Lebanon, and carefully placed sculptures by leading artists. Golby's work has focused on creating a series of intimate garden spaces that contrast with the estate's sweeping lawns and far-reaching views across the Leicestershire countryside.

Today, Nevill Holt is regarded as one of the finest restored country-house gardens in the East Midlands. The gardens reach their peak in late spring and early summer, when the borders are at their most colourful and provide a spectacular setting for visitors and festival-goers alike.

The un-official bit... amazing borders, so deep and so colourful. The kitchen garden was a riot of colour (for cutting for the house, I'm guessing) where the deep borders were ordered and very considered. And the views... towards the Welland Valley and Rockingham Castle beyond. The real show stopper is the amazing horse head bronze sculpture - worth the visit alone!